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I stared at my phone’s black screen, wondering when I'd hear back from him.

“Ms. Sasha. Are you okay?”

The stress ball that had been twisting in my gut the minute Luca left tightened. “I’m okay. Luca said it’s fine for you to go into the office.”

“I’ll just be a moment.”

“Okay.”

I took out one of the meals Luca prepared for me to eat while he was gone. The adrenaline from expecting the worst pumped through my veins. There was no danger but seeing Pete in all his gun-toting glory had opened the floodgates.

The microwave plate spun, and I could practically hear Luca scolding me for not using the oven to heat up his culinary masterpiece.

“I’m heading out.”

I leaned against the counter and gave him a small smile. It was the best I could do. “Alright. Be safe.”

“Remember, I’m only a phone call away.”

“Thank you.” And I meant it with every fiber of my being. Since day one, Pete had been a constant, and I didn't doubt his loyalty for a second.

As I sat down to eat, my phone rang. “Of course.” Leaning across the island, I grabbed my phone.

“Hello?”

“Sasha, do you have a minute?” Rosa’s cheery voice sent a wave of discomfort through me.

“Sure.” I stirred the noodles around.

“So, I need to get out of this house—away from everything—I thought I’d go spend the week out at the lake. I know Luca will be gone a few more days and wondered if you wanted to head down with me for the weekend.”

My appetite vanished, and I pushed the bowl away. “I, uh—”

“We can go over wedding plans, and I can get you better acquainted with the family.” I desperately needed to learn about the rest of the Morettis, but I also had no desire to spend alone time with Rosa.

Searching for the words to let her down easily, I paused long enough for her to twist the knife. “Please, Sasha? I’m feeling extra lonely. Monday is Dante’s birthday, and I need a distraction.”

Internally cursing, I put a smile on my face so my voice would be upbeat. “Of course, Rosa. I’d love to. When were you thinking of heading down?” I looked at the clock, and it was only six-thirty.

“Whenever you can be ready. Sorry for the last-minute plan, but once it was in my head, I thought, ‘what the hell, let’s do it!’”

“I could have a bag packed in thirty.”

“Perfect! Mickey’s here and will drive us down. We’ll head your way now.”

“Actually, I think I’ll drive myself. I’m not sure when I’ll need to come back, and it’ll be easier if I have my car.”

There was muffled talking on Rosa’s end, like her hand was covering the phone. “Mickey said that sounds fine. Just make sure the Marino boys are tailing you.”

“You got it.”

“Thank you, Sasha. See you in a few hours.”

Try four hours, but I wasn’t one to argue with the queen. Who was I to say no if she wanted to take a last-minute trip to the Ozarks on a Friday night?

I called Luca, but he didn’t answer. Not uncommon, but annoying. After scarfing down my dinner, I packed a quick weekend bag and left the house. My phone lit up in my hand when Rosa sent me the address and the codes for the door and the alarm system. As the garage door opened, a deep voice startled me, calling out, “Where are you going?” The slightly larger twin emerged from the darkness of the porch, scaring the bejesus out of me.

“The Ozarks with Rosa. You're supposed to follow me.”


Tags: Stephanie Kazowz Romance