They both huffed but went to their big ass SUV parked behind my brand new eco-friendly compact. In no time, I was speeding down highway forty-four, my eyes constantly drawn to my rearview mirror.
Are the twins the only ones following me?
TEN
It wasn’t until I made it to Warrenton that my shoulders loosened up. Not to my usual carefree, loosey-goosey level, but at least I wasn’t wearing them as earmuffs anymore.
I turned on the radio and tried to focus on anything but the impulsive drive I was on and who could be following me, but unfortunately, the dark highway offered few distractions.
It was a little after eleven when I pulled off the main drag through the tourist area and started my trek down the winding tree-lined back roads. It took me a minute to realize there were no cars behind me.
Where the fuck were those assholes?
Dread settled in my stomach as I focused on the dark road ahead. I was pissed the trees blocked out the little light the moon provided—even more pissed that I was alone in a place that had probably seen its fair share of unsolved mysteries.
I gripped the steering wheel tightly with one hand as I held my phone in front of my face so I could still kind of keep my eyes on the road.
No messages, no missed calls, no service.
Biting the inside of my cheek, I brought up the directions I’d screenshot in case I lost reception.
At least I prepared for that.
As I came around a narrow curve, the most incredible cabin came into view. At least two stories, all made of glass. Despite it being late, the place was lit, and I could see the entire main floor through the wall of windows. “I swear to God, if those assholes got here first and left me alone in the fucking woods, I will kill them.”
I slowed, inching closer until it was apparent Rosa’s SUV was nowhere in sight. In fact, there were no cars visible. A cold sweat broke out across my forehead, and my eyes widened to take in my surroundings better. I held my breath as if I could hear better without my tiny act of taking in the oxygen necessary to live. An enormous figure moved through the main floor to the door, and I swallowed a scream when it stepped outside. Their features were shadowed because of the darkness and the bright house lights behind them, but based on their size, I figured it was a man, and much to my horror, he was holding a gun.
Easing down on the brake, I parked the car and reached over the seat to the glove box where Luca kept a small handgun. My hand was steady around the handle, but my composure was slipping. White knuckling the steering wheel with one hand, the gun resting on top of it in the other, I started to turn around. The gravel driveway was lined with trees and overgrown bushes, so it would take at least a three-point turn to get the hell out of there. I’d turned halfway around when the tires hit something, and I was stuck.
“Fuck,” I muttered, licking my lips as I kept an eye on the house. I put the car in reverse, but whatever I’d driven over kept the wheels from budging. “Stupid, fucking, piece of shit compact—”
The large man got closer, and I ducked down in the seat, pressing the gas pedal to the floor—it was my last chance. With one final surge, the car reared back right into the thick trunk of a tree. The tires continued to spin, but the tree kept it in place.
Over the squealing tires, a deep voice yelled, “Sasha?” He dipped his head to peer into the car, sticking his gun back in the holster at his side.
“Tootsie?” I screeched. I put the car in park but kept it running. Eyeing him, I rolled the window down a crack. Based on what I’d heard between Luca and Marco, no one was above suspicion. “What are you doing here?”
“I could ask you the same.” Tootsie frowned down at me. “Does Luca know you drove out here? Alone?”
“I’m not alone. The Marino twins, Rosa, and Mickey should be here any minute, and I left Luca a message.”
His jaw twitched, and he looked over my car into the woods. “Let’s go inside.” He turned his mammoth body from me and walked ahead, not waiting for me.
“Okay,” I mumbled, dropping the gun into my purse. Slowly, I got out of the car and grabbed my overnight bag. “Sorry for crashing your weekend in the woods. Rosa wanted to get away,” I said, raising my voice at his back.
He rubbed his shoulder, tilting his head from side to side. “Ah.” He stopped me at the front door, his features severe. “Let’s get you settled. Then I need to check on my guest.”
“A little romantic getaway, huh?” I elbowed his side as I passed. “You don’t need to worry about me. Rosa, on the other hand . . .” My laugh petered out as I made it past the front door. “Holy shit.” The cabin was an absolute dream. Beautifully stained woods lined every inch of the open concept main floor. The full kitchen, dining area, and living room were furnished with oversized furniture in earth tones with white accents. The décor was sophisticated while still mirroring the natural beauty right outside.
“Wait until you see the bedrooms.”
I pulled out my phone, and notifications popped up. “Well, it looks like you’re safe from Rosa’s prying. She said they’re staying in St. Louis.” Tootsie visibly relaxed. “Apparently, Adriana caught Dante’s stomach bug and got sick during dinner. That would’ve been useful information a couple of hours ago.” Deciding to call Luca once I was heading back to St. Louis, I shoved my phone back in my purse. “But where are the twins? I’m not sure when I lost them.”
Tootsie shook his head. “That, I don’t know. You want something to drink? I just made fresh coffee.” He went to a full pot on the counter as I took a seat in an overstuffed chair that faced the whole space.
“Coffee sounds great.” I brushed my fingers over the soft throw on the arm of the chair. “I guess I should call—”
“Oh! Someone’s here!” an airy voice called out.