Luca smirks, although I can see he doesn’t imply something by it. “We each know, if I’d been there, I might’ve been with you.”

“Chill out,” Elio says, grinning, which should imply he’s able to let this go. Although I’m assured I may go toe-to-toe with him, he’s the don of the Marino Household. It might imply I’d have to depart the nation. And what for? Luca’s my buddy. Elio may very well be, too.

“I needed to verify, Colt. I belief Luca, particularly since he settled down. He hasn’t led me unsuitable as soon as since then.”

“You saying I used to be a fuckup after I spent half my time ingesting, eh?”

All of us snicker. I’ve seen one thing about Luca. Each time he refers to these instances, he by no means mentions the womanizing, and I get it. I by no means decide him for it. He’s discovered the love of his life. He doesn’t need his previous to outline him, however it makes me consider Lexi. If she had a previous… Dammit, may I let it go? Or would I must listing them and hunt all of them down? How do I really feel like I personal her so strongly so quick?

“Let’s go for a experience,” Elio says. “I’ve received any individual you have to meet. By some means, I feel you’ve received one thing in widespread.”

“In widespread?” Luca says, wanting confused.

“It appears they’ve each seen their fair proportion of darkness.”

“Ah, I get you, brother,” Luca nods, taking a look at me.

CHAPTER 13

Lexi

It’s time.

When Mia’s textual content arrives, I’m already taking a look at my telephone. This job provides me a number of time between duties, which means I can take a look at the texts Colt despatched me once more, the romance burning via me, his phrases making me really feel particular like no person else ever has.

I’m coming in, she goes on.

Are you positive about this, Mia? You’re solely eighteen.

Yeah, however he’s a creep. Don’t get me unsuitable. If there have been a sizzling older man, an individual I really LIKED, that may be totally different. However Ralph’s not previous. He’s only a dangerous individual. I’ve seen sufficient to not sit by and do nothing!

Has anyone ever informed you that you simply’re slightly dramatic?

Possibly a few times!!!

You positive love these exclamation marks!

!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Regardless of the circumstances, a smile touches my lips. She is nuts, and we actually are doing it.

I stroll via the showroom with a clipboard, pretending to tick off a listing. If anyone asks, I’ll say I’m double-checking one thing for the system. Ralph walks forward with Mia at his facet. She’s smiling at him as he talks.

“In fact, I can prepare a take a look at drive,” he says. “Typically, it’s higher to go along with a professional driver with autos like these. These aren’t toys.”

He laughs pathetically, sounding so gross, nearly like a cough. It brings me again to dangerous instances. That’s why I’ve to be right here. I gained’t let something occur to Mia, not for one thing I ought to be coping with.

“Oh, I don’t know,” Mia mutters. “I don’t like driving.”

“What do you want, then?”

“Uh, I don’t know.” Mia does a pretend snicker, making herself appear easier than she is. “I like dinners. Costly dinners. I’m nearly like a snob in the case of that.”

“Oh, I see. Little fancy one, are you?”

I cringe so arduous at his selection of phrases.

“I don’t know…”

That’s after I minimize in, strolling purposefully in entrance of them. Ralph stops, nearly does a double take like he forgot I labored right here, then grins his moist, creepy grin. He glances at Mia after which again at me.

“I take it I don’t should introduce you two?” he smirks.

“Hey, Lexi,” Mia says.

“What are you doing right here?” I snap, similar to we deliberate.

Mia flinches, enjoying her function completely, after which will get a cussed look on her face. “I’m right here to see my buddy, Ralph. Don’t act like as a result of my cousin married your sister, you’ll be able to management me. Okay?”

Ralph beams like that is exactly what he wished to listen to.

“She’s proper,” he says. “You possibly can’t dictate her life, Lexi. That’s not very good, is it?”

“Possibly I’ll see you round, Ralph.”

“Wait,” he says. “Um, give me your quantity. Sure. Simply in case I can get you a very good deal on a automotive—one thing costly.”

He provides me a nasty look, and I take into consideration slapping him. He’s having fun with this like I knew he could be, absolutely the freak. As Mia reads out her quantity, Ralph smirks, typing it in, after which watches as Mia walks away.

Ralph turns to me. “Shouldn’t you be working?”

“Go away her alone,” I snap.

He appears to be like round as if ensuring no person will overhear, then takes a step nearer to me and lowers his voice. “I’ll do something I rattling need together with her.” I get what Mia was speaking about now: how he appears to get offended and excited on the identical time. He appears to be like unhinged. “Something I need, and no person can cease me. Now get again to work.”

I need to spit in his face so badly. I need to slap him, to do worse, present him he can’t scare me, however that wasn’t a part of the plan. That’s the excuse I give myself as I flip and rapidly stroll away. I’m not a coward. I’m not scared. He isn’t dragging my thoughts again manner too a few years.

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