Page 69 of Crimson Fate
He smirks at me. “Funny.”
“I’ve got this,” I state before exiting the car and approaching Gia’s brownstone. I glance around, wondering if Anthony’s guys are watching me.
I lift my hand to knock. My reflection stares back at me from the glass of Gia’s exterior door. I can see the worry lurking behind my eyes and wonder if she will too. The round table of captains waits for me on Saturday evening, a gathering that will either strengthen my hold over this family or perhaps unravel the last shred of it I have.
“Vincent?” Her voice slips through the crack as the door swings open. “Come in.”
Her figure silhouetted against the soft interior light, Gia stands there—her hair tumbling over her shoulders, eyes filled with questions I’m not sure I dare to answer.
I step past her into the sanctuary of her living room, looking around the space cautiously. “Are we alone?” I ask, my shoulders tight.
She blinks at me repeatedly, confused by my question. “Who else would be here?”
“You didn’t answer my question,” I point out.
“Yes, we’re alone,” she hisses. “Jesus, what the fuck is wrong with you?”
“Nothing, Gia,” I murmur, though the lie tastes bitter on my tongue. “It’s just... complications. You know how it is.”
“Complications,” she repeats, skepticism threading her tone. She crosses her arms, her intelligent eyes searching mine as if she could peel back the layers of deceit with her gaze alone.
“You know, business stuff,” I say, but the word feels like a stone in my mouth.
“Business,” she echoes, nodding slowly, though her brow is furrowed with worry. “What the hell does business stuff have to do with someone being in my house? What is going on with you?”
I shake my head, knowing I’m quickly failing at what I came here to do. I sit on her sofa and motion for her to join me. “I’m sorry, you’re right. I’m just being paranoid.”
Gia hesitates momentarily, her eyes still filled with suspicion, before reluctantly sitting beside me. Her gaze remains fixed on me, awaiting an explanation I’m unsure I can give her. “Jesus, Vincent, it’s like I’m seeing two completely different people when I look at you. Who you were while we were at the coast and whoever this is.”
“I know, and I really am sorry,” I say cautiously. “I know this isn’t fair to you, but there is a lot of bullshit that I really don’t want to get you involved in. I’m trying to protect you.”
Her eyes widen in surprise, and a hint of fear flickers across her face. “What do you mean? What things?”
I take her hands in mine, feeling the warmth and softness of her skin against my rough palms. I try to think quickly about how to respond. I don’t want her to know I spoke to DeLuca because she may mention it to her father. “I’m not trying to scare you. It’s nothing for you to be concerned about.”
“You tell me you want me to be your wife one day, but you can’t even confide in me?” she presses.
I know she isn’t going to let this go easily and say the first thing that comes to mind. “You’re right, I know. I just don’t want this getting out.”
“I would never repeat anything you tell me,” she assures me.
I sigh, avoiding direct eye contact with Gia in hopes that she will not realize I’m lying. “I had to get firm with Amelia’s husband about how the King family will never be okay working with the Ivanovs, and his response was to take my sister away.”
Gia places a hand on my leg, and I can see the concern in her eyes. I feel a slight twinge of guilt lying to her, but it quickly fades when I remind myself I have no choice. “What do you mean took her away?”
“Alexei went to Russia and took Amelia with him. I guess it’s his way of getting me to play ball. He thinks I’ll be willing to negotiate if he won’t let me see my sister.”
“Oh my God, Vincent, that’s terrible!” she cries. “Why didn’t you tell me?”
I shake my head. “Don’t you see, I can’t let this get out. It will make me look weak to my capos if they think I’m being strong-armed by my brother-in-law. And well—the plain truth is I didn’t want your dad to find out, so I worried if I told you, it would essentially be the same as telling him.”
“You really think I would betray your trust like that?” She gasps.
I shrug. “We may have spent an incredible night together, but our relationship is barely a week old. You can’t blame me, can you?”
Gia pulls her hand away from mine, hurt and anger flashing in her eyes. “I understand that, but I trusted you,” she says, her voice laced with disappointment. “I thought we were trying to have something real. But if you see me as nothing more than a potential liability, maybe we don’t want the same thing.”
I reach out to touch her arm, but she shrugs off my hand. “It’s not like that,” I protest, desperation creeping into my voice. “I care about you, I really do. But I can’t risk your safety or jeopardize this family.”