Page 127 of Jake's Angel

“Why is he doing that?” I whisper to Sadie.

“Because Vincenzo doesn’t trust anyone.” She turns her head sideways, biting her lip as if she’s trying to keep from saying something.

“What? What is it?”

“Promise me something. No matter what you see or hear in Vincenzo’s penthouse, you can never speak about it.” She stares at me expectantly. I’m confused. “I mean it, Aves. You can’t tell anyone about anything. He’s very protective and likes to keep his personal life very private. What he’s doing now—for us—it’s a big deal.”

I nod. “All right. You have my word.”

Once we get to his floor, the doors to the penthouse open, revealing a large open living space. One entire wall is floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the entire city. There’s a stair case in the center of the room leading to another floor. Behind the staircase are two large rooms. One a formal dining room with a bar off the kitchen and the other a living room with a long couch and toy bins along the wall.

“Nora?” one guard calls out. An older woman dressed in a black uniform comes into the room wiping her hands on her apron with a small dark-haired boy following closely behind her. The woman leaves the room with the two men speaking in another language, I presume Italian. I’m a little unsure of the situation or what I’m expected to do. One thing about living with Eleanor, there was no room for a social faux pas, because she told you exactly what she wanted you to say and do.

I’m finding myself at a complete loss here. I look at Sadie for guidance. She doesn’t say anything, but she smiles excitedly. I’m about to ask why, but the little boy running at her with a matching smile answers my question.

“Sadie!” the boy squeals, plowing into her legs and squeezing her. “Are you here to play with me? Did you bring your game?”

She drops to his level and returns his hug. “Hey Antonio. I’m sorry I forgot my game, but I’ll bring it next time.” His little face looks so sad. “Would you like to meet my friend?”

He looks around Sadie, hiding half his face behind her shoulder. “Who is she?” I hear him whisper.

“She’s my best friend—Avery. Your daddy is going to help her.” He eyes me skeptically.

“Is she nice?” he asks quietly, but not quiet enough. I laugh.

Squatting down beside them, I reach out my hand and introduce myself. Sadie whispers something to him, and he quickly releases her and stands tall. He rolls his shoulders back and shakes my hand. “I am Antonio Vincenzo Parisi. It’s a pleasure to make your ac-acqu … what’s the word, Sadie?” I tuck my lips to keep from smiling.

“Acquaintance.”

“Yeah, that,” Antonio says, pointing to Sadie. This time I don’t hide my smile. He’s too cute.

“It’s nice to meet you, Antonio. Thank you for letting us visit your home.”

“This is not my home. I live with …”

“Ahhh, Antonio. Why don’t you find Nora and ask her to make us some snacks, please? We’re going to get washed up.” Antonio shrugs, then takes off running down the hall, shouting for Nora.

“You’ll be staying in the room to the left of the staircase upstairs,” one of the guards says, dropping our bags on the floor, scaring the hell out of me.

“Where did he come from?” I still don’t know their names.

“They are never far away. Vincenzo has several guards for his son. Some you won’t ever see, but they’re here.”

We pick up our bags and head upstairs.

Sadie leans over and whispers in my ear. “You can shower. You should probably change into something a little lesswalk of shameand moretell me about my fucked-up pastbefore we meet with Thomas.” She cracks up laughing at my admittedly freshly fucked looking self.

“Bitch! I knew I shouldn’t have told you.”

“Please. Like I wouldn’t have known. Jayde called and told me all about Jake going caveman on you, hauling your ass out of the clubhouse over his shoulder.” She laughs. “Plus, you have his smell all over you.” She sniffs the air, scrunching her face in feigned offense.

“Whatever.” She’s right. I do smell like him. But it’s only because I sprayed his cologne on me last night when I got up to use the bathroom. I’m not proud of my clinginess, but I wanted to hold on to the memory of our last night together for a little longer.

When we get to the room appointed to us, Sadie opens the door and immediately jumps onto the bed. “Oh my God. You have to feel this bed, Aves. It’s so comfy.” I set down my bags and join her on the monstrosity in the middle of the room.

“Seriously, who sleeps here? This thing is huge.”

“That’s what she said,” Sadie giggles.