Page 78 of Tryst
She gritted her teeth, inches from my face. “Do you see what happens when you’re a little whore and sleep with your profess—”
My father leapt to his feet. “ALICIA!”
She drew her hand back, swinging at my face. I flinched just as Vincenzo’s hand caught her mid-swing. My father sprang to my other side in seconds. Lucas scooted his chair out of the way as fast as he could. My mom’s eyes instantly met Vincenzo’s infuriated glare.
“Don’t you dare lay a fucking hand on my girlfriend,” he growled, shoving her arm back. “I don’t give a fuck who you are or what your family drama might be because that’s between you guys, but if you ever lay a hand on Eliza, I will end you.” He clenched his fists at his side. “Do not ever forget what I’m capable of or who I am.”
Shaking, my eyes filled with tears. My mother was supposed to be my protector. At that moment, I realized she was not the wonderful woman I thought she was while growing up.
“Alicia,” my father moved me behind him, “if you ever hurt either of our kids physically, I’ll let him.”
The pain and heartache I’d been holding inside came gushing from my eyes. My mother harshly responded to them both, but I spun around, walking toward my suite as fast as my legs would carry me. I didn’t want to hear any more. I was tired of crying!
“Liz, wait!” My brother called out as he caught up with me. “Shit, I’m in shape, but you power walk like a mom at the mall.”
“Not funny.” I sobbed.
“Stop.” Skipping ahead of me, he grabbed my shoulders. “Fuck her for saying those things to you. I’m so sorry.”
“It hurts so bad.” I buried my face in my palms. “I’m tired of crying and just want to be happy.”
“I know.” He hugged me tightly.
Laying my head on his chest, I cried hard. I let out all the emotions I’d been holding inside me for months. My brother and I had never been huggers to each other, but we loved each another and would fight to the death for one another. I knew he was holding in his fury about our mother. He had a horrible temper. “I know you want to unleash your anger.”
“And I will in the gym.”
I sniffled, snickering.
“She’s still our mom and I love her, but I’m pissed off and need time.”
“Lucas.” Vincenzo’s deep voice reverberated behind him.
He took a step back, twisting around. I lifted my gaze. Vincenzo didn’t have to say anything more. Lucas got the hint. He patted me on the shoulder before he disappeared down the path toward the row of suites.
Vincenzo slid his hands in his pockets. “I’d ask if you’re okay, but I know better.”
“Where’s my dad?”
He jerked his head. “Giving your mother shit for what she said.”
Puffing my cheeks, I blew out a big breath and wiped my eyes.
He took a step closer, draping his arm over my shoulder as he guided me toward the rooms. I stopped in front of mine, ready to scan my bracelet. He tugged me over to his door.
“No point in hiding it anymore.”
Smiling faintly, I nodded. He unlocked his room and let me walk in first. The moment he closed it, he took my hand in his, gently heaving me toward him. I stretched my arms around his waist.
“I know I said I’d fuck you and trust me when I say I want to more than anything, but tonight, I’m just going to hold you.”
“I can’t believe you’re actually moving in with Vinny.” My father perched on the edge of my bed.
“I know.” I knelt beside my suitcase, zipping it.
We’d been back from the nightmare vacation for a week and while Vincenzo was getting business taken care of, I spent the time packing and slowly moving things over to his home.Our home.
“Eliza,” Maddie came out of the bathroom, “I need a trash bag.” She glanced at my dad. “Oh, hi.”