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Come on, Rose.
I stare at my phone, willing those dang blue bubbles to pop up. Answer me. The first real friend I’ve had for years hasn’t responded to a single text message for days. And it’s completely my fault. I never should’ve left with Nico that day.
I lean back against the cushioned footboard of the bed and heave out a sigh. I’m ninety-nine percent sure in my mad escape from the elevator yesterday, I’d commandeered Nico’s bedroom. I’d slammed the door shut upon my arrival and had refused to emerge since. My stomach is growling, and I wish I had a change of clothes, but surely, my suitcases are in some other room in this sprawling penthouse.
Eyeing the elaborate décor, I scan the room for a hint of the mobster who resides here, but the only tell-tale sign is the musky scent smothering the sheets. I may have never actually slept with Nico, but his essence wrapped around me all night. It had been a fitful sleep plagued with visions of Jasper and Nico. I tossed and turned running away from one monster only to fall in the arms of another.
I’m totally hopeless.
Snagging my bottom lip between my teeth, I glance back down at my phone and type out one last message. One I really didn’t want to resort to, but here we are.
Me: Nico’s keeping me captive in his penthouse.
Guilt eats at my insides as I jab the send button. It’s kind of true. I mean he coerced me into coming here and hasn’t left my door since I arrived yesterday.
Those blessed little blue bubbles appear, and my heart bounces with joy.
Rose: OMG, Maisy. Why didn’t you tell me sooner?
Rose: I’ll have Dante and his men there ASAP.
Rose: Where are you?
As panicked message after message rolls in that guilt squeezes tighter around my lungs, and I punch out a quick reply.
Me: No, don’t. It’ll start a war.
One I’d be completely responsible for.
Me: I may have exaggerated the truth a little bit in hopes of getting you to answer. Sorry.
Rose: …
Those darn dots crawl across the screen.
Me: I just wanted to apologize for the other day and try to explain myself. But I know there’s nothing I can say to make it right, other than I’ve clearly lost my mind. I’m staying with Nico, but I’m safe. Kind of. Please, call me so we can talk. It’s important.
The dots disappear, and my heart sinks right along with them. She’s never going to forgive me.
I have to tell her about Jasper’s reappearance, but it’s not something I want to do over text. Dante could help track him down, and all of this could be over. Too bad Nico is too dang proud to ever ask his half-brother for help.
“Little fox…” Nico’s rough voice seeps through the door. “Not that I mind you in my bedroom, but I’d hoped when the time came, I could be in there with you.” His fingers slide beneath the door, and he reaches for me.
Dang it. I was right. This is his room.
Why couldn’t I have run into a random guestroom instead?
I should have known as soon as I walked in. My fingers dig into the plush carpet beneath the massive king size bed. The entire space looks like it was plucked out of a Restoration Hardware show room. Not a single personal item litters the room. Only dark navy walls and lofty windows with views of downtown Manhattan and towering skyscrapers.
“Maisy, please talk to me.”
I grind my teeth together to keep from spilling all the curses poised at the tip of my tongue. My mother would have my hide if she heard a single awful one.
The door creaks, and every muscle in my body tenses.
“If you don’t let me in, I will break down the door. I’ve been more than patient, but enough is enough.”
“I’ll never talk to you again if you do,” I hiss.
