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“I wonder where your men are. Do they not support this ridiculous plot against me?”
“You flatter yourself. This isn’t about you. It’s about Aria and what’s best for her.”
We’re starting off on the wrong foot. I meet his gaze as a sign of respect, not challenge. "I’m hoping to forge a peace between us."
Niko's lips curl into a humorless smile. “I’m sure you are. You nearly had my sister killed.”
“I believe you are the one who told her to go to the airport without protection that left her vulnerable.” I don’t know this for sure except for the fact that Niko called me when Aria was missing telling me he’d expected her to be on a plane bound for the United States.
His jaw tightens.
“I also am aware that one of your own men tried to kill her, along with your pregnant wife. I believe it was Lucia who saved them. How fortunate for them that I’d allowed Lucia to make the choice to stay here.”
“I can show my appreciation without handing my sister over.”
I laugh. “I believe Aria handed herself over. I know she wouldn’t like hearing you talk like that.”
“I mean no disrespect, Luca, but my sister is to stay here.”
“All you’ve shown me is disrespect, Niko. I’d like to know why. Give me a good reason I shouldn’t marry your sister.”
“I don’t owe you any explanation about my decisions regarding my sister.”
I hold my ground, refusing to back down. "Aria is not yours to keep. She is a grown woman, and she has made her choice. Although we don’t need it, it would be nice to have your blessing."
Niko barks out a harsh laugh. “Blessing? After all this you think I’m going to bless your relationship.”
“I don’t care whether you do or not. But I know it would mean a lot to Aria.”
“She doesn’t know what she wants except maybe to drive me crazy.” He shakes his head like he’s said too much. “Aria is to stay in New York.”
“Perhaps you should talk to Aria about this.” I’m getting tired of this conversation going around and around. “Unless she changes her mind, I’m taking her home with me. Nothing is going to stop me from doing so.”
Niko sneers as he picks up the gun, weighing it in his hand.
26
ARIA
Ipace the hotel room frantically, my mind racing with the worst possible scenarios. It’s been like this since Luca left. Now, hours later, Luca isn’t answering my calls. Niko isn’t either. I'm convinced something terrible has happened.
If Luca is dead, I don't know what I'll do. The thought of losing him makes my heart ache in my chest. But if Niko is the one who's gone, that too hurts. Plus, utter chaos that could erupt in New York City terrifies me. My brother is the most powerful Don on the East Coast. His death could spark a war.
I keep glancing at my phone, willing it to ring, but the silence increases my fear that one or both are gone. The thought makes me sick to my stomach. I can't lose them both. I just can't.
I collapse onto the bed, my hands trembling as I dial Elena's number. I hate to call her and make her worry, but I can no longer wait and wonder my fate.
“Hey, Aria.” Elena’s voice is chipper. I dread what I have to say.
“Hey. Have you heard from Niko?”
“Not since this morning. Why?”
I gnaw on my lip as I realize she must not know Niko planned to see Luca. “Did you know he came to my hotel?”
“He said something about wanting to talk to you. Why? Is something wrong?”
I consider the situation. Was Niko caught off guard at seeing Luca here? I shake my head. No. He acted like he knew he’d find Luca, which means one of his men had spotted him and called.
