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“What the fuck do you want?” I snarl. “You've got nothing I’d ever want.”
“Oh, I’d disagree with that.” Gino smirks. He reaches into his jacket, and I tense, ready for a weapon. Instead, he pulls out a videotape. “See, this is the ‘vintage’ item I have to trade. I’ve had eyes on Perfezione since I got back to town. And wouldn’t you know it, someone went in yesterday… but didn’t come out. Sointeresting.”
My blood runs cold, but I keep my face impassive. Years of practice in this life have taught me never to show weakness. “What are you talking about?”
Gino’s grin widens, and I have to resist the urge to wipe it off his face with my fist. “Let’s just say the price of the building has gone up. Significantly.”
I feel the weight of the gun in my hand, the temptation to end this here and now almost overwhelming. But I force myself to think it through. If what he’s saying is true, if he really has evidence…
“Name your price,” I growl, hating the words even as they leave my mouth.
Gino leans back in my chair—my chair—clearly enjoying himself. “Oh, Angelo. We’re just getting started.”
21
SOFIA
Angelo’s tires screech as he leaves the hospital, and I hurry inside, heading up to Zip’s room. As I approach, I see a doctor talking to Zip, and I quicken my pace.
“Nonno!” I call out as I enter the room.
Zip’s face lights up when he sees me. He looks better than I expected—still pale, but alert and sitting up in bed. The bruises on his face have faded to a sickly yellow.
“Fee!” he exclaims. “Come here, let me look at you.”
The doctor turns to me with a smile. “You must be his granddaughter. I was just telling Mr. Saldano that he’s making excellent progress. The concussion is healing well, and his ribs are on the mend.”
Relief washes over me, and I smile. “That’s wonderful news. When can he come home?”
“If he continues to improve at this rate, possibly tomorrow,” the doctor replies.
As the doctor leaves, Zip reaches for my hand. “Now, tell me everything. How are you? How’s Lou? And Angelo?”
The rapid-fire questions catch me off guard. “I’m… we’re fine, Nonno. Lou’s with Shawn, and Angelo’s been very supportive.”
Zip’s eyes narrow as he studies my face. “You don’t look fine,Tesoro. You’re pale, and there’s something in your eyes… What’s going on?”
I try to brush it off. “It’s nothing, Nonno. Just worried about you, that’s all.”
But Zip’s not buying it. His voice takes on a stern tone I rarely hear. “Sofia Saldano, I know my girl. And I know when something’s wrong. Tell me what’s going on.”
I bite my lip, torn. Part of me wants to confess everything—about Jonah, about what I did. I have a feeling Zip would understand, maybe even approve. But I can’t bring myself to burden him with that knowledge, not when he’s still recovering.
And not in a public facility like a hospital where anyone could hear me.
“It’s just been a lot to handle,” I say finally. “The shop, Lou, worrying about you…”
Zip’s grip on my hand tightens. “Fee, look at me.”
I meet his eyes reluctantly.
“Whatever it is, whatever’s happened, we’ll face it together. You hear me? You’re not alone in this.”
His words, so similar to Angelo’s, bring tears to my eyes. I nod, not trusting myself to speak.
Zip pulls me into a gentle hug, mindful of his injuries. “That’s my girl. Now, tell me more about this Angelo situation. He treating you right?”
I can’t help but laugh through my tears. “Yes, Nonno. He’s… he’s been amazing.”
