Page 70 of Righteous Enforcer
"Interesting." His hard eyes continue to bore down on me. "Because I have people who swear they saw you in Chicago around that time."
My heart hammers against my ribs. "I moved around."
"Clearly. You know what I find curious? How someone running from the Bratva managed to stay alive for four years. Most don't last four months."
"I was careful."
"Or protected." Again, his tone is accusatory.
"I should get back to bed."
"Not yet." His hand shoots out, not touching me but blocking my retreat. "Let me be clear about something, Eva. Everything about my brother is my business. His happiness. His safety. His loyalty."
"I understand that?—"
"No, I don't think you do." His voice drops to a dangerous edge. "I know you're lying. Not just to me, but to him. I don't know what game you're playing, but I will find out."
Fear crawls up my spine. "There's no game."
"Then explain why the Bratva wants you so badly. Explain why your story has more holes than a sieve." He pauses, but I don’t respond.
"I will uncover every secret, every lie. And when I do, when Adriano sees you for what you really are, there won't be anywhere left for you to run."
I clasp my hands to keep them from shaking. “Are you threatening me?"
"I'm promising you." Alessandro stands, towering over me. "If you break my brother again, I won't just let you go. I'll destroy every piece of you until there's nothing left for him to mourn."
"I would never hurt Adriano," I say, even though I know I did and I probably will again. "Not intentionally."
Alessandro laughs coldly. "Says the woman who let him believe she was dead and stole his kid." He leans closer. "I should kill you just for that."
I know the threat isn’t empty. Alessandro isn't his father, but he’s just as protective, just as dangerous.
"You don't understand," I manage, hating how my voice trembles.
"Then enlighten me." His finger taps against the counter as he waits for my response.
But I can't explain. The truth is too dangerous, too damning. Even now, with everything at stake, I can't bring myself to confess what I've done, what I've been running from.
"That's what I thought." Alessandro picks up his glass and drains his whiskey. "You have one week to tell my brother whatever it is you're hiding, or I will. And trust me, my version won't be kind."
He walks past me, his shoulder nearly brushing mine. I flinch, and his mouth curves in bitter satisfaction.
"Sweet dreams, Eva."
I want to run away, but my legs feel like jelly, unable to support me.
My hands shake so badly I have to press them against the counter to steady them.
History is repeating itself.
Different Dante, same impossible situation.
I manage to get my legs under me and return upstairs.
Back in our room, I watch Adriano sleep, taking in every aspect of him.
The tiny scar above his eyebrow that wasn’t there four years ago.
