Page 46 of Forbidden War (Forbidden 2)
“If I actually thought it might push you into his arms, I might,” Frankie says with a laugh. “You two have been circling each other for years. But fine, I’ll leave you alone. For now.”
The women go over one more detail on the paperwork, and then Frankie signs another page before handing it all back to Candi.
“Thanks for stopping by,” Frankie says.
“It was so good seeing you again,” I add.
“Of course.” Candi hesitates, and then asks quietly, “So…has there been any more news about Livvie yet?”
“No,” Frankie says. “Not a word.”
Candi nods and then pulls Frankie in for a hug. “I’m so sorry.”
Frankie shakes her head, sniffling into Candi’s shoulder.
“I feel so helpless,” she chokes out as Candi clucks soothingly at her.
I’m about to excuse myself and give Frankie some privacy, but then she looks over at me and gives me a wobbly smile.
“I’m just so glad I have the rest of my family around me, all in one piece.”
“Me too.” Candi releases Frankie and nods at me. “I can’t imagine what you went through with the shooting. Both of you. I am so glad the men are okay.”
The mood has become incredibly somber.
Frankie’s phone rings. She immediately steps back from us and pulls her phone out, eyes widening when she sees the screen. A sense of urgency comes over her as she answers.
“Mom?” There is a pause and then Frankie looks around the room. “What do you mean? Where are you?”
Frankie looks down at the phone and then puts it back to her ear as if she’s completely confused. “I don’t understand, you need to slow down for a sec.”
But then the door to the hallway flies open and an older blonde woman with gorgeous cheekbones, wearing a white blouse and a pair of artistically paint-splattered jeans, comes rushing in.
“Mom!” Frankie gasps, running over to her. “What are you doing here?”
“I got on the first flight out of New Orleans. I had to see you in person. Where is Dante? Where are the rest of the Bellantis? We need to do something!”
Frankie’s lips press into a tight line, as if she’s expecting the absolute worst news. “Mom. Take a deep breath. Tell me what happened.”
“They—they sent me a video,” Frankie’s mother explains, panic on her face.
“What? Who did?” Frankie asks.
“The Brunos. It’s Livvie.”
