Page 49 of Queen of Misfortune (Shadows of Redemption)
And what? Luca will kill Donovan and take me to Italy? Will Donovan end up killing Luca? Good God, this is crazy.
“It’s okay, Luca. I appreciate your talking to me. But I need to be with Elena.”
Luca nods and steps back. His gaze moves to Donovan. “If anything happens to her, it’s on you, Donovan, and Don Leone. We won’t forget that.”
The elevator opens and Donovan pulls me in. “Ciao, Luca.”
When the doors close, Donovan puts his face in mine. "Did I not make myself clear before? You don't go anywhere without guards."
“There were guards.”
I feel the tension, the rage in him. It radiates around him. “Don’t fuck with me now, Luce. I’m in no mood.”
“How did you even know?”
"Your little tête-à-tête with Luca didn't go unnoticed. Why were you talking to him?"
The doors open, and he pulls me into the garage, loading me in his SUV. The driver squeals out practically before Donovan has the door shut behind him in the back seat where he keeps me trapped.
Suddenly, I’m wondering if Donovan is suspicious of me and my conversation with Luca. Perhaps I should be more afraid. Just because he kissed me… and gave me an orgasm… it doesn’t indicate that I mean anything to him.
Maybe I’m brave. Maybe I’m an idiot. But I want to stand up to him. "None of your business.”
“Think again, Princess. What did Luca want?”
I glare at him. “Luca is family. He’s about all I have left.”
"What about Elena?"
I turn to look out the window, watching the city blur past. "Elena belongs to Niko now." Perhaps it’s time to face the truth. Elena doesn’t need me. Not really. “Niko can get rid of me atany time.” I have to consider that’s why Luca found me. Because Niko wanted him to take me away. But if that’s the case, why is Donovan dragging me back?
Donovan shakes his head and turns his attention out the window for the rest of the drive, the elevator ride up to the penthouse, and the walk to my room.
I try to shut the door in his face, but he pushes his way in. “Lucy?—”
"Enough, Donovan! You've shadowed me since we left the clinic, spewed your accusations. You've done your duty. You've played the watchdog. Now leave me alone."
"Played?" He stops just short of touching me, his expression unreadable. "You think this is play?"
“No. None of this is very fun. I’m so tired of it all.” I close my eyes, feeling so weary.
"Isn't it curious how you sidestep the question." A statement, not a query. "What did Luca want?"
Why doesn’t he let this go? “I don't owe you explanations." I stride across the plush carpet, sinking into the armchair with feigned nonchalance. "Luca's visit was familial. That's all."
His gaze is piercing as he moves closer, invading my space. "So, your loyalty lies with the Contis now?"
"Where else would they lie?" My heartbeat quickens, wondering if something went wrong between Luca and Niko. Why does he care so much about my conversation with Luca?
"Are you going back to Italy?"
“Again, none of your business.” I rise from the chair, not wanting to be penned in. But I don’t know where to go, so I sit on the edge of the bed.
“It is my business, Princess. Everything about you is my business.”
I look up at him, not understanding. “Because of my ties to my father and Elena.”
“What you do impacts others. When will you get that through your… thick head?”