Page 85 of Bound By A Promise

“Camila.”

“What?” I shook my head. “Sorry, I was daydreaming.”

“I was telling Mama about the Rozzelle Court Restaurant. Do you remember it?”

“Of course, it’s like a 15th-century Italian courtyard.”

We all decided we’d eat lunch and then explore the exhibits. Armando and Giovanni stayed close and vigilant as we gathered our food and sat around a table for four.

“You know,” Mama said. “We could host a reception for you and Dante. I’d prefer in California, but this place is beautiful.”

I stabbed a piece of fruit. “We don’t need a reception. We’re married.”

“I know, but you missed out on so much.”

I looked around the table. “I know you all had big weddings.”

Mia held up two fingers. “I had two.”

“I don’t need one.” I covered my mother’s hand. “I appreciate that you want to do that for us. You better talk to Papá.” She shook her head. “But really, Dante and I are good. Mia and Jano know how to host a wedding with a bang.”

“Oh.” Groans came from around the table.

As we discussed which exhibit to see first, I peered around and whispered to Cat. “Where’s the bathroom?”

She lifted her napkin. “I can go with you.”

“It’s okay. Just point me in the right direction.”

“It’s over there. Take Giovanni with you.”

“Dario’s paranoia is wearing off on you.” I stood. “I’ll be right back. Don’t go see the male nudes without me.” I shook my head at Armando and Giovanni and mouthed, “I’m good.” After all, it was just the bathroom.

It was as I exited the stall that I felt the sting in my neck.

Before I could react, the world went black.

Chapter

Twenty-Eight

Dante

“What the hell do you mean she disappeared?”

Giovanni’s voice came through the speaker of my phone as Aléjandro and I raced from Emerald Club. “Sir, the women were eating lunch, and she went to the bathroom.”

“By herself?”

“We could see the door. She said she was fine. Other people went in and came out, but Mrs. Luciano didn’t come out.”

My hands shook. “Her phone. Track her phone.”

“We went in. We found her phone. It was in her purse under the sinks.”

My brother-in-law stood in my way as I was about to get into the driver’s seat. “Give me the keys. You’re in no condition to drive.”

My heart was racing at over two hundred beats per minute. My hands were shaking, and I was seeing red, but I could fucking drive. “No. You don’t know where the fuck you’re going.”