Chapter 1 - THE GIRL IN THE RED SILK DRESS
“For saving my father's life,” I said, “and for never once pretending you did it so I would owe you something.”
Leo Casaro didn't move.
For several seconds, the only sound in the office was the ticking of an antique clock.
Then he set down his pen.
“Myra.”
His voice was quieter than I expected.
“Who told you?”
I swallowed.
“Nico.”
Leo's jaw tightened.
“He told you I paid the bills?”
“Not exactly.”
I looked toward the closed doors.
“He was laughing about it.”
Something dark passed across Leo's face.
I continued.
“He said my father took a bullet meant for one of your men.”
Leo closed his eyes briefly.
Then nodded.
“That's true.”
My chest tightened.
“Why didn't you tell me?”
He looked at me.
“Because your father's injuries weren't a favor you needed to repay.”
I stared.
He continued.
“His treatment was my responsibility.”
My eyes filled.
For eight months, I'd believed Nico had rescued my family.
I'd thanked him.
Trusted him.
Let him convince me that loving him was the least I could do.
And all that time, the man who had actually helped us had remained silent.
Leo stood.
I instinctively stepped backward.
He noticed.
Stopped immediately.
Then moved around the desk slowly.
“Did Nico hurt you?”
I shook my head.
“Not physically.”
Leo studied me.
I swallowed.
“He made a bet.”
His expression changed.
“What kind of bet?”
I looked down.
“Ten thousand dollars.”
Silence.
“He bet he could get me into bed before Christmas.”
Leo went completely still.
For one terrible moment, I thought he might explode.
Instead, he asked:
“Did he touch you without your permission?”
I shook my head.
“No.”
Leo exhaled.
Then turned toward the office door.
“Stay here.”
I caught his sleeve.
“Please.”
He looked down at my hand.
Then at me.
“Don't do anything because of me.”
His expression softened.
“Myra.”
I swallowed.
“I don't want anyone hurt.”
Leo studied my face.
Then slowly nodded.
“All right.”
He stepped back.
“What do you want?”
The question nearly broke me.
Because for eight months, Nico had told me what I owed.
What I should wear.
Where I should go.
How grateful I should be.
And now the most feared man in Brooklyn was asking what I wanted.
I looked toward the door.
Then whispered:
“I want to go home.”
May you like
Leo nodded.
“Then I'll make sure you get there safely.”
