“I don’t know where he could possibly be.”
Carlo’s brow was furrowed, his face was lined with worry, as he clasped his hands in front of him and tapped one foot on the floor. I’ve never seen him look so nonplussed.
“Maybe he’s at one of your vacation homes,” Parker suggested, tossing his golden-brown hair out of his eyes. “Did you try the beach compound in Bermuda?”
We were actually eating lunch in the DC for once, and we had spent the entire time talking about Rico’s disappearance.
“He’s not there.” Carlo’s voice was curt. “And we’ve also tried the houses in Vail, L.A., Tuscany, Hong Kong…everywhere. He’s at none of those places.”
“Well, this is Rico we’re talking about,” Adriana reasoned. “He could’ve disappeared just because he felt like it. I’m sure he’s not in any trouble. The boy can more than take care of himself.”
“It’s not him getting hurt that I’m worried about,” Carlo said flatly.
The room fell silent, and we all stared at each other nervously.
Well, this was just about the most awkward lunch I’ve ever had.
“Anyway.” Carlo cleared his throat and put on what was obviously a fake smile. “Let’s talk about something else. Winter break, perhaps?” He turned to Roman. “The plan is still on, right?”
“What plan?” I asked.
Roman grinned wolfishly at me. “The plan where we continue where we left off the other night,” he said.
I turned bright red while the others erupted into hoots and catcalls. “Roman!” I hissed, mortified.
That was it. He is so not getting any action over break.
“What were you guys doing the yesterday night?” Adriana asked with a small smirk, her gaze knowing.
“None of your business,” I immediately answered.
“Feisty.” The blonde popped a sushi roll in her mouth, chewing delicately and swallowing before she spoke up again. “That’ll probably come in handy later.” She winked at Roman, who just laughed and pulled me to his chest.
“Think she’s right?” he murmured in my ear, his breath tickling my skin. I could feel the warmth of his body heating up my own, more thoroughly and effectively than any fireplace or coat could hope to do.
“What makes you think you’ll ever find out?” I retorted, still red, only from something else other than embarrassment this time.
Roman just smirked, squeezing my hip briefly before letting go. “Just a hunch.”
I rolled my eyes. “You are so arrogant.”
“Like he’s never heard that one before,” Parker joked, sliding his own arm around Adriana. “Hey, by the way, where’s Venice?”
I saw Zack, who’d been unusually quiet thus far, perk up a bit, and I had to stifle a grin.
Zack Perry, I am so getting you back for those little matchmaking schemes you put me through, I thought wickedly.
Yep, Parker had totally filled me in on the Perrys-as-Cupids situation.
“Oh, I think she’s having lunch with some guy,” I answered casually. “Grant? Her homecoming date? She was so excited about it.”
Zack scowled. It was not a look I was used to seeing, since he was just about the most happy-go-lucky person on the planet. However, I wanted to jump with joy at the sight of that scowl, because that scowl confirmed what I’d suspected all along.
“Is that even safe? I mean, what does she really know about him?” he sniffed. “He looks dangerous.”
“I’ve seen him around, he seems like a good guy,” Carlo commented casually. “He’s the editor of the school newspaper.”
“Yeah, how dangerous can he be?” Parker rolled his eyes. “Do you think he’s going to kill her with his pocket protector or something?”
“Pocket protectors are very dangerous,” Zack snapped. “Besides, it’s the quiet ones you have to look out for.”
“Why do you care so much anyway?” Roman stretched out his legs. “Afraid you won’t get another kiss?”
I burst out laughing at the look on Zack’s face, which was the color of the mound of ketchup on his plate. “I don’t know what you’re talking about,” he huffed, even as the red spread to his neck.
“No offense, but I think he’s a better match for Venice. I don’t think she can be with someone whose face matches the color of her hair,” Roman drawled, his lips twitching slightly as Zack sputtered, at a loss for words.
I turned my face away, burying it in the crook of his neck. “You are so bad,” I whispered, grinning.
He smirked, a mischievous glint in his eye. “Maybe you should punish me later,” he said suggestively.
I flushed all over again as some interesting images sprung up in my mind. I tried my best to push them away, but it didn’t work at all.
Lord, I really am turning into a pervert.
* * *
“Are you sure you’re ok?” Though I unbuckled my seatbelt, I remained in the car and fixed Carlo with a concerned expression. “I mean, if you want to talk about Rico or…whatever, I’m here.”
He smiled, more weakly than usual. “Thanks, Maya, but I can handle it. Adri’s probably right. With his personality, he probably just ran off somewhere without telling anyone. I’m sure it’s harmless.”
Even I could tell he didn’t quite believe it.
“Has he ever done something like this before?” I questioned, fiddling with the buttons of my shirt.
“Once or twice, before the whole…gang situation.” Carlo grimaced. “Anyway, like I said, I’m sure it’ll be fine.” He cut off the engine and raised an eyebrow at me. “What about you? Are you fine?”
“What do you mean?”
“Rome told me you ran into someone at a carnival you guys went to,” he hinted.
Sweat immediately coated my palms, and I wondered if I could ask him to start up the car again so we could put on the A/C. It was too hot in here.
“Oh, that.” My voice came out squeaky and high-pitched.
“Yeah, that.” Carlo’s mahogany eyes searched my face. “What happened?”
I licked my suddenly dry lips, unsure of what to say. I hadn’t told anyone about what Lexi said, not even Roman. I wanted to figure it out on my own. On the other hand, it would be a huge relief to hash this out with someone, especially someone like Carlo. He was smart, he keep a secret, and I trusted him.
As I wavered back and forth, he waited patiently, not saying anything.
Finally, I took a deep breath, and relayed to him what Lexi told me.
When I finished, there was a stunned look on his face. “Wait, wait, wait.” He held up one hand. “You’re telling me someone paid her to seduce your dad?”
I nodded miserably.
“Why would they do that?”
“Wish I knew.” I sighed. “I just don’t get it. I can’t think of anyone who’d have that type of vendetta against my family.”
Carlo frowned. “She didn’t tell you who did it?”
I shook my head, then remembered the picture I saw of her and Rico. If she knew Rico, did she know Carlo too? I didn’t know if now would be the right time to bring that up though, what with Rico missing and all.
“Maybe you should ask your dad for her name. You know, so you can try and get more answers,” he suggested gently.
“I know.” I twisted my hands in my lap. I really, really didn’t want to do that, but I supposed I no longer have a choice.
Not if I wanted to get to the bottom of this.
* * *
“Are you sure she’s going to like it?” Roman demanded, nestling his phone between his ear and shoulder as he pulled up in front of his house. “It’s not too cheesy or anything?”
“Um, excuse me, but I’m the one who came up with the idea. Are you calling me cheesy?” Adriana huffed.
He rolled his eyes but knew better than to respond. “Well, I just wanted to make sure. It is our one-month anniversary, you know.”
“No, I don’t know. I’m deaf. That’s why I didn’t hear you the first, oh, fifty times you told me.”
Roman scowled. “You need to watch your tone. No one talks to me that way,” he growled, stepping into the foyer.
“Yeah, yeah, sorry, King Fiori,” Adriana said sarcastically. “Gee, you seriously need to get some. You’re getting grouchy.” There was a twinge of laughter in her voice.
He flushed, thankful she couldn’t see him. “Shut up, Adri.”
“Very mature.”
Sometimes, Roman wished Zack was an only child. “I’m hanging up on you now,” he snapped, slamming the door to his room behind him.
“You know it’s not hanging up on someone if you tell them, right?” She was definitely laughing at him. “By the way, do you know what’s up with Maya? She’s not answering her phone.”
He frowned. “No. Carlo drove her home today because I had to sort out the anniversary stuff. I’ll try her and let you know.”
Clicking off, Roman dialed Maya’s number. One ring. Two. Three. It rang and rang, until voicemail picked up.
A surge of unease jolted through him. She always answered her phone.
Calm down, she’s probably in the shower of something. Just try again later.
Roman ended the call, pacing his room. One Mississippi, two Mississippi…that counted as later, right?
His stomach was a bundle of nerves as he called her again. Nothing had happened to her, right? Carlo would make sure she was ok. The nerves increased, and he was just about to panic when she finally picked up.
“Hello?” Her voice was quiet.
Relief filled his veins. “Maya? Are you ok?”
“Yeah. I’m just…I’m at home.”
“Oh.” Roman blew out a breath, sinking down into an armchair. “Adri said she was calling you but you didn’t answer.”
“Oh. Yeah. I was—well, I was talking to my dad.”
He immediately sat up in concern. “How did it go?” His tone was sympathetic.
Maya sighed. “It was, you know, awkward. But things are getting…better between us. Roman—“
“Hmm?”
A pause. “Um, I think I’m going to go take a shower. I’ll talk to you later, ok?”
“Oh. Ok.” Roman couldn’t help but be disappointed. He wanted to talk to her a little more. “Wait. One more thing. Our anniversary this weekend—“
“Find something nice to wear?” Maya laughed, the sound warming his insides.
He grinned. “How’d you know?”
“Just a hunch,” she replied blithely, throwing his earlier words back at him. “Don’t worry, I won’t embarrass you, Grumpy.”
“I’m not grumpy,” he said grumpily, then stopped as she laughed again. “Whatever. If I am, you just make me that way.”
“Sure,” she sang. “Good night, boyfriend.”
Roman’s face softened. “Good night, Maya.”
As he got off the phone though, he wondered why there was still some unease left in his stomach.
* * *
“Mickey, not now. Be a good boy.” I fastened my diamond studs to my ears and fixed what I hope was a stern stare at the puppy.
It was the night of my one-month anniversary with Roman, and I was more than a little nervous. I was all dressed up, and underneath my dress, I was wearing the sexiest bra-and-underwear set from the stash Adriana bought me months ago.
I’m still not sure I’m 100% ready to go all the way yet, but it didn’t hurt to be prepared.
My heart fluttered as I thought about the fact that Roman and I had been dating a month already. Honestly, it was kind of a miracle.
I glanced at my watch. Half an hour left before he was supposed to pick me up.
Ok, I guess I was a little eager when getting ready.
I sat down on the couch, and Mickey immediately trotted over, pawing my legs with a, well, puppy dog look on his face. He let out a series of small barks.
“What is it?” I asked, absentmindedly patting him on the head. “Why are you so hyper tonight?”
He barked again, unable to keep still. His barks grew more and more frantic, echoing throughout the house.
My parents had gone out to dinner tonight, which was probably a good thing. I don’t want my mom whipping out her camera and taking a thousand snapshots of us like it’s prom night or something.
Mickey barked again, chasing its tail in a circle, then stopped gave me a look like “you should know what’s wrong.”
I blinked. I’ve already fed him, so he shouldn’t be hungry. I even played a little fetch with him earlier. What—
“Ugh!” I slapped my forehead. “I forgot to take you for a walk today, didn’t I?”
Mickey rested on his haunches, and actually nodded once.
I groaned. I’m such an idiot. I should’ve known. He always got unbelievably hyper and restless and loud when he didn’t get his walk.
“How about I take you out for two walks tomorrow? I have a big date tonight,” I persuaded, feeling a bit silly for negotiating with a dog. I swear he understands what I’m saying though.
Mickey’s tail swished back and forth as he whined again, then growled.
I sighed, looking at my watch again. “Fine. I’ll take you for one very, very short walk. Ok?”
He barked happily.
I shook my head, as I went to get his leash. “You’re going to be the death of me one day,” I joked, leading him out to the front yard and locking the door behind me.
I probably had just enough time for a quick walk around the block before Roman got here.
“You should be glad I love you so much,” I added sternly. Mickey yelped, pawing me again with an adoring look in his eyes.
“Come on, Mr. Diva, let’s go.”
As we made our way down the sidewalk, I shivered a bit. I should’ve grabbed more than a flimsy shawl to protect me against the chilly late fall air. I could feel the goosebumps erupting on my flesh, and I quickened my pace a bit, both to warm me up and to hurry our walk so I could return to the warmth of my home faster.
Mickey trotted happily down the street, as well-behaved as always, giving me time to reflect on my conversation with my father earlier this week.
It had been awkward, to say the least. When I’d finally broached the subject of Lexi, I swear he turned so white he could’ve passed for Casper, the Very Guilty Ghost. Needless to say, he had been more than a little suspicious about why I needed Lexi’s name. I was more than happy to tell him, because a) it definitely bruised his ego, which he deserved, and b) perhaps he could shed some light on why someone would hire her to seduce him.
My father had been understandably stunned, but unfortunately, he had no clue why someone would do that, although he did manage to tell me Lexi’s full name: Alexa Weston.
Not that it had been much help. I couldn’t find anything on her online.
Mickey barked again, the sound echoing in the silent night, and I suddenly realized all my neighbors seemed to be out. None of the lights were on in the surrounding houses, and the whole scene was actually a bit creepy.
A shiver snaked down my spine, and I couldn’t shake the feeling that someone was watching me.
Stop being so paranoid, I tried to console myself. There’s no one here. Valesca is one of the safest towns in the US.
Still, the feeling didn’t go away. I was about to reach into my pocket for my phone when I realized I didn’t have any pockets. I also didn’t have my phone.
I groaned. Wow, I’m an idiot. I stopped, yanking lightly on the leash.
“Sorry, buddy, it’s time to go home,” I whispered to Mickey, who cocked his head at me quizzically. I’m not even sure why I was whispering.
I just knew I didn’t want to be outside any longer.
As we made a U-turn back to the house, I heard the soft roar of a car in the distance, and without even thinking, I quickened my step. It wasn’t quick enough though, because a moment later, a discreet black SUV came into view, and it seemed to be driving awfully slow.
My heart now in my throat, I gripped Mickey’s leash tightly, just as he erupted into a series of loud, panicked barks.
“Mickey! What’s wrong?” He wasn’t helping my nerves.
Mickey just kept barking, and finally, I decided to just screw it. I broke into a run, my heart pounding with adrenaline. I heard the distinct slam of a door behind me, and I let out a scream when I felt someone grab me.
Before I could even attempt to fight back, though, pain ripped through my head, and Mickey’s barks gradually grew fainter as I fell into oblivion.