Two Kings

Chapter 39

Grey and I don't exchange a word, but a single look says it all-that he knows I know it's him. Which has my gut shriveling in fear as I spin round and run along the hall.

"Why you gotta run off and hurt my feelings like that?" Grey calls out. The sound of his voice leaves no doubt that he's alive. And the prospect of being with him again terrifies me. I've never moved so fast in heels before.

What the hell is goin' on here? I can't even fathom the dangers his presence could mean for Rico and me, or my safety after discovering his unhealthy obsession with me.

I don't turn back to see if he's following or if he sent his men after me. Finding Rico is my only focus as I push through the double door. Loud, chattering voices fill the space while a soft orchestra of music plays through the speaker system. I rush towards the tables, scanning the room as I search for him. Thankfully, he's tall and easy to spot, talking to a man at our table.

I dash across the room, not even sure how to tell him his dead brother is alive. I take the last few steps to Rico, grabbing his upper arm, like I'm anchoring myself to him for safety. "My god, he's here," I say breathlessly, now able to feel my body trembling with anxiety as it pulses through me. I glance over my shoulder again, double checking no one is coming up behind me.

"Who?" Rico asks. "Who's here? And why are you so unnerved? You're not making any sense?"

"Your brother." I withhold Grey's name since another man is present and listening in on our conversation. "Can we please talk in private?" I ask, squeezing Rico's arm and leaning into him as I continue to scan the room, wondering who else knows Grey is alive? I mean, why fake your death only to reappear in disguise? Makes no sense. Clearly, he has an agenda.

"You mind if we finish this later," Rico asks the other guy.

"Of course," he grins. "We'll meet one day next week to discuss it further?"

Just when it looks like he is about to leave, Nonna and Marco appear.

"Tony, good to see you," Nonna leans in and gives him a hug. All the while, I'm debating if I should tell her about Grey or if that would be too much for her heart to take. No. I can't be the one to give her that kind of news. That needs to come from Rico. And not here if we can avoid it. It needs to be done delicately-she's an old lady.

"What do you say, dear?" Nonna smiles.

"Oh, um, sorry, but I was a little preoccupied. What was the question?"

"I was just telling your husband that I've organized something for the pair of you. Would you both follow me?" She turns to leave, but I hear myself saying, "Do you mind if speak to Rico first?"

Nonna looks over her shoulder at me mid-step and waves her hand. "Oh pooh, can't it wait until after, dear? I have people waiting for you. Hurry, please." She darts away, Marco shrugging his shoulders as he steps into toe and follows his grandmother through the maze of tables.

"What's organized?" I ask Rico as we both follow behind them.

"No clue."

"I'm not sure what your grandmother is doing, but we need to go somewhere private and talk."

"Absolutely not. It would be rude to not see what she had planned. Especially since she's gone out of her way for you." Then he storms off ahead of me.

"I'm not suggesting I don't. All I'm saying is it could have waited until I spoke to you." I call out, very aware that our heated exchange is catching people's attention. Not that he cares enough to listen.