Demand (Careless Whispers #2)(7)

“This is a family drama that doesn’t require your intervention.”

“Half of what we do is family drama.” He reaches into his pocket. “I’ll call her and tell her to come outside.”

This announcement jolts me, shifting my anger from Giada to him. “You want revenge against Kayden. Using a young, confused girl for that goal makes you a monster. A monster, Detective. Is that what the woman you lost would want you to be?”

“She’s a grown adult who seems to see Kayden far more clearly than you do.”

“That’s not the denial I’d hoped you’d give me.”

“She called for police intervention.”

“No, she didn’t,” I spout back. “She called you because she wanted to lash out at Kayden and Adriel. I won’t let you hurt her. I’ll call your boss. I’ll do whatever it takes to protect her.”

“Whatever it takes? You’d think Kayden just spoke, not you.”

“Said the man risking his career to hurt another. He didn’t kill the woman you loved. A car accident killed her.”

“Right. He just f*cked her and me. Am I calling Giada, or are we going inside?”

“I’m not disrespecting Kayden by inviting you inside his home.”

“Kayden isn’t here.”

“It’s hishome.”

“It seems it’s become yours. A lot seems to have become yours—a topic we’re going to discuss once I’ve seen that Giada is safe and well. What are you hiding . . .” He pauses and adds, “Eleana?”

A shiver of foreboding slides down my spine at the way he says the name, but I decide to walk right through the flames. “I’m still remembering my favorite foods. What am I supposed to hide?”

“Maybe you remember and aren’t telling me.”

“I wish that accusation were right,” I say, thinking of the necklace, the uncertainty about my life, the gun, and that man I keep remembering who I do not want to be Niccolo.

“You don’t want me in that house,” he accuses.

“You’re right,” I declare. “I’m protecting Kayden’s privacy from a man who’s determined to destroy him.”

“I’m protecting Giada, a young woman who called me sounding frantic and worried. And I’m protecting you, even if you don’t see it yet.” He punches a number on the phone, obviously calling her, and at this point, I have to expect the worst from Giada. But if I stop him from calling, it will only make him more suspicious. Considering I don’t know the laws of Rome, I can’t be certain what will constitute his freedom to enter the castle, which means I can’t be certain what he will do next, either.

But remarkably, Giada doesn’t seem to be answering the call, and with each passing second, I can breathe easier, while Gallo’s jaw sets a bit firmer, until finally he removes the cell from his ear. “She didn’t answer, and my concern for her safety constitutes my right to enter the castle. We’re going inside.” He doesn’t wait for my agreement, walking toward the castle, and I tell myself Matteo is watching; he’ll stop Gallo before he gets too far. But what if he doesn’t?

I start to pursue while my cell phone rings. Praying it’s Giada and I can get her to call off Gallo, I glance at the caller ID and find Kayden’s number. I stop walking and punch the “answer” button to hear Kayden say, “Why the hell are you with Gallo?”

“He was standing in the driveway, intending to stop you from leaving, and you said people die when Raul gets uneasy. Kayden, listen to me. Gallo claims Giada called him, frantic over trouble in the castle.” Gallo starts up the front steps. “And right now, he’s headed to the front door with the intent of going inside.”

“Matteo won’t let that happen.”

“He has yet to show himself.” No sooner than I say the words, Matteo steps onto the porch. “Okay, I was wrong. Matteo just headed him off at the door.”

“And the police chief is about to call Gallo.”

“Thank God,” I say, air gushing from my lungs. “He’s trying too hard to get into the house for comfort.” I shove fingers through my hair. “I can’t believe Giada did this.”

“She’s a problem I can’t ignore any longer.”

“Aren’t you supposed to be in your meeting?”

“I’m about to walk in now.” He changes the subject. “You protected me and The Underground.”

“You doubted that I would?”

“You pulled a gun on me,” he reminds me yet again.

“Because of the blood, and the necklace, and the moment.”

“I can explain the photo.”

“Good. I want you to.” I glance toward the porch again, and report, “Gallo just gave Matteo his back and took a phone call.”

“Then it’s about to be over,” he says. “I have to go now, but if you need me, really need me, call me. I’ll find a way to answer. But be sure it’s an emergency—and take Giada’s damn phone from her.”

“Happily,” I say, and the idea of hanging up and maybe never seeing him again has me grinding out, “Don’t get killed. I’m the only one who can kill you. Understand?”