“I don’t know anymore. Everything is happening too quickly. Tessa showing up, Tino. I don’t know.” A knock on the door pulls my attention. Preacher strolls over and pulls it open just as Tino walks in.
“There are things about her you need to know,” he spits out quickly.
“No there isn’t. Whatever I want to know about her, I will learn on my own.”
“You don’t understand, Enzo!” he roars. What I understand is, he is jealous that he will never have her again. He’s angry that I took the one thing he’s always wanted and probably always had.
“I don’t think you understand, Valentino. If you continue to push this issue with me, you will find yourself on the losing end,” I warn him. He watches me, something settling his features.
“Is that so?”
“It is indeed so.”
“Why did you order those tests?”
“What tests?” Gaia asks looking between us.
“The bloodwork that he ordered while he was away,” Tino adds looking at me. Of course he wants to know. He has every right to know but not until I do. I can’t let this get out or it could ruin everything that I had planned.
“Why would you order bloodwork?” Gaia asks dragging her gaze back to meet mine. I run my hand over my face and crack my neck from side to side.
“Tell me you haven’t looked at him and thought something wasn’t right,” I say grabbing the bottle of Vodka from the desk and unscrewing the cap. Taking a long pull, they all watch me before turning and looking at Tino once more.
“You think he’s one of us,” Gaia adds softly.
“I’m not one of you,” Tino sneers.
“Are you not? Then do tell us Valentino why you look so similar to my sister? Why can I look at you and see her eyes if you are not related?” My anger begins to course through my veins, eating me alive.
“I am not one of you! Does that even make sense? Why would I be left for dead? If we share blood, I wouldn’t have been left to die on the side of the road!” Tino’s anger is warranted. I have to agree that if he was related that wouldn’t make any kind of sense but there is some sort of connection that I’m not seeing, I know there is.
“Nothing in my life makes sense anymore. The fact that my father is somehow involved with trying to kill my sister, you, Tessa! None of it makes sense but I can assure you that I will search until I find every answer I need.” Before anyone else can say a word, I storm from the office and down the stairs. I’m out the back door in no time, sucking air into my lungs. With my hands on my hips, I glace around my back yard. This is all a mess. Everything is.
“I don’t know what you’re thinkin’ but you can’t deny that man is related.” I look over my shoulder when I hear Switch. Nodding my head, I know he’s right but related how?
“I know. That isn’t what’s bothering me the most.”
“The girl?” Nodding once more he steps up next to me. “I can’t be much help there.”
“What happened?”
“Not a story I like tellin’. Let’s just say I loved someone too much.” He looks off in the distance as if he’s remembering. A pained look crosses his face.
“I’m sorry.”
“Nothin’ to be sorry for. Just think about what you’re doin’ with her. If you really see somethin’ in her, don’t let that go.” I watch him turn and walk away as I let his words sink in. I do see something in her but that doesn’t mean that I want to keep her. There are far too many things happening in my life, in my world right now. Adding a woman to my plate is not ideal.
Chapter Twenty-One
Tessa
Tino reaches over brushing a strand of hair behind my ear as I watch him. He’s so perfect. Why can’t I love him?
“Whatever you’re thinking about, stop.”
“I’m not thinking.”
“Yes, you are. I can see that look in your eyes, Tessa.” I give him a soft smile. Tino has always known me. He could see every part of me even before I could.
“I just don’t know what I’m doing anymore, Tino. I thought I could get in, find him and end it all. Now it’s just…”
“A mess.” Enzo’s voice floats through the room. I look over and see him standing in the doorway as I nod my head.
“What do you want now?” Tino asks him sounding exasperated.
“Are you questioning me in my own home?” Tino shifts ready to climb off the bed, when I grab his wrist to keep him in place.
“You have no business talking to me, Enzo,” I add.
“I have every right to talk to you. You are mine after all.” I’ve had enough. It isn’t Tino that gets up. It’s me. I’m off the bed and in his face in seconds. My hands are balled into fists at my side as I look up at his devastatingly gorgeous face.
“I’m not yours.”
“We’ve been over this,” he warns.
“I changed my mind.” Tino walks up next to me when Enzo moves. Grabbing Tino, he puts him in a headlock, choking him. Tino claws at Enzo’s arms trying to get himself free but he doesn’t let go.
“What the hell are you doing? Let him go!”
“I don’t think so. I’m sick of playing this little game with you. You want to keep changing your mind and it’s beginning to piss me off, Tessa!” He growls loudly. I look from his face to Tino’s as it reddens from lack of air. This bastard. I can’t believe he’s doing this.
“Let him go!”
“Not a chance in hell. It’s better if he’s out of the picture,” he adds keeping his eyes on mine. I don’t have much time. The fight is leaving Tino as we speak.
“Fuck! Fine! Now let him go!” Enzo drops Tino to the floor, where he gasps for air, holding his throat. I drop to my knees next to him, running my hand through his hair. He slaps my hand away much to my surprise.
“Tino,” I say softly.
“No. No more of this shit, Tessa. I’ve had enough. I don’t care what he does to me. You make a choice. Now!” I jolt, shifting back a little as I stare at him. He can’t seriously be doing this right now.
“What do you mean?”
“I know you’ve been fucking him, Tessa! What the hell, do you think I’m blind?” shaking my head slowly, he knew all this but why now? Why is he doing this now?
“Don’t do this, Valentino,” I warn him shoving to my feet. He does the same looking between me and Enzo.
“He isn’t letting you go.”
“And I’m not letting you go.”
“Like hell you aren’t!” Enzo roars. I turn to look at him and the anger, rage on his face surprises me.
“You have to stop this,” Tino adds.
“You’re my best friend!” I scream turning toward him.
“And I always will be but that’s it isn’t it? I was never more than that for you.” The sad reality sets in as my stomach drops. He’s right. He was just there and I used him but that doesn’t mean I want to lose him now. I can’t. Tino has been everything to me.