Abducted By My Father's Best Friend (Taken)

I laugh. “Yes, exactly.”

Tony straightens up. “Well then, I insist you and your daughter stay in my home.”

“I’d love to. Why don’t we leave tomorrow?”

Mario and Tony stare at each other and then laugh. “You can’t travel on Sundays. No one travels on Sunday.”

“Oh, of course.” I smile, pretending this little faux pas will get laughed away.

They’re both a little drunk on wine and continue speaking in Italian to each other. I pretend they’re not talking badly about me, which I’m sure they’re not, but you never know when someone speaks in a different language around you.

Mario slaps me on the back again. “Tomorrow we pray, and then on Monday you travel to Rome to check on distribution.”

This gives me time to plan.

“Yes, we’ll take my jet.”

I smile. “Sounds perfect.”

I can’t wait to tell Mia.

Chapter 11

Mia

* * *

This party is kind of like something I would have planned myself. Although instead of having the bar inside, I’d have kept the bar outside, since most people are enjoying the beautiful weather. The view is gorgeous and definitely creates a nice backdrop to this party. I’d probably have a live band instead of a DJ, but either way this is a lot of fun.

I could see myself enjoying a life like this.

A large family, enjoying wine, laughing and dancing. It makes me want to get up and get out on the makeshift dance floor.

Instead, I’ve been trying to get close to Sebastian all night, but he keeps getting pulled in a million different directions.

He told me earlier he had to speak with me. And since then, I’ve been trying to get a second alone with him, but have failed miserably.

Enzo leers at me, scooting closer as we sit on the couch in the living room. His dark hair hangs low over his eyes and his bright pink Polo shows off that he’s a man who can pull off pink.

I’m sure Sebastian wouldn’t think so. Sebastian isn’t Enzo’s biggest fan, and I know it’s because he’s looking out after me, but a part of me wonders if Sebastian is jealous.

Maybe it’s just me hoping he is.

My thoughts drift back to the kiss he planted on me before we were rudely interrupted by Lucia.

I wanted so much more.

I wanted him to keep kissing me slowly.

“Want to go outside?” Enzo says, bringing me back to reality.

I yawn. “I’m actually getting a little tired.” Lies. It’s funny but Italy is completely invigorating. I feel like I possess this new sense of self worth. Like for the first time in my whole life I’m finally living the life I’m meant to be living.

Is it Italy? Or the kiss?

“No, you can’t sleep now. We still have more wine.”

Oh, Enzo take a hint.

I smile politely. “I’ll have to take a rain check. I can’t possibly drink anymore.”

“Do you need me to walk you back to the house?”

I glance around, looking for Sebastian. “My father can walk me home.”

“Your father needs to loosen up.” Enzo scoots closer.

“Why do you say that?”

Enzo leans closer. “He hovers over you like you’re a piece of meat.”

I lean away from him. “He’s just a little protective of me.”

“A little? The man gives you no freedom whatsoever. I’d love to get to know you more, maybe take you out while you’re here.”

“I won’t be here much longer. Maybe another week at the most.”

Enzo runs his hand along the back of the couch, inching closer. “Does your father allow you to date?”

I smile. “Of course, he does. I’m old enough for that.”

“How I see it, you’re old enough to do everything and your father should sit the fuck back and let you live the life you want.”

“You don’t think he does?” I don’t like hearing Enzo speak this way about Sebastian, even if Sebastian has gone a little more overboard than any normal father would.

He’s obviously protective of me because someone is after us.

“I don’t think he does. I imagine your father doesn’t let you out of his sight. I bet he intimidates all your boyfriends.”

“I don’t really date much.”

“Exactly, it’s because of him, isn’t it?”

I think back to my real life. I’m telling the truth when I say I don’t really date that much. And I wonder why I don’t. It’s because of Sebastian Cain. He’s been in my life since I was nineteen, and I’ve had a crush on him since day one.

I’ve never acted on those feelings though.

I told myself I never would.

Sure, I’ve thought about it countless times over the years. It’s hard to date someone when you’re hung up on someone else.

“Maybe he cares a lot.” Because the thought of Sebastian caring for me turns me on in the worst of ways.

Enzo smiles, his dark eyes shining. “I think he cares too much. Maybe he needs to get laid so he won’t be all up in your life. See,” he points across the house where Lucia hangs all over Sebastian. “I think he’ll be getting some tonight. He looks ready to go. He looks drunk.”