To Have and to Heist(97)
“Work with Gino,” he barked. “Find her.”
I didn’t want to work with Gino, but Gino said, “Come,” and I went because Gino wasn’t the kind of guy any sane person would refuse.
“Someone put balloons in front of the cameras at the back exit,” Gino said. “We had no visibility at the back door.”
“That’s unfortunate.” I met Gino’s fierce gaze with one of my own. After everything I’d been through in the lead-up to the wedding slash heist, nothing and no one could scare me.
“It’s convenient,” Gino said. “Not unfortunate. I don’t believe in fortune—good, bad, un, or mis.”
“I don’t think that take on prefixes really works,” I pointed out. “My mom is an English professor. I thought about being an English major, but it would have been a huge disappointment to my family. They wanted me to be a doctor. What did you study? Or did you go straight into intimidation?”
Gino wasn’t up for a conversation. “Where were your people when Bella went upstairs?”
“Running the wedding,” I said. “Rose was in the kitchen overseeing the food. DJ Ka-Poor was rocking the dance floor. Emma was taking a nap in the limo while she waited to drive the bride and groom to the airport. Gage was helping with the elephant. Chloe was doing a security sweep. And Jack was spritzing the flower arrangements to keep them fresh for the second meal. I have to say we’ve done an excellent job.” I also gave myself an A+ for excellent lying and quick thinking on the spot.
Gino folded his arms over his massive chest. “Didn’t do such a good job if you lost the bride.”
“Didn’t do such a good job as head of security if she managed to leave without being detected,” I countered with the same level of snark.
His eyes narrowed. “Are you saying she left?”
“Are you saying she didn’t?”
Who was this woman burning a terrifying armed Mafia guard without a trace of fear, and what had she done with Simi? I wasn’t scared of Gino. I was just annoyed that he didn’t seem to believe my lies.
“Are you mocking me?” His voice rose in incredulity, and really, it was incredulous. I was waving a red flag in front of a bull, heedless of the consequences.
“What do you think?” I folded my arms, mimicking his pose. “A bride goes missing, and instead of thinking wedding jitters, or maybe she needed some alone time, you’re treating me like I did something wrong. I’m the one who made this wedding happen. Why would I help her run away? Disappearing brides are bad for business. Not only would that worry potential clients, but it would also mean I’d have no one to give me a five-star review. Are you a contractor or an employee?” I didn’t wait for him to answer, because I didn’t really care how Gino made his living. I just wanted to keep him busy to give Bella the time she needed to get away. “If you’re a contractor, you’ll understand the importance of reviews. Instead of pointing the finger at me, you should really be looking for Bella or you might get a one-star review for losing the bride. You’ll never get another security gig. This could be the end of your career.”
“You’re a mouthy one,” Gino said. “I don’t like mouthy.”
“It’s unfortunate that we have to work together because I’m all mouth all the time.”
In retrospect, my clever comeback wasn’t quite so clever because Gino’s dark eyes smoldered, and not in a come-hither kind of way.
“It’s not just about Bella,” Gino gritted out. “She took something of value from Mr. Angelini.”
“What did she take? His honor? We both know she was being forced into the marriage. Is it really such a surprise that she might need more than a few moments to collect her thoughts before she leaves her family home with the man who called her a whore and attacked her wedding planners in a dress shop?”
A pained expression crossed his face and for a moment I thought he might actually care. “There is a price to pay for betrayal.”
My leg muscles tightened; my body ready to run. Would breaking into Mr. Angelini’s office be considered a betrayal? How about spiriting the bride away?
“Simi.” Jack stepped out of the shadows and draped his arm over my shoulders. “You’re needed in the kitchen. Who’s your new friend?”
“This is Gino.” I straightened, buoyed by his support. “He thinks Bella ran away from her own wedding. As if she could go anywhere on the property without being seen. She’s the bride, for goodness’ sake!”
Jack bellowed a laugh as if I’d said the funniest thing in the world. “I thought I saw her dancing in the tent. Was she wearing a green dress?”
Damn, Jack was quick with the lies.
“Yes, that’s her going-away outfit. She couldn’t decide between that and a pink Chanel.” I gave Gino my best fake smile. “Sounds like you just need to check the tent. Let me know when you find her. Maybe check the ice sculpture, too. She might have turned into a swan.”
Gino made a V with his fingers, pointed to his eyes and then at me before walking away.
“Did you see that?” I whispered to Jack. “Did he seriously do the ‘I’m watching you’ gesture with his fingers?” I looked up and shouted, “I see you, too.”