Chapter 73 - Mariano

My first reaction is to shoot her a confused glance. She gasps as if shocked at what she has done, her hand—the one she slapped me with—curls into a fist at her side. I know she didn't mean that, but the anger and pain are apparent on her face.

I wipe my thumb on the corner of my mouth. It's bleeding. I'm still stunned at what's happening I don't really know what to say. I'm still waiting for who will tell me what the fuck is going on. From my periphery, Enzo is also quite shocked and he's rooted in place, unsure of what to do.

Riri sniffs. "Where were you? And don't you dare lie to me, Mariano."

God. I fucking hate that name on her lips now. It feels so foreign to me even though I've been called that for decades. "I was in Davenport like I told you yesterday. Why would I lie about that?"

"Bullshit! You're telling me you weren't in New York?"