“Can you tell me what’s going on? Are Luca and Ashton all right?”
“Sit.” He gestures to the chair across from his desk.
I don’t exactly feel like sitting, but I do as I’m told. My leg, however, bounces, seeming to have a mind of its own.
Dante steps around the desk, finding his own seat, his hands folded together as he places them on the desk.
“I’m not going to tell you what’s going on because it isn’t your concern. But I will say your father and my men are handling the situation. It would be best if you returned home tonight.”
“Please,” my voice catches in my throat, “you know something. I’m just … I’m worried about Ashton and Luca.”
Dante’s gaze tightens. “As am I. And I don’t need a teenage girl hanging around, causing me more grief.”
I don’t comment that I’m eighteen. While, yes, I’m still technically a teenager, I’m also an adult. That’s not a fight that I’ll win with Dante. “Sir, I’d like to stay the night. It’s late, and my father wouldn’t be pleased if Liam were to drive us back at this hour.”
Dante is silent, considering my request.
“As a favor to your father, you may sleep upstairs for tonight. I expect you to show Liam to a guest room, and it would be wise for you not to come out again until morning.”
“Of course, sir.” I stand and rush to the door.
“Nova.”
With my hand on the doorknob, I glance over my shoulder at Dante. “Yes?”
“If you remember anything else, it would behoove you to share those details with me.”
“Of course. There really isn’t anything more to share.” I hurry out of the Don’s office and catch up with Liam in the study, who is sipping a cup of tea.
“We’re staying the night,” I announce.
Halsey doesn’t look pleased. “It’s at Dante’s insistence,” I say, forcing a smile. “It’s late, and he doesn’t want us driving home at this hour.”
“I’ll show Liam to the guest room after he’s done with his drink.” I glare at Halsey, hoping he’ll get the message that he’s dismissed from babysitting duty.
Halsey nods and wanders off, which lets me breathe a sigh of relief.
“What’s going on? What’d you find out?” Liam keeps his voice low. He glances past me and I take a look over my shoulder as another guard, Nico, walks the hallway.
“Not much. Dante wanted to know what I heard when Ashton called. He seems concerned, and the fact my father isn’t home, and neither are Luca and Ashton—” I bite my bottom lip raw.
Liam smiles, but it’s forced. “Hopefully, it’s nothing. Just a misunderstanding.”
“They’re out on some mission Dante sent them on.” I stand and wait for him to finish the last of his tea before leading him up to the second floor, where the guest rooms and my bedroom are housed.
Sighing as I approach the guest bedroom, I ask, “Would you mind hanging out with me, at least until Ashton gets back?”
“Sure,” Liam nods. “Is this your room, or mine?”
“Yours, but you can come hang out in mine if you’d rather.” I shrug.
“Yeah, show me your bedroom.” Liam grimaces as soon as the words slip out. “Ashton is going to kill me. Unless, how about we hang out in his room? Do you know where he sleeps?”
Nodding, my eyes light up. “That’s a great idea. Then we’ll know he’s home.” I hurry to Ashton’s bedroom and grab a seat on the bed.
Liam grabs Ashton’s weekend bag, placing it on the dresser, making room for himself to share the bed with me.
I sit with my back against the wall.