Page 35

I uncork the bottle, pouring us each a glass, and as we toast, she says, “I don’t know what you’re doing, but—”

“I know exactly what I am doing.”

“And that would be?” she asks, taking a small sip.

“Taking my woman out for dinner.”

“Your woman––quite audacious.”

“Quite factual.”

A soft laugh bursts out of her, and she shakes her head at me, but it’s more for show. There’s no place for fake incredulity left between us.

“I should have your information soon.”

Her elegant finger draws on the window, and she looks deep in thought.

“I swore my life and loyalty to another man, Enzo. Nothing will change that.”

Fucking Augustus, who I am pretty sure knows exactly who she is. My father said he never met someone more cunningthan him. People in his vicinity are just chess pieces on his board, and he moves them according to his will.

“Yet, you’re betraying said man right fucking now.” My voice is sharp as a blade, wanting to cut through her bullshit.

I toss the contents of the glass back, tapping a finger on my thigh, impatient for things to move further.

“I am not betraying him. Let’s get one thing straight. If he were the one to want you dead, you’d be long dead,” she snaps.

“So sure of yourself when you’ve had so many chances. God himself could have given you my name to eliminate, and the same shit would have happened. No one is more powerful than fate, and for some fucked up reason, I got yours intertwined with mine,” I snap back.

A headache throbs behind my temples, and I rub at one mindlessly, gesturing for Tomaso to put on my classical playlist. I hear how my sister hits every note. Dahlia’s bleeding herself dry over the keys. She could have been a pianist this world would have celebrated. Instead, she stays here, playing to small audiences. Our demons have a way of trapping us while we falsely believe we’re safe in our comfort zone.

“It’s beautiful,” Luciana says, the awe in her voice unmistakable.

“It’s my sister.” This is all I give.

She takes it as a sign not to dig deeper, yet I hear her whisper, “It wasn’t your fault.”

“You don’t know what happened.”

“I can imagine, as I am a woman. She’s stronger than you think she is. We all have to be.”

I know Dahlia’s strong. Maybe I am the weak one, not pushing to find out the gory details of her kidnapping by letting her keep it to herself. She lost something then, a part of her soul. After she returned, she was quieter and more withdrawn, and even her playing style changed. She takes you on a journey packed with heartache and anguish. Maybe that’s why I can’t watch her play. God knows how Mika can.

“It’s a man’s world, and a woman has to bend, scratch, and claw her way in to earn respect and her rightful place.”

“It’s a harsh world, Luciana. While I hear what you say, no one has it easy. Privilege has always existed. Some are born with it, some take it for themselves, but we all crave it.”

“True. Life is unfair. No one gets what they truly desire.”

“What is your deepest desire?” I ask, but deep down, I know she’s not ready to receive it. She made Augustus into this godlike presence in her life. But I’d be damned if I won’t dent that perception, shattering this fake idol before her eyes. No one will keep me away from her, and if I have to kill him myself, I will.

“What is yours?” she counters. Somehow, we move closer to each other.

I snatch her by the waist and pull her onto my lap. Caressing down her arms, I enjoy the softest skin I’ve ever touched.

“Do you really want to know? Because I always get what I want.”

“And that would be?” she asks in a raspy voice.