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"That was unfortunately my choice."

Cesare frowns."Nonna—-"

"We both know I am solely to blame for what happened today,"La Stregasays sharply. "I thought it would be safer and less conspicuous if you were to drive out of Boston without security.I also mistakenly assumed that they would not dare attack you in a neutral territory like Providence—-"

"Essato," Cesare says. "What happened was not your fault. It happened becausetheywere stupid enough to break the rules, and even more stupid to go after us without being able to finish the job."

The older woman looks at me. "I am sorry,bambina. Never again will you come into harm while under my watch—-"

I open my mouth to tell her that I'm not blaming her at all, but when she raises her hand in a halting gesture—-

Gotcha.

If she wants me to shut up, then I'm shutting up.

"It is what I owe you,bambina,and a Marchetti always pays his debts, you understand?"

"Yes, ma'am."

A faint smile touches her lips, and both of us share a moment of déjà vu.

Gosh.

I know it was just this morning I was nervously seated in her office, but those memories honestly feel like they happened a lifetime ago.

"Now, then..."La Stregaglances at the others. "I assume you already know Giancarlo and Sarica?"

"Um, yes—-"

"Dare I hope she's introduced herself properly?"

Sarica makes a face. "We all know what you're really asking,signora,and to answer your real question—-yes,I did tell Penelope I'm Giancarlo'sfidanzata...for the time being."

I nearly choke at her daring...while the rest of the Marchettis are acting like they haven't heard anything out of the norm.

Huh.

Cesare's grandmother then motions to the only member of her family that I've yet to meet.

"Penelope, may I introduce you to another grandson of mine? Massimo is also twenty-eight like Cesare. Growing up, they were like twins, albeit of different mothers."

"Ciao,Penelope," Massimo drawls with a lazy smile. "It is nice to finally meet you, and if you have any second thoughts about Cesare, you may be pleased to know that we have one other brother—-"

"Fuck off, Mas," Cesare snaps, but this only has his brother smirking.

"What did I say,fratello? I told you, didn't I? You'regeloso—-"

I bite my lip hard.

No, no, no.

I'm pretty sure I've heard his brother wrong—-

Cesare tips my chin up. "Penelope?" The frown in his voice tells me he's somehow sensed the change in my mood. "What is it? Is something wrong?"

"Um..."

"You can tell me anything."