Page 43 of Claimed By the Enemy

He leads me to his study, a room lined with leather-bound books and expensive art. I remain standing while he settles behind his desk.

“Someone’s been sending me threatening letters,” I say without preamble.

“How unfortunate.”

“Anonymous letters. Promising to finish what happened between the Bellinis and Morettis.”

Caruso’s expression doesn’t change. “And you think I’m responsible?”

“You’re the one who told me to make Sophie disappear and the one who seems to think my marriage is a threat to the established order.”

“Your marriage is a threat to the established order.” Caruso pours himself an espresso from a silver service set. “That doesn’t mean I’m trying to kill you over it.”

“Then who is?”

“I have no idea.”

“Bullshit.”

Caruso’s cup pauses halfway to his lips. “Careful, figlio. You’re in my home.”

“And you’re lying to me.”

“Really?” He takes a sip, studying me over the rim. “Or am I simply choosing not to involve myself in matters that should have been resolved years ago?”

“What matters?”

“The same matters your father was investigating before he died. The same questions he was asking about loyalty and betrayal and who really controlled what.”

My blood chills. “What are you talking about?”

“Your father was a smart man, Domenico. But sometimes being smart isn’t enough. Sometimes the people you trust most are the ones who destroy you.”

“Are you talking about Marco Bellini?”

“I’m talking about truth. About the difference between what you’ve been told and what actually happened.” Caruso sets down his cup. “Your wife isn’t the only one who’s been living with lies.”

“Explain.”

“Some things are better left buried.”

“Not when those things are trying to kill me and my wife.”

“Your wife.” Caruso laughs, but his eyes stay blank. “Do you even know why you really married her, Dom? Or do you just tell yourself it was for protection?”

“I married her because-”

“Because you’re your father’s son. And your father could never resist trying to save people who were beyond saving.”

The words hit like physical blows. “Sophie isn’t beyond saving.”

“Don’t be silly, Dominic. She came into your life with one purpose: to destroy you. To finish what her family started sixteen years ago. And instead of eliminating the threat, youmarried it.” Caruso stands, moving to the window. “Your father made the same mistake. Trusted the wrong person. Believed he could change what couldn’t be changed.”

“What person? What are you talking about?”

“Ask your uncle, Dom. Ask Riccardo what really happened the night your parents died.”

Uncle Riccardo. The man who raised me after my parents’ death.