Page 39 of Precious Hazard

Before I can say anything, DeVille’s hand falls away. The loss of that contact chills me.

Confused by the myriad of emotions overwhelming me, I turn back to face Drago. As my brother pulls me into his arms, an all-consuming warmth, something I’ve always connected with safety and home, envelops me.

“Okay, sis,” he whispers as he drops a kiss on the top of my head.

I pull back, searching his eyes. What am I looking for?

“Okay?” I choke out. That’s all he has to say?

“You’re right. You can make your own decisions, Tara. That’s what you want, isn’t it?”

“Um… yes?” Why did that come out like a question?

Warm lips graze my forehead this time. “I hope you won’t regret your choice.”

Panic and sheer terror at what I’ve done turn my stomach as my brother takes a step back. He’s letting me go. Allowing me to marry DeVille. Despite everything I said, I guess I figured he’d still “save me” from this mess somehow. Just as he’s always done.

Has Drago finally decided I’m beyond saving?

Twenty-four hours earlier

Naos

“You’re looking good, Ajello,” I say while bringing a glass of whiskey up to my mouth to hide my grin.

Three long, freshly made scratches mar his jaw. Based on the shape and spacing of the thin red lines, I’d say the markings were done by a small animal. My guess, the endless war between the don and his wife’s demonic cat has reached new heights. At this rate, the feud is turning into an urban legend, leaving some of us eager to see who’ll come out on top. There might even be a pool happening. In certain circles.

“Life treating you well, I assume?”

“Perfect, actually,” he replies, his gaze intensely focused on my forehead. “Love what you’ve done with your eyebrow. A new trend among the bikers, perhaps?”

I run my hand over my brow, and my palm comes away smeared in pink goo glinting with tiny gold sparkles. Sienna’s latest purchase: theSuper Sparkling, Long-lasting Lip Gloss. They got that one right.

Awesome.

“Yeah. It’s the newest craze.” I grin.

This idle chitchat isn’t fooling me for a minute, and I can’t help but wonder what the hell the Italian don’s scheme is this time. And why exactly is he sitting in my club?

If my memory serves me right, Salvatore Ajello has set foot in Naos only once. A year ago. To discuss the renewal of our collaboration. That’s when he offered Sienna DeVille to me as a wife, to sweeten the deal. Having him across from me again,while we sit in the same booth, gets my mind spinning over what devious plan he’s cooked up now. Especially since he insisted on meeting face-to-face. Just the two of us.

“What brings you here, Ajello?”

“A delicate family matter, if you must know. One that I need you to hear me out on. Don’t go off the rails and start killing the parties involved, as I expect you might be tempted to do. Listen to the reasons for what I’m about to tell you, and I’m certain you’ll understand that there are benefits for both sides.”

I narrow my eyes. “Stop your cajoling, Ajello, and just spit it out.”

“I’m concerned about a friend of mine, so I suggested that he should get married.”

I shake my head. What’s with Ajello and his recent obsession with getting everyone around him hitched? Is arranging marriages a new hobby of his, or is he just bored? A man like Salvatore Ajello, with nothing productive to do, is a serious threat to society. God only knows what crazy ideas might pop into his head. But if he has developed a sudden interest in matchmaking, I can get Adam to contact a buddy of his who runs a local radio station. Maybe Ajello could get his own show? Mm-hmm. Nightly dating advice from the Cosa Nostra don. Live, on air. I snicker inwardly, imagining it.

“You free on Thursday evenings?” I ask.

“No. Why do you ask?”

“No reason.” I shrug. “So, why come to me? You want to book Naos to hold the celebration? Looking for a friends and family discount for these poor souls getting blissfully wed? Who are they, by the way?”

“Arturo and your sister.”