Page 16 of Savage Union (Rosso Mafia #1)

"Elena," my mother chides.

"No, it's a fair question." I meet my cousin's gaze steadily. "I'm making the best of the situation."

"Hmm." She doesn't look convinced. "Well, at least he's hot. There's that."

Despite everything, I choke on my water. "Elena!"

"What? He is. In that 'might murder you in your sleep but you'd die happy' kind of way." Her dark sense of humor has always been her coping mechanism, but this hits too close to home.

"Can we talk about something else?" I plead. "I want to hear about what you've been up to."

Elena launches into a deliberately outrageous story about her latest dating disaster, clearly trying to lighten the mood.

Sofia giggles at the appropriate moments, while my mother looks alternatively scandalized and amused.

It feels almost normal, this family lunch, and I find myself relaxing slightly.

As dessert is served, I excuse myself to the restroom. Elena immediately stands as well. "I'll come with you. Girl talk."

Once safely inside the luxurious bathroom, Elena checks under the stalls before turning to me, all humor gone from her face. "Spill. Now. What happened with Liam?"

I check for cameras—none visible, but that doesn't mean they're not there. I turn on the water faucets for background noise.

"Liam's plan didn't move fast enough. Vito killed my father before Liam could." I keep my voice low. "Now I'm stuck in this situation, and the Irish think I betrayed them."

"Shit." Elena runs a hand through her short hair. "Liam's been asking about you. Like, a lot. And not in a friendly way."

Fear twists in my gut. "What did you tell him?"

"Nothing useful. Said I hadn't heard from you." She leans against the marble counter. "But he's not giving up, Rina. Word is he's making moves against Vito's territory. It's getting dangerous."

"I need to contact him," I say. "Explain what happened."

"With what? Your calls are probably monitored."

"That's why I need your help." I glance at the door, making sure we're still alone. "I need your phone."

Her eyebrows shoot up. "Are you insane? If Vito finds out?—"

"He won't." I step closer. "Please, Elena. I just need to send one message to Liam, make him understand I didn't betray him."

"And what happens when he texts back? Or calls? Vito will notice if you're holding a phone he didn't give you."

"I'll delete everything after I send the message. Please."

She studies me for a long moment, then curses under her breath. "Fine. But if this gets back to me?—"

"It won't," I promise. "I just need five minutes with it before we leave."

Elena sighs dramatically. "The things I do for family." She pulls her phone from her purse, showing it to me. "It's unlocked. Be careful."

"Thank you."

We return to the table, and I notice Elena strategically placing her purse near my chair, the phone partially visible. Now I just need a distraction to get Dante looking the other way when we leave.

Lunch continues, the conversation carefully avoiding anything too sensitive. As we finish our coffee, I see Dante check his watch through the glass panel in the door.

"I think our time is almost up," I say regretfully.

"So soon?" Sofia's face falls.

"We'll do this again," I promise, though I have no idea if Vito will allow it.

As we gather our things to leave, I stage a small commotion, knocking over my water glass. "Oh, sorry!"

Everyone jumps up, napkins at the ready. I call to Dante, who opens the door immediately. "Can we get some help here?"

He signals to a waiter, and in the momentary confusion, I slip Elena's phone into my purse. She catches my eye briefly, a silent acknowledgment passing between us.

The waiter cleans up the spill while Dante handles the bill. I watch with interest as he pulls out a black credit card.

"Is that Vito's card?" I ask innocently.

Dante glances up. "Of course."

"Hmm." I tap my chin thoughtfully. "You know, I could really use some new clothes. This outfit is nice," I gesture to the elegant ensemble Vito provided, "but it's not really my style."

Dante's eyes narrow suspiciously. "What are you getting at, princess?"

"Shopping," I state simply. "Since we're already out, and Vito did say I'd need things for 'public appearances.'" I mimic Vito's formal tone on the last words.

Dante looks torn, clearly weighing his instructions against the potential risk. "I'd have to clear it with the boss."

"Go ahead." I gesture magnanimously. "Call him."

To my surprise, he does, stepping away to speak privately. I use the moment to hug my family goodbye, whispering urgently to Elena, "I'll get it back to you somehow."

"Be careful," she whispers back. "Liam is dangerous when he's angry."

I nod, then pull back as Dante returns, looking slightly annoyed. "Boss says it's fine. One hour, two stores maximum."

I can't hide my surprise. "Really?"

"Don't look so shocked, princess. He did say he was giving you more freedom." Dante shrugs. "But I pick the stores, and everything gets approved by me first."

"Fine." I'm too pleased with this unexpected victory to argue the details.

As we say our final goodbyes, Elena hugs me tightly. "Don't do anything stupid," she murmurs.

"No promises," I whisper back.