Page 64 of His Passerotta

“She’s terrified,” I say, amazed at the uncharacteristic cluelessness coming from him. He isn’t good with empathy, but he knows how to read body language better than anyone I know. “Not everyone finds kidnapping to be a normal occurrence.”

“Well, this is twice in a week for you, isn’t it?” he asks her.

She nods.

“Lorenzo,” I scold. “She doesn’t want to go to a party right now.”

His face falls like he’s trying to look apologetic. “I’m sure that’s true. Bailey, I’m very sorry if those barbarians frightened you, but as Anthony said, you’re safe. However,” his eyes move to me, “Now that we have an apparent spy, it’s likely Settimo will wonder why he doesn’t know about her. Perhaps it’d be a good idea to jump in front of this?”

Oh… Shit, he’s right. I forgot about Settimo.

How understanding would he be if he knew about this?

Not very.

He’s no danger to Bailey. He wouldn’t hurt a woman I care about, but he would make me hear about this for the rest of my life. I can already hear the word weak in his voice.

Or, I could just lie. Do as Lorenzo is suggesting. Introduce her like I’ve known her all along instead of happening across her while she was intruding on a meeting he never wanted me to have. And then, like the softy I am, falling for her.

Have I fallen for her? Is that accurate?

The thought gives me pause, but I push it out while I try to decide what to do.

I like the lying option.

Turning to Bailey, I take her arms. “You do not have to do this… But it would be nice to show you off a little. If you’re up for it.”

Her eyes widen like she can’t believe I’m seriously asking this of her. Fair enough.

She looks down at her casual dress with a cardigan hanging loose around it. “Reception, like a wedding reception? I’m not dressed for that.”

“You look beautiful,” I say, lifting her chin up to stop her from studying herself. “It’s a nice reception, but the crowd is mixed with a lot of casual people. You’re not that underdressed.”

“My face is probably a mess.”

“So take the makeup off.”

“I…” Her mouth hangs open as she considers it.

“It would be so nice if you could join us, Bailey,” Lorenzo says. “I would love the opportunity to get to know you better, and I know my older brother would too.”

Her face flushes as she glances at me. “The don?”

“Does it matter?” I ask with a shrug.

From the look on her face, I’d say it does. Still, she doesn’t shoot it down. Her throat moves as she swallows, and when she looks at me, she gives a strained, nervous smile. “Sure, why not?”

16

BAILEY

Music filters into the hall outside the reception. I don’t recognize the song, but it has a nice beat to it, and it isn’t very formal. Let’s hope that carries over into the rest of the setup because I’m not even close to dressed for a wedding reception. I’m not even wearing makeup anymore.

But honestly, of all the reasons I shouldn’t be here, one of the last is my appearance. I don’t know why that’s what’s on my mind.

I was just kidnapped. Again. By a guy who very clearly wanted me dead.

How can I be so calm? How can I be thinking about makeup?

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