Page 34 of The Last Vendetta

But why? No one would ever fucking explain why. “Because…?”

“I don’t remember the details, and whatever bad blood happened in the past hardly matters.” He glowered at the ceiling, as though he wished he could bore a hole through walls and scorch my mother in her room. “Because she will always make sure they remain enemies.”

I considered his perspective. “Wait. Has my mother accused the Bernardis of killing Father and drugging her?” He’d talked with her the most since she came home from the hospital, bossing him around. She banned me from “bothering” her during her unnecessary bedrest.

But that doesn’t make sense. The same drug was used on Luka, and that would have to imply that someone with the Bernardis wanted Luka dead.

“No. But she loathes them. Always has, for the ‘principle’ of it, as she says.” He lowered his head into his hand and rubbed his face. “Let’s say Renzo didn’t kill Rocco.”

I nodded.

“That fucker would still know something. Giovanni would too. Renzo’s been seeking answers, determined to figure out who killed his brother. He’s got to know something by now.”

If he does, how would we know? He wouldn’t dare sneak into the house again. Not after the uptick in security after Father’s death and Mother’s drugging incident.

“And I’m not sure I would trust what he says, anyway.”

I would. I do. It happened quickly, but I knew that Renzo wasn’t the enemy he should be. We were in this together, somehow, and I planned to consider him an ally until something or someone suggested I shouldn’t.

“Which is why I think you should try to spy on him.”

I blinked wide, staring at him. “Me?”

He nodded. “I received word that Renzo and Giovanni are meeting with the Romanos at the club.”

I didn’t need him to say which one. It was the neutral meeting grounds where all the Mafia men stopped to chat or see dancers. I’d found Renzo there, taking a chance that he might be there so I could tail him and hide and wait in his car.

“And…” I narrowed my eyes.

“Disguise yourself as a dancer.” He glanced around as though he worried someone could overhear. “And spy on them. The Bernardis and Romanos. Get information, Giulia. We cannot continue with this cluelessness.”

It sounded like a ridiculous plan, but as soon as I envisioned pulling this off, I was excited to take the risk. I wasn’t sure I could be a covert spy, but I would use this as an opportunity to get close to Renzo and speak with him.

“You want me to spy on the Bernardis meeting with the Romanos?”

He nodded. “Just listen in. We need answers, and I don’t know who else to trust to get them.”

“I’ll do it.” I wasn’t sure if I kept the excitement out of my reply, but I prepared to leave anyway. A former maid’s daughter danced there, and once I arranged to meet up with her, she quickly got me into a costume and helped me figure out which of the private rooms Renzo might be in.

Suited in a revealing outfit and hiding behind a masquerade-like mask, I joined the other dancer who’d been requested to that private room. As I followed her, nervous and excited, I worried that I couldn’t pull this off. Lap dances? Gyrating on men?

Whatever. I wasn’t a prude. While I had to remain a virgin until marriage, I’d seen my fair share of porn and naughty videos. My mother insisted on giving me an in-depth lesson of sex education when I was fifteen—to prepare me for what would be expected, she’d claimed.

Still, when the doors opened and I joined the other dance in the room, nerves hit hard.

The lamps were set low, but the spotlights blinded me. They were directed to the area between the lounge chairs where the men sat, and I knew that was where I’d be expected to perform.

Following the lead of the other dancer, I mimicked her swaying and sinuous motions. It was all a glorified attempt to grind against the man while thrusting my breasts out. Nothing too complicated.

The second I spotted Renzo, though, I lost my confidence.

He stared at me, locked on my eyes, and I watched as he tensed. His hands sat on the armrests and he dug his fingers into the plush surface. As he clenched his jaw, he exhaled short, quick breaths, nostrils flaring, fury shining in his eyes.

He’d spotted me, all too quickly, and I knew the ruse was up.

Nickolas was oblivious, seated across the open space. While I was grateful it was just the two of them here, with the standard pair of bodyguards standing in the back, Renzo’s presence threw me off.

I wanted to speak with him. I wanted to entice only him, but I was stuck in this role now.

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