Page 18 of Milo

"Not relevant," I repeat his words. This angers him like I knew it would.

"What makes you so confident that you are correct in your...assessment?" He takes a purposeful stride toward me. "Tell me."

I shrug. "A party trick."

"Kiara…” His eyes darken. "Do not play games with me."

"If I were playing a game, Mr. Di Vaio. I believe this would be checkmate."

He stares at me warily, uncertain of how to react. He can either move past this, sticking with his story, or acknowledge that I'm correct.

"I am a businessman, Kiara," he says, unfaltering in his lie. "That is all you need to know."

So predictable already.

"So, what is it that you want me to do for you, Mr. Di Vaio? You speak Italian so obviously I'm no use for you here. If I'm going to be assisting you with business abroad, shouldn't I have the basic facts of who I'm going to be dealing with?"

He sighs.

"I have business partners across Europe, our...relations are unfriendly at the moment," he explains, avoiding giving away too much information. "You will accompany me on several trips and ensure that what they say to me in English is what they say to each other in their native tongues. Similar to the unfortunate incident at the bank."

"So, I'm a spy now? Lovely. That always ends well."

"There is always a risk in business. It is inevitable."

I scoff. "Your business is a bit riskier; don't you think?"

He ignores me, retrieving a document from his desk. He holds it out. "I had an employment contract drafted for you in case your family and friends ask questions. You can make copies if you'd like."

"That won't be necessary, Mr. Di Vaio. I don't have anyone to file a missing person's report."

"Your grandmother?" He frowns. "Will she not worry?"

"Well, she's dead so no I don't think she will.”

He purses his lips in thought. "You have seen a lot of death.”

I blink. "I imagine you have as well."

His gaze flickers to the portrait above his desk as he stiffens. "Yes. I have."

I wonder how many of those deaths were a result of his gun.

"Well, at least we have one thing in common," I note wryly, getting tired of standing. "So, when do we leave to go.... wherever it is we're going?"

It takes a moment for Milo to recover. His father and brother must have meant a great deal to him. But when you're born into a life of crime, is death really that rare?

"I will be traveling to Sicily for a week on Sunday," he finally says. "In which time you will complete self-defense and weapons training."

My mouth hangs open. "What? Why do I have to learn self-defense?" I toss him a sly smile. "Losing confidence in your ability to keep me safe already?"

"My business partners are dangerous men, Kiara. If I'm unable to protect you, you need to be able to protect yourself."

"Dangerous business partners, hey?" I cross my arms. "Is that a norm in the hospitality industry?"

He casts me an unimpressed glare. "I am serious, Kiara. You will train with Giovanni every day until I deem that you are prepared to enter this world. No sooner."

"I'm a quick learner.” I know that I should heed his warning but for some reason, I'm not scared. "I'm sure it'll be a breeze."

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