Page 8 of Sins

“Sienna had no control over who she was; I would never hold that over her.”

“Perhaps, but let me ask you this.” I couldn’t believe I was speaking so freely with this man. He could snap his fingers and end my existence. “When you first found out, weren’t youshocked? Didn’t a sliver of doubt ever run through your mind that maybe, just maybe she wasn’t who you thought she was? What if she was just playing a game with you for years?” I stopped myself at his raised eyebrow. I’d already said too much.

He smiled and shrugged. “So, you have heard the story.” He put a hand on my arm. “I would be lying if I said there wasn’t a moment of doubt in the beginning, but that’s to be expected. I’m only human. Not to mention my responsibility to protect my people.”

“And no one should ever think to judge you for that, Mr. Capri. I mean Elio,” I corrected myself when he gave me a look. “So, you see why I’m standing back here on this day of all days. They only just got confirmation it was my father who did it. There’d be some doubt there, wouldn’t there? In the forefront of their minds?” I looked down as my chest squeezed tight. “The way Laurel looked at me yesterday,” I cleared my throat, “it broke a tiny piece of me.”

“And what about Grim? How does he look at you?”

“With regret,” I answered honestly.

I caught movement and nearly passed out as my father, mother, and Calli came through the doors dressed in their finest. Dad looked in the direction of the family pew and seemed to think twice about sitting there. He steered them all into seats farther back.

I noticed Elio caught Trigger’s look and something passed through them, but as fast as I felt it, it was gone.

“Can I ask you something, Elio?”

He looked straight ahead. “Of course.”

“I just hope my mother didn’t know anything.” Elio peered down at me and gave me a puzzled look. “I feel like a loose balloon stuck on a tree branch about to pop. I’m close with my mom, and I need to know I can trust her.” He shifted uncomfortably. I felt weak in the knees.

“It’s difficult to say if she could have known about the hit on Grim. I certainly can’t comment on their relationship. Perhaps you should talk to your mother.”

“Great.” I felt myself invert even further.

“Perhaps a good friend, then? Minnie and Tess are there if you need someone. Both of them are good people.” I nodded with an attempt at a smile.

Elio looked over as the priest entered and asked everyone to take their seats. The service was about to begin. Elio pointed for us to sit in a half pew off to the side.

“No, please, be with your friends.” I pointed to Trigger and the others.

He ignored me and moved to the pew and waited for me to sit down then he slid in beside me. “I am,mia amica.”

“Thank you, Elio.”

The service was beautiful and filled with stories of Leo and how he brought laughter to everyone’s life. I was pleased that Elio took my arm and walked with me to the reception after.

“Hey, sweetie,” Minnie wrapped a loving arm around me, “I’ve never been one to beat around the bush, mainly because I’ve never had one, but how are you dealing with all this?” She nodded toward my father, whose dress shirt did nothing for his weight problem.

I grimaced. “Just trying to digest it all.”

Elio excused himself to go to speak to someone.

“God, that man is sex on a stick,” Minnie sighed. “We’re going back to my club after this to toast Leo. You’re coming.” She rested her head on my shoulder. You’d have known if you answered my calls.”

I felt like a shitty friend, but I also suddenly felt like an outsider looking in at my life. “I’m sorry.”

My father caught my attention. It seemed he’d finally gotten up the nerve to speak to Jim and Laurel. I held my breath,curious what might happen, but the Gateses stayed true to their word and played it off well.

“Breathe, Kenna,” Minnie reminded me. “You have friends all around you.”

“It’s not that. I’m worried about?—”

She cut me off. “You know your father.”

“No, it’s not that.” I waved my hand at her. “What if my mother’s involved?”

“What? Oh, good God.” She patted my arm. “I can’t imagine.” She chewed her cheek for a beat. “I guess only time will tell. I’m so sorry sweetie. I hadn’t even gone there.” Minnie spotted Brick, who beckoned for her to join him. “Look, hang in there, okay? See you tonight?”

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