Page 39 of Monster in Disguise

"You remember the Guerras?"

"Yes," I reply, immediately recognizing the name of another powerful family in the city. Their longstanding feud with the DeVille family is notorious and has been known to escalate into violence.

"Well, let's just say our differences with them have exacerbated," Enzo reveals.

"I didn't know you were on bad terms with Guerra," I admit, surprised by this new information. While they may not have strong alliances with other families, their only known conflict was with the DeVilles.

Enzo lets out a grimace.

"I was supposed to marry Gianna Guerra. The contract was all but signed," he confesses bitterly.

"But you chose not to go through with it," I add.

"Yes, and they took great offense to that. They've been boycotting our businesses ever since."

"Why are you telling me this?" I ask, intrigued by where this conversation is headed. My dealings have never crossed paths with the Guerras and Valentino had always maintained a neutral relationship with them.

"Because someone we know is now in trouble with them. Someone who needs protection."

I gesture for Enzo to speak freely as we sit in the dimly lit study. The air is heavy with the scent of cigars and whiskey, a familiar smell that always reminds me of my father. I wait patiently as Enzo hesitates before explaining the situation.

"It has to do with your future marriage," he says, his voice low and grave.

I lean forward, intrigued. "Go on."

He takes a swig from his glass before pushing a letter towards me. I scan its contents quickly, my eyebrows furrowing in disbelief. It seems that the woman I am set to marry has killed a member of the Guerra family, and they want revenge.

Enzo confirms my suspicions, adding that it's even worse because the killer is a woman. They could not fathom that someone of the opposite sex would dare to harm a Guerra man.

"Why did she kill him?" I ask, trying to hide the spark of curiosity in my voice.

Enzo looks uncomfortable as he explains, "He was molesting her daughter."

I nod in understanding. No one could blame her for her actions if that was the case.

"But that's not all," Enzo adds gravely. He recounts how someone had desecrated the corpse and put it on display at the Sacre Coeur convent.

"And your sister helped her?"

I sputter in shock. Did I hear that correctly? My own sister aiding in such an act?

Enzo nods solemnly. "Yes. And now I fear for her safety within the convent walls."

"I'll take care of it," I state firmly, already planning to meet with Assisi to ensure my sister's protection.

"Now, onto our agreement." Enzo shifts gears back to business. "Given the situation at hand, I suggest you marry this woman and offer her your protection under your name."

I nod in agreement, feeling oddly pleased by this turn of events. A woman with a child is not some naive young girl, and I believe we will get along better because of it. Plus, her maturity will understand my boundaries and our marriage will not be a typical one.

"I was hoping you'd say that," Enzo smiles, relieved.

"Who is this woman you're talking about?" I ask, knowing that at this point, it's better to at least have a name to put to the face.

"My sister, Catalina." The moment he utters her name, I freeze. No... It can't be her.

"Your sister?" My voice sounds hoarse as I take a deep breath, trying to compose myself and not give away any emotions. "And she agreed to this?"

"Yes. She knows she's in danger, and she'll do anything for her daughter." Catalina... and she has a child. A small pang of heartache hits me at the thought.

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