Page 91 of Monster in Disguise

My gaze moves further, and on each side of Benedicto are his sons, Michele and Rafaelo. I'm entirely surprised to see them calm in each other's proximity. I'd met both of them when I was younger, and their enmity was palpable even then. When Francesco had updated me with relevant information about the other families, he'd noted that the brothers' feud had only amplified over the years.

They are less than a year apart in age, but they have different mothers. Michele's mother died in childbirth, but she hadn't yet been cold in her grave before Benedicto wed Rafaelo's mother. That probably contributed to the conflict, though it didn't help that Benedicto wants to name Rafaelo as his heir, even though he isn't the firstborn.

"He looks like Father Guerra." I feel Catalina's slight tremble, and I tug her closer to my side.

"He can't hurt you," I tell her, and she gives me a tight nod.

At our entrance, all eyes are on us. Franco's lips immediately curl in disdain, and he leans in to say something to Benedicto, who puts his hand up in a stop sign.

Maybe he will keep his brother in line.

"They definitely look surprised," Enzo remarks ironically. He turns his head and notices the Marchesis with his wife in tow. He doesn't look too pleased by that fact, and he signals to us he's going to their side.

"Easy," I whisper to Lina as we step further into the room. She's trying hard to keep her calm, plastering a fake smile on her face.

"We can do this." She takes a deep breath. Just in time for Benedicto to come greet us.

"Lastra. Heard about your brother. My condolences." He extends his hand to me. My body immediately tenses.

"Pleased to meet you, Signor Guerra." Catalina grasps his hand before I can react.

Benedicto seems surprised, but he shakes her hand.

"And you, Signora Lastra. I've heard about your nuptials. Too bad it was such a small affair," he adds.

"We didn't want to involve too many people. Just friends and family. Besides, I've heard about your tragedy. Condolences for your loss." I hope my message is received. By being the first to bring up the subject, I can control the direction it will take.

"Indeed." Benedicto narrows his eyes at me, at the same time that his brother makes a go for me. Benedicto's arm shoots out, stopping Franco from advancing.

"We are all friends here, rightfratello?" His voice is tense as he addresses his brother, and he nods. Franco's eyes are still murderous as he looks at me, then at Catalina, and I know this is far from over. It's just too public right now.

"Right," Franco reluctantly agrees.

"Why don't you let your wife join the other women, and we can talk some business?" Benedicto nods towards the gaggle of women chatting at a nearby table.

I don't want Catalina anywhere out of my sight, so I try to respectfully decline.

"I'm not sure she would be comfortable."

"Bah!" Benedicto exclaims, and yells at one woman.

"Cosima, come here."

A woman in her forties joins us, sticking herself to Benedicto's side.

"What's wrong,amore?"

"Why don't you take Signora Lastra and introduce her to everyone?"

Cosima narrows her eyes at Catalina, and she doesn't seem too interested. But she puts on a smile and addresses her, anyway.

"Catalina, I'm Cosima."

My wife gives me a reassuring nod and moves to go to Cosima.

"Will you be ok?" I whisper in her hair, afraid to let her go.

"I'll be fine," she answers confidently.

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