Page 54 of Red

“What is he doing here?” Nico stood up from his spot at the table and positioned himself in front of Melinda.

She peeked around him. “I’ve seen him before,” she said. “At the party Erik took me to. They spoke.”

“It’s Bertucci.”

Melinda pushed her chair back to see him walking straight for them, his gaze locked on Nico as though advancing on an adversary.

“Nico.” Bertucci gave a curt nod.

“Mr. Bertucci,” Nico responded in kind. Neither of them offered a hand in greeting.

“Mrs. Rawling.” Bertucci leaned to the left to give her a smile.

Melinda moved to her feet, sidestepping Nico to present herself. “Hello.” She held out her hand, a small gesture meant to cool off the tension rising between them.

Bertucci took it, wrapping his fat fingers around hers. His palm felt cold and sweaty.

“We weren’t properly introduced at the Annex party. My name is Michael Bertucci.”

“I remember Erik telling me. It’s nice to see you again.” She forced civility to her tone, but her insides cringed. This man reeked of Old-World power and corruption. His faux pleasantries couldn’t hide the dangerous man beneath the false smile.

“I hope you enjoyed your dinner the other evening.”

“Oh! Yes. Thank you by the way.” Her cheeks heated.

“It was my pleasure. When I heard of your wedding, I was only regretful I was unable to attend. Your husband’s uncle was a close friend. It would have been an honor to see his nephew married, and to such a beautiful woman.”

Nico stepped closer to her, his shoulder pressed against hers.

“What brings you to the library of all places?” Nico sounded more like Erik with his hard tone. His alarm bells must have been sounding; she’d never heard him use that tone before.

“I’m checking out a book for my daughter,” he answered without looking away from Melinda. His gaze left a thin coat of slime behind.

Melinda eyed his hands, empty.

“You have been given a book deal, I understand. More congratulations are in order.”

Melinda’s spine tingled, sending a loud buzzing alert to her brain. No one outside the family knew about the publishing offer. Erik’s lawyers were still reviewing the documents.

“It’s in the very early stages,” Melinda acknowledged slowly, unsure of how to tread these new waters. She wasn’t used to word games or manipulations. A map should have been given to her with her new life. She had no idea how to navigate these roads.

“Congratulations anyway. You’re working here?” He gave a pointed look to her computer.

“Surrounded by books. What better way to create?” She forced a light touch to her words, suddenly wishing she’d found a dark corner of Erik’s house to work instead.

“Hmm.” Bertucci scanned her with his stoic gaze. He hid well behind his all-business appearance, but she sensed the anger in him. It rolled off him like the dense fog of early morning.

“I should probably get to work. It was nice seeing you again, Mr. Bertucci.” She kept her hands at her sides.

His gaze flicked to Nico.

“I expected a call from your brother, but he must not have my number.” He dug a business card from the inside pocket of his well-tailored suit and held it out to Nico.

“I’ll be sure he gets this.” Nico plucked the card from between Bertucci’s two fingers.

“Good.” Bertucci slung his sight onto Melinda. His lips curled inward with his forced grin. “It was a pleasure to see you again. I do hope your husband knows what a great treasure he holds. It would be a grave mistake to underestimate your worth, my dear.”

Bertucci inclined his head and walked away, leaving Nico and Melinda standing at the table watching him leave.

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