Page 83 of Diavolo

"Yes, Dr. Romero?"

"Your apology was unnecessary. But appreciated."

Malina smiled gratefully. "I am glad."

Elyse smiled back. "Good night, Malina."

"Good night, Dr. Romero."

Once Malina was gone, Elyse answered her phone. "Hello?"

"Cuore mio." deep, husky voice instantly drew tremors of emotion from Elyse that she didn't want to feel. He stated bluntly, "Monte has told me everything."

"It seems the only time that man ever talks," she murmured, "is to snitch one me."

Ignoring her jab, Alessandro asked softly, "Are you alright?"

"I'm fine," Elyse replied in mild tones, "but Cara ended up in the hospital tonight. And I do not think your stepmother likes me."

Alessandro muttered, "Those women have always possessed a flair for theatrics. I am sorry I was not there to protect you from them."

For some reason, the sweetness in his tone pricked Elyse. Had he whispered this kind of shit into Mariposa and Cara's ears when they were together? Elyse didn't want to be treated like his other women. She didn't need him to be her sword and shield, either. What she wanted was to learn how to fight alongside Alessandro. Elyse insisted, "You can't always protect me. I'm going to be your wife. I must learn how to stand my ground. Especially when you're not beside me."

He sighed. "I know. And you did it beautifully tonight. You have made me proud."

This managed to soothe her irritation, slightly, but she still grunted with a touch of annoyance. Alessandro pleaded, "Do not be cross with me,cuore mio. I have had a long day. As have you. I only meant to say that I wish I could be at your side right now. More than anything."

Her expression softened. Begrudgingly, Elyse inquired, "How's everything going in Paris?"

"As well as I can hope, I suppose," he replied in careful tones. "I should be able to return to Palermo in six days' time."

The next question flew out of Elyse's mouth unwillingly, "Is Valentina with you?"

"Sì, she is here. In Paris."

Elyse bit back a scowl. "I see."

Alessandro seemed to sense her vexation. He rushed to explain, "She's here to serve her own agenda, and her agenda has nothing to do with ours."

"I see," Elyse scoffed.

An awkward lull dragged between them. Alessandro grumbled, "I take it that my past has finally caught up. Whathave the troublesome women in my life told you about me tonight?"

Elyse laughed. Somewhat evilly. "That's none of your business. Girl talk is sacred."

His voice grew taut and anxious. "Tell me what they told you."

Elyse paused to gather her thoughts. In truth, at the beginning of the party, before shit hit the fan, Cara's outlandish behaviorhadmade her jealous, but Elyse didn't wish to let the ugly green emotion come between her and Alessandro. Eventually, she answered, "Relax. Everything they said about you, I already knew. Besides, the past is in the past. I'm not interested in fighting over your exes. I'm only concerned about our future."

"You do not have to worry about our future."

"You sure?" Elyse murmured, "Because I intend to honor our marriage. I hope you'll do the same."

Her underlying meaning clicked for him instantly.

"I am loyal to you and only you," Alessandro vowed. "You may not trust me, but you can trust in my allegiance toCosa Nostra. Power. Image. Honor. They mean everything to my family and our allies. If I ever dishonor you, my wife, enemies will see the disconnect, and use it against us. I want us to become a united front. An unstoppable force."

"I don't know anything about honor in the mafia," Elyse remarked, "just don't fuck around on me, and I won't fuck around on you."

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