Page 127 of Mafia Kings: Valentino

“I’ll handle it,” he said as he gave his brother a warning look.

Niccolo immediately went silent.

Don Rosolini looked at me. “I need to see the contents of your bag.”

Alessandra stepped in front of me, shielding me from her husband. “Why?”

Don Rosolini glared at her. “The fact that Isaidso is sufficient.”

That didn’t satisfy Alessandra. “Tell me why you need to see her bag!”

Don Rosolini clenched his jaw, but he answered. “One of the servants reported that she thinks Caterina has come into possession of a great deal of money – more than she could have possibly saved while working here.”

Marianna!

I’d bet good money it was her.

She was the only one I’d told I was leaving. When she’d asked how I could just up and quit, I’d told her that I had some money saved. Apparently she’d been suspicious.

That back-stabbing BITCH!

I couldn’t see Alessandra’s face because I was standing behind her, but her voice was scathing.“That’show you occupy your time now – going around listening to servants’ gossip?”

“Donotdefy me, Alessandra,” Don Rosolini said coldly. “Caterina, open your bag.”

I watched as the two foot soldiers moved to either side of me –

And was sure I was about to die.

Alessandra kept looking at her husband, but she said calmly to me, “Open your purse, Caterina.”

My heart stuttered. “M-ma’am – ”

“Open your purse and show him.”

My hands trembled as I opened my bag –

Revealing a thick wad of bills with a rubber band around them.

“HA!” Niccolo said triumphantly.

“Igaveit to her,” Alessandra said.

His eyes opened wide. “…what?! Why?!”

“Why do youthink?So she can leave here and start a new life.”

Niccolo quickly got over his surprise and went back to being surly. “Servants are not allowed to leave our employ without the express permission of myself or the Don.”

“She hasmypermission.”

“That’s not enough,” Niccolo said with a trace of contempt in his voice, like he was talking to a child.

I had never heard Alessandra speak like she did next…

And frankly, it scared me a little.

“I am the wife of your Don,consigliere,”she said, her voice cold as steel. “You would do well to remember your place when speaking to me.”

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