Page 16 of Bound By Honor

Dominic stands slowly, his napkin falling to his plate. “Aurora, go to your room. Luciano, my study. Now.”

“Dom—” Aurora starts to protest, but I catch her eye, giving a slight shake of my head. She subsides, though I see the rebellion simmering in her gaze.

Alessandro’s quiet chuckle follows us out of the dining room. “Sweet dreams,Principessa.”

In Dominic’s study, the tension thickens. He pours two fingers of scotch, not offering me any.

“Explain,” he commands.

“There’s nothing to explain.” I keep my voice neutral. “I’m doing my job.”

“Are you?” He turns, studying me with hard eyes. “Because from where I’m standing, it looks like you’re getting awfully... personal with my sister.”

“You know me better than that.”

“Do I?” He sets his glass down with careful precision. “The Luciano I know wouldn’t let emotion cloud his judgment. Wouldn’t put himself in compromising positions.”

“Nothing is compromised.”

“No?” His laugh is harsh. “Then why did Alessandro find you alone with her in the garden the other night and now at your place? Why are there whispers about private moments in your study?”

Ice slides down my spine. “He’s manipulating you, Dom. Can’t you see that?”

“What I see is my most trusted man and best friend growing distracted.” He moves closer, his voice dropping. “Fix it, Luciano. Whatever this is with Aurora—end it. Now.”

“There’s nothing to end.”

The lie tastes like ash on my tongue. Dominic studies me for a long moment before nodding slowly.

“For your sake, I hope that’s true.” He turns back to his desk. “You’re dismissed.”

The drive to my penthouse feels endless. My phone buzzes—a message from Aurora.

Aurora

We need to talk. Meet me in the garden in an hour.

I should ignore it. Should maintain distance, rebuild the walls Alessandro’s words have cracked. Instead, I find myself typing.

Luciano

Too risky. Come to my penthouse.

The response is immediate.

Aurora

On my way.

An hour later, the elevator dings. Aurora steps out, moonlight from the floor-to-ceiling windows painting her in silver and shadow.

“Papá, Aurora is here!” Luca’s excited voice breaks the tension. He launches himself at Aurora, who catches him with practiced ease.

“Hey,piccolo.” Her smile is genuine, warming something in my chest. “Ready for that story you promised to show me?”

I watch them settle on the couch, Luca’s favorite book open between them. Her voice is soft as she reads, one hand absently stroking his dark curls.

Later, after Luca is asleep, Aurora finds me in the kitchen.

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