Page 6 of Twisted Vows

Movement catches my eye. Sal Santoro strides toward the exit, his jaw set, his hand gripping his phone like it holds secrets too volatile to stay in this room. He doesn’t glance back or acknowledge anyone as he shoves the door open and disappears into the night.

Alexey notices too, his gaze narrowing. “Handled?” he repeats softly, the word dripping with skepticism.

My attention snaps back to Nikolai, who hasn’t stopped smiling, and I catch the faintest twitch at the corner of his mouth. He’s hiding something.

“Handled,” he repeats.

I exchange glances with Alexey, both of us thinking the same thing.

After he leaves, my brother turns to me with a raised eyebrow, his expression as unreadable as ever. He doesn’t say anything, but the question is clear: What isn’t he telling us?

I shake my head slightly, signaling that it’s too soon to tell but that we should remain vigilant. The interaction leaves me with a lingering sense of unease. Our cousin is trusted, so his reticence, coupled with the growing threats from the Cartels and the delicate balance of the alliance, creates a perfect storm of uncertainty.

Every instinct tells me something is coming, something that could upend everything we’ve worked for.

CHAPTER THREE

You can be a victim once. After that you’re a volunteer.

Ari

“The tornado is behaving,” my brother announces as he appears beside me.

“I’m the least of your problems.” I glance around the room, taking note of the variouscaposwith their hands on their holsters. “What was the scuffle about?”

“Territory dispute,” Franco replies sharply. “Fools. Now, they both lose. The last thing André wants is blood spilled during a party celebrating his second year as the head of the Five Families.”

“Doesn’t really sell the whole; I’ve got everything under control narrative.” My brother moves closer. “If you’re going to remind me to behave, don’t bother. Ma gave me a scathing lecture this morning.”

Franco places a hand on my shoulder. “We already have enough going on, so don’t act out and give anyone the idea that we’re weak.”

I look up at the man who holds my future in his hands. “Don’t marry me off, and I promise to behave as well as a nun.”

“Show me you can control yourself, and I will consider it.”

Is it possible that my mother was incorrect, and Franco has yet to decide my fate? His expression gives away nothing. Which isn’t surprising given that he’s always ten steps ahead of anyone.For all I know, the marriage contract is signed, and his speech is meant to get us both through the evening unscathed.

I tip my head. “I’m off to play the dutiful princess.”

“Despite what you may think, I don’t enjoy this.” His jaw ticks. “Don’t make this harder than it already is.”

I move away before I can make a sharp retort. Harder for who? Him, playing chess with my life? Or me, the one being sacrificed?

I cut through the crowd and feel like a caged animal as gazes slide against my skin and whispers follow as I stand beside a table.

“Another glittering night,” a soft voice says, pulling me from my thoughts. I turn to see my cousin Luna.

“Hello, beauty.” I link our hands. We’re the oldest unmarried Bianchi women and, like all coveted treasures, share the burden of constant scrutiny.

“Another night. Another celebration. And more lies.”

Shocked that my perfect cousin would say such a thing, I squeeze our fingers together. “Whatever it is, you can talk to me about it.”

“I love you too much to do that.”

I study her beautiful face and see sadness lurking in her expression. “Does this have anything to do with the dark-haired prince from the Emerald Isle?”

“The Irish are our enemies, so that’s impossible.”

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