Page 27 of A Beautiful Crime

He may think he is God’s greatest creation but that means nothing to a Devil like me.

He stops just short of us, smart enough to leave space in case an altercation is to arise. He nods his head. “Constantine, surely you know this unscheduled visit is audacious of you.”

Luca is an Underboss and his tone, bold with authority proves that to be true. But I am not one of his soldiers nor one of his Capo’s.

I am fucking Constantine Donati and everyone bows before me.

“And if I am not mistaken I distinctly remember you having to address me as, Signore. Am I right?” I ask coolly.

Luca swallows and adjusts the undone cuff links on his shirt. Ah, another detail that isn’t of his character.

His jaw ticks as he nods his head. “Signore,” he begins after he has been corrected through terse lips, “may I ask why the visit at this ungodly hour?”

Pietro snorts, “Just the hour is ungodly?”

Luca’s eyes flash with annoyance. Before he lets it get the best of him he ignores Pietro’s existence and sharpens his gaze on me.

I hold my hand up to Pietro, a silent command for him to keep his mouth shut for now. Although it amuses me that Luca can be so easily disturbed now isn’t the time.

“I came to speak with your papa about Carina.” And that’s the only piece of information this fucker is getting out of me. I don’t have to explain myself to him, someone so below me that they aren’t even visible from how high I am.

“You mean Don Fiore,” he corrects me but I made no mistake.

I smile charmingly as I puff out a chuckle. “To you.”

“About Carina?” He questions with slight trepidation. Odd. Considering his behavior with her last night I expected perhaps a bored tone or one of annoyance.

I nod my head. “And I would like to discuss it now since I have come to a decision.”

He arches a brow. “You have?”

“Yes or I wouldn’t be here, now would I?”

“No, I suppose not,” he agrees flatly.

“Then are you going to stand here like a belligerent idiot or take me to Savio?” I insult him in the same way I do everyone, with a saccharine grin.

His jaw ticks as his face flushes. A sweaty lock falls across his forehead and he stiffly puts it back in place. As he does I see the stains of blood on his wrist. I narrow my eyes at the sight, and once he notices what I’m staring at he puts his hand down swiftly.

What are you trying to hide?

“Have I interrupted your night?” I nod towards the blood stain on his shirt that he can’t hide.

“Oh, that,” he says nonchalantly with a shake of his head. Then with a smile a tad too wide to be considered genuine he replies, “You know how work is.”

“Yes, I do,” I agree but I still carry my suspicions like a detective in an old time noir film.

His smile eases, appearing to be relieved. “If you follow me I’ll have you wait in the grand formal room while I tell Don Fiore of your request.”

“It’s not a request, Luca,” I tell him firmly. “I will see him tonight or my decision will easily change.” Luca grits down on his teeth but nods curtly.

He then leads us through their home and I’m bombarded by even more tacky and gotti interior furnishing and design.

For fuck sake.

I may go blind before I see the cunning bastard.

Opting not to sit on the stiff and uncomfortable looking couch I remain standing by the fireplace.

---