Page 79 of Promise Maker

“Scusate!” He turns andbolts to his worn car, speeding off down the hill.

“Fuck,” Father curses while staring atSante’shead. Then he says to Rodrigo, “Find Vincenzo. Tellhim to watch out.”

“Sì, Signor.” Rodrigogets on his phone immediately and starts for one of the cars.

I motion to another guard to clean up the head,and Father and I walk back to the house.

Francesca and Mother are in the main entry.

Solari isn’t.

“Who was it this time?” Mother asks, fanning herflushed face with both hands.

My father steps closer to rub her arm. “It’sSante. He was tracking Luca.”

“Quel bastardo,” Francescagratesbitterly.

“Where’s Solari?” I ask.

She motions behind her. “In the piazza. The poorgirl is horrified.”

“She’s not used to this life,” Mother reminds us.“I feel sorry for her.”

Sighing, I veer out to the piazza whereSolari’spacing and wringing her hands.

“Sol…”

As she turns, a sharp pain grips my chest. It isdamn near shattering to see the tears on her face.

“Tha-that was someone’shead,” she stutters. “A fuckinghead.”

“Yes, he worked for my father. Luca killed him.”

She sniffles. “You don’t seem fazed. Neither doesyour father. Why aren’t you startled, Domenico? Have you seen many headsbefore?”

“Unfortunately,tesoro,yes.”

Her lips part in horror, and her eyes expand.“Haveyouchopped off someone’s head?”

“No, Solari.” I move closer, animating with myhands as I swear, “I have never done that, nor will I ever.”

Her sudden chuckle amid the sobs stirs moreconcern. I hope she isn’t losing her sanity.

“You know, my dad mentioned in his letter that hetrusted you to give me as much peace as possible.” Hearing that surprises me.Did Bishop change his mind about the marriage? Is that why she accepted?

Solari points in the direction of the main entry,exclaiming, “That is not peace, Domenico! That is pure brutality. Something youand your family are used to but not me.”

I cradle her face, wiping her cheeks. “I will giveyou peace,tesoro, in my way. I told you. I cannotpromise a life free of violence. But I will ensure your safety.”

She sniffs and backs up from me. “I need to talkto Jazmine.”

“Sol—”

“Please, Domenico. I need to hear her voice rightnow, and….” She considers briefly. “I want to tell her I’m getting married.”

She doesn’t seem sure at the moment.

Conceding, I say, “All right. I’ll bring a phonefor you to call your friend. But remember, Solari, you cannot say where youare.”

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