Page 117 of Deception

“So he may know where they went?!” I’m raging, a lion in a cage. “Call him!”

“He’s on his way back, now. We just have to wait to see what he found, alright?”

“I can't wait. I need to get to her. I need to know she's okay.”

“Alessandro, this is what I was worried about. And I didn't want to have to do this, but I’m pulling rank. I’ll fucking lock you up if I have to. Youcannotgo after her. You need to let it go. She betrayed us. We need to be strong and decisive. We need to be unified.”

“I am unified! With her! And she had reasons for what she did.”

“Everyone has reasons, those mooks all had reasons to attack us tonight. Is she worth sacrificing your life over?”

“Yes. I’m better with her. I’m stronger when she’s with me!”

“And right now she’s being used against you. To put you in danger.”

“How is that her fault?” I spin, slamming my palm down, hammering him with a stare. We stay that way for a moment, locked in a contest of wills. But I cave first. “I…I need her, Adriano.”

To say those words to anyone else would be unthinkable, total weakness. He’s the only one who can ever see me this way, myconsigliere, my closest confidante.

“Are you sure she won’t betray you again?”

“She’s one of us. She’s Giorgio’s sister. I have to trust in that.”

Adriano is about to protest when Ciro stomps down the hall, making more noise than necessary. He freezes when he steps through the door, looking between the two of us bent over opposite sides of the table, clearly in the middle of a fight.

Ero follows him in, quiet. Serious.

And avoiding my gaze.

So is Ciro.

Which means they have news. And it’s not good.

“Ciro, you first. What’s going on?”

“The house is in order. Everybody is evacuated for the night to safe houses. Elders are accounted for.”

“And?” Something has him squirming under my gaze.

“That’s it.”

“Bullshit. Tell me.”

“Not yet.” He flicks his eyes to Adriano and I immediately get angry.

“Don't look at him. I asked you a question. Is it about Isabella? Angelica?”

“Gigi and Angie are fine.”

“Ciro, I swear to God, I’ll throttle you.”

“I said they’re safe, alright?”

“Look, let’s get the full story, hear Ero’s report before—” Adriano reaches for my arm and I jerk it away, starting around the table toward Ciro.

Adri catches me, holds me back. “Hey. You trust me right? Cool your jets.”

“Of course I trust you. But I don't have to like it. I don't have to like you either right now.” I point at Ciro with all the hatred I can muster in one finger.

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