Page 40 of Deception

“I mean…don't fall in love.” His mocking tone is offset by the stern look in his eyes.

“Go back to your cave, Adriano,” I growl. “And ask Ava to make us some popcorn!”

He snickers, rolling his eyes a final time before he heads down the kitchen.

The enormous TV is already on when I get to the theater room. “What are we watching?”

“Well,” Isabella says, “It’s one of my favorites. We used to watch it all the time growing up.”

“That does not answer my question.”

Her eyes dart to the side, like she’s avoiding my question. “Don’t make fun…”

“I won’t!”

“It’sDeath on the Nile.”

“What’s to make fun of? That’s a classic.”

“Some people think old movies are corny.” She shrugs, plopping down onto the recliner love seat. I guess we’re sitting together…

Watching a detective movie where the bad guys are a lot like me makes me wonder what her reaction would be if I just told her. Who I am, what I do.

“I love old movies. Reminds me of my childhood.” I leave it at that, and she doesn’t pursue it, giving me space. Like she learned her lesson from the other night.

A twinge of guilt shocks me as I settle in beside her, but I hit play to shift through it.

I know it's only a matter of time before she's questioning me again, probably pissing me off, putting the screws to me.

But for now, we can just watch this movie.

We’re sitting so close to one another, Isabella curled up in a blanket.

“What's your favorite old movie?” She whispers as the opening credits roll.

“Hard to pick. I love this, though. The long intros. The ambiance. The music. I love the way they took their time to set up the mood.” Tone. Style. Patience. The same things I pride myself on in my own life.

“I know what you mean. It feels more like going to a live theater show.” She slides a little closer to me. “You didn’t tell me your favorite, though.”

“I mean, I love the classics.Casablanca,Singing in the Rain.”

“You’re hedging…” she sings, narrowing her eyes at me.

“I really likeThe Sound of Music.”

The look of shock on her face makes me want to laugh. Or leave the room. “Seriously?”

“What’s wrong with it? It’s an amazing film. Great music.”

She stares at me like she's never seen me before. “No, there’s nothing wrong with it. I like it too. I just?—”

“Didn’t expect someone like me to like it?”

“Something like that.” Isabella frowns, lost in her thoughts. “I’m more curious about why you like it.”

“It’s a family run out of town. They have to stick together and sing their way out of a jam. I wish things could be that way in real life.”

“You wish that you and your family had to run from Nazis?”

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