Page 46 of Deception

My knees almost give out at the implication of murder in his blank stare.

Adriano's voice is huskier than his brother’s. Less smooth and baritone, but still deep. It would be attractive in any other circumstance.

I inhale, acting as innocent as I can. “I’m so sorry. I just really, really wanted to see what was back here. The door was open and I…”

The shrug that pulls at my shoulders is real, apologetic.

I really am sorry.

That I got caught.

“Don’t worry about it. Alessandro just didn’t want you to disturb me. He’s sensitive about…this stuff, too.” He waves toward the photos, the rooms. “Just where our parents and the cousins stayed when we came here.”

“I hope it doesn’t make him mad.”

“He's a little sentimental sometimes. I won’t say anything.”

Adriano is so different from Alessandro. He’s cool and collected, doesn’t appear to be tense and poised to attack like his older sibling. There’s a looseness to his stance that puts me at ease, even though I know I shouldn’t fool myself.

He’s still a Diamante.

There’s that same intensity in his gaze, but even more thoughtful than Aless.

More calculating.

“Isabella, right? We haven’t really had a chance to speak since you arrived. I’m Adriano.”

“It’s nice to be formally introduced.” I shake his hand, begging my body to stay calm, to not shake. “You’re one of his brothers, right?”

He smiles tightly, nodding.

Pleasant and polite. As if he hadn’t been outright avoiding us this entire time.

“Yes, our younger brothers are back home.”

“What’s the age gap, if you don’t mind me asking?” I can’t seem to keep my damn mouth shut to save my life.

“Seven years. Another four between me and the twins. Aless raised us.”

“That’s what I gathered. I’m sorry for your loss.”

“It was a long time ago.”

He's candid, upfront, but he's careful about what he says, gauging my reactions just as carefully. His eyes take note of everything, they remind me of my dad, of me. Always taking stock of every detail in a situation.

Which tells me Adriano might very well be more dangerous than Alessandro.

“So, Isabella, what brings you up to the mountains anyway?”

“Didn't Alessandro tell you?” I skirt around the question.

“He mentioned it a bit in passing.”

“I was researching my family. Visiting old homesteads. My distant relatives lived near here.”

“Hmm. Getting in touch with your roots. I get it. Good to get back to the old country, too.”

“Yes, it was foolish of me to come on holiday at this time of year, apparently.” I gesture toward the window and he nods again, waiting for me to say more. “And then I was out a little too late and tried to drive back to where I was staying. I got lost on the road. Followed your taillights and…”

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