Page 32 of Phantom Mine

Relief floods me. As much as I despise Arabella, I don’t want another family crushed by the loss of their loved one.

Matteo’s fixation doesn’t make sense. I’ve seen the way the men react to Arabella, she’s one of his best—and therefore I assume, most profitable—performers. Why would he defend me over her when I pale in comparison?

It can’t be because there’s a zero tolerance policy for violence as Enzo intimated. We’re at the very heart of a criminal organization.

“I’m surprised he’d get rid of his girlfriend just because she hit me,” I say offhandedly.

Enzo snorts derisively. “Matteo has no interest in any of the dancers. Now hurry up and show me what you’re planning on wearing tonight, I’ve got actual shit I need to do.”

“Feel free to go do all your very important mobster work, Enzo, I’m not the one who requested all my outfits be vetted by the indecency police before I wear them,” I reply moodily. “And Matteo is welcome to have no interest in me as well.”

“Just moments ago, you seemed really concerned by the fact that Arabella might be his girlfriend.”

“That’s because she’s a terrible person,” I say, crossing my arms defensively. “It wasn’t concern, it was indignation at his potential lack of discernment.”

Enzo scrutinizes my face for long moments before his features tighten. He seems to be wrestling with whether or not to speak before he says, “If you’re a smart woman, Melody, you’ll stay away from Matteo.”

“I didn’t ask to be the object of your boss’s fixation and I didn’t ask to be under his protection. My only interests are doing my job, getting paid, and going home,” I say, indignant.

Enzo’s eyes search for the truth in my statement. Eventually, he nods. “Good. If you understand even ten percent of what’s going on around here, then you know who he is.”

It’s the first time someone other than Matteo openly alludes to the Underworld activities happening behind the scenes atFirenze. I’m surprised Enzo would take me in his confidence like this.

“Yes, a violent criminal.”

“No,” Enzo corrects. “A man who’s about to enter into an arranged marriage with a Mafia princess. There’s no room in his life for you, Melody. Don’t ever forget that, no matter what happens.”

My stomach twists at his words even when they’re an echo of my own reality. I’m likely months, not years, away from my own engagement to someone in the cartel.

“You don’t need to worry about me, Enzo, although it’s cute that you do. Your boss is the one who needs the reminder. He’s the one with the obsession, not me.”

“I’ve told him,” he answers, surprising me. “But I need you to have it in the back of your mind as well.”

“Why?”

“Because he won’t be able to stay away from you,” he answers honestly. “So I need you to, for your own sake. Otherwise I promise you won’t like how this story ends.”

“And how will it end?”

“With you having a front row seat to watching him watch someone else walk down the aisle to him.”

That final warning issued, Enzo walks out without checking the outfit I chose for the night.

Chapter Eleven

Valentina

When I arrive at Firenze two days later, Guido announces that he’s revised the schedule to account for Arabella’s departure. Consequently, he tells me that I’m no longer needed tonight and can go home.

It’s when he mentions that it’ll be a slow evening because the men have been called to a meeting at the Don’s house that I decide tonight’s the night. This is my opportunity to do some digging.

Both of the Leone brothers will be away from the club, so their offices will be free. It’s certainly a risk to search them, but I don’t know if I’ll get a better chance than this one.

Based on the little I know of Rocco, I haven’t been in a rush for an introduction.

It’s not even the stories, it’s theabsenceof them.

When his name is brought up, the girls quiet and pale, averting their gazes. Guido usually grins evilly, puffing out his chest in pride at the mention of his cousin. In my eyes, anyone he admires is worthy of the deepest suspicion.

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