Page 26 of Sin & Secrets

Her green eyes narrow, but I see the resignation in her eyes. Despite all her bravado, I’m still her don.

“Make sure they’re both upstairs at the end of the show. Don’t leave her alone with him.”

“Never again,” she mutters her agreement as the three of us watch in sullen silence as Cas finishes her song.

As the room erupts in applause, Mia takes her leave—only to hesitate at my shoulder. “You mess this up, you hurt her…I will tear both of you a new one.”

With that, she saunters back into the crowd.

“Remind me why we put up with her again?” Teo murmurs.

“Her father has single-handedly funded the Guild for decades?”

“I’m starting to think it’s not worth it.”

We spend the rest of Cas’ performance slowly nursing our drinks and trying not to watch the clock. By the time she announces her final song, I’m already on my feet.

Teo is only two steps behind me as we stride across the room toward the staircase. A nod from Mia is all the confirmation we need—the office is clear, and no one will be disturbing us tonight.

When Mia appears at the door ten minutes later, Cas and Lazzaro are in tow, and her face is set into a grim line of determination.

I’ve taken the time to make myself comfortable behind my desk, leaning back in the ancient leather seat with practiced ease. Teo lounges on the couch by the fireplace, feigning disinterest as he palms through one of the bookcases’ many tomes.

I try not to stare too openly at Cas, but I appraise her anyway. She’s still in her performance outfit, so there may still be additional damage hidden under that leather jacket of hers.

“Mister Moretti,” Lazzaro greets me tightly, and I tear myself away.

“Lazzaro. Why don’t you take a seat?”

He alone walks forward to the single chair in front of my desk. When he realizes Cas hasn’t followed, he snaps his fingers at her.

Mia takes a step further into the room.

“Miss Chiavari,” I say firmly, “would you mind closing the door on your way out?”

The look she gives me could level a building, but she obeys regardless, shooting her friend one last, desperate look before clicking the door shut behind her.

“I trust our…arrangement the other night was to your satisfaction?” Lazzaro has the nerve to ask as he makes himself comfortable in the chair.

Cas drifts awkwardly to his side, the bruised side of her face turned away from me.

“Quite,” I offer him a tight smile. “You’re a lucky man, Lazzaro.”

He has to believe I’m doing him a favor. It’s the only way to prevent him from taking this straight to my father. My plan only works if Giuliano is kept in the dark for as long as possible.

Even if it means I look like an even bigger asshole, I have to play the part to get Lazzaro to trust me. Which means I have to speak his language.

“I like to think so.”

I gesture carelessly in Cas’ direction. “Do you find yourself particularly attached to her?”

“What do you mean?”

“Since Danny is no longer of any use to me, I’m in the market for an upgrade. And after her…performance the other night, well. I must say I’m impressed.”

Both of them stiffen at my words, and I can’t bring myself to look at Cas for fear that my mask will completely crumble.

“You want Cas?”

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