Page 68 of A Touch of Fate

How did that go hand in hand with Samuel’s guilt over his friend Domenico’s brutal death? It didn’t make sense, but many rules in the mafia didn’t.

Samuel strode in. Geno looked toward him, and his smile fell. He cleared his throat with a tense smile. “I should really go.”

“Oh sure,” I said, but he was already walking away.

Samuel stopped by my side, then bent down and kissed me firmly, his hand cupping my head possessively. I frowned at him. “Why did Geno run off so quickly when he saw you?”

Samuel’s expression hardened. “Because the look I sent him told him I didn’t like him getting cozy with you.”

“Samuel,” I whispered in embarrassment. “Why would you scare away the man who helps the same cause I want to help? This is important to me. What if he decides it’s better not to have me involved because I mean trouble?”

“He can’t decide that. And because,” Samuel drawled, his eyes boring into mine, “he was checking out my wife.”

A laugh bubbled out of me. “You’re serious?”

“I’m dead serious.”

I covered my eyes and giggled. Then I peered up at Samuel. He didn’t crack a smile. He still looked mad. Most men gave us a wide berth, which made me feel bad for the intrusion. “He wasn’t flirting with me. Why would he? He knows I’m yours.”

Samuel crouched down, holding the handle, bringing our faces close together. “Because you’re gorgeous and kind. You’re the woman right out of his wet dreams, I bet. And sometimes men forget themselves if they are surrounded by someone like that.”

I rolled my eyes.

Samuel’s expression hardened even more. “You should trust my judgment and experience on this. I’ve been around enough guys in heat.”

“Well, first of all, I have zero interest in other men. Second, he knows I’m married to his boss. He won’t do anything even if he’s attracted to me because he knows you’d punish him harshly.”

I was still convinced Samuel was simply over-the-top jealous and distrusting, which could be explained by his sister’s betrayal and his nature in general.

Samuel chuckled darkly. “Indeed.” Priest Agnello headed our way so my husband finally straightened and lost the possessive expression. “Samuel, it’s so good to see you. I miss seeing you and your father in church.”

Samuel gave him a tight smile. “I have spent too much time in church burying good soldiers and friends. My mother prays for my father and me. That’s the extent of my spirituality, I fear.”

Priest Agnellus sighed, but I could tell he knew better than to push. He looked down at me. “What about you?”

“I attended church in Indianapolis.” My mother insisted we do. “I’ll join you this Sunday.”

Samuel shook his head, and I was about to grow angry again. He couldn’t possibly have anything against me being in church? “I’m afraid you, Renato, and I will be flying to Indianapolis over the weekend to finalize a bond between him and your friend Giorgia.”

My eyes grew wide with surprise and happiness. I missed Indianapolis, not so much my mother, to my embarrassment, but definitely Giorgia and Danilo.

“Renato has found a wife?” Priest Agnello inquired, astonished. I really hoped Giorgia knew what she was getting into.

“It’s not final yet, but once I’ve talked to the mother and brother of the future bride, it will be,” Samuel said with a hard smile. But Indianapolis wasn’t his territory, and Danilo would make that very clear. I kept my thoughts to myself. Samuel talked to most of the men who were still around after that before we set out home.

I waited until we were in Samuel’s car before I voiced my thoughts. “Giorgia falls under Danilo’s jurisdiction, so her mother and brother will listen to him, not you.”

Samuel’s mouth tightened. “That is true. But Danilo should have an interest in sending your best friend to Minneapolis.”

He had a point. Danilo wouldn’t care if Renato was good husband material for Giorgia.

“When are we leaving?”

“Friday afternoon.”

I was relieved. That meant I could go to dance classes on Thursday.

“Geno told me that tomorrow you’re testing the initiates before they’re allowed to take the vow.”

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