Page 41 of Weaponized

“Gina, this is my girlfriend, Gráinne. Gráinne, Gina.” His arm goes around me and he pulls me more securely to his side. I don’t make a move to shake hands due to how tightly I’m wedged up against the mountain beside me.

“It’s nice to meet you.” I incline my head to her politely.

“Oh, same! I was so excited when Victor told me we’d get to meet Luca’s girlfriend tonight.” Her smile seems genuine and I relax a little.“He’s never had a girlfriend that we know of.”

Luca flushes, but I don’t have time to ask for more information like I want to. Suddenly, I’m being handed a glass of white wine. I nod my thanks and take a small sip. Chardonnay. I hate chardonnay. The oaky taste is sour on my tongue. But, I remember that women get no say in this place. Fine. If I’m going to be here as some sort of bauble, I can play the part.

I straighten my spine and stick my chest out just the slightest bit. I form my mouth into a sexy pout and take a small step back so that I’m a half step behind Luca. He catches the motion and frowns.

He doesn’t get to comment because his father makes a slight motion with his hand and we all begin to follow him across the room. As we get closer to the bar at the far end of the large open cocktail lounge, I can hear the gruff Russian voices. And then I hear it clear as day: an angry few sentences in Russian.

I freeze so abruptly that Luca jolts to a halt, stumbling a bit since I’m no longer holding his hand. He grunts with the motion and his father looks back with concern. My chest feels like a hummingbird has taken up residence where my heart should be.

“Do you speak Russian?” I ask Luca in a frantic whisper. He looks at me like I’m crazy.

“What’s wrong? Gráinne, are you not well?” Victor has his hand on my elbow. I think I’ve turned green. I have no idea how he got to my side so fast.

“Angel?” Luca’s face is filled with worry. “Do you feel sick? Do we need to leave?”

I look at Victor. “Do you speak Russian?” My voice is hollow to my own ears. I had no intent of going down this path tonight.This is terrible. An absolute disaster. I don’t recognize these particular Russians, though my father has done business with the Bratva for years. Yet, I understood every word, and I have no idea how to warn Luca of the danger without admitting I speak multiple languages.I’m just supposed to listen. Report back.

“Noooooo,” Victor drawls as if waiting for an explanation. “I only speak Italian and English. The languages that matter.” He sighs and then looks to his son as if he can provide an answer. I can see Luca shake his head in my peripheral vision.

I don’t turn my head to look at the bar but stare into Victor’s eyes. “The older man at the bar with the scar down his face—”

“What about him? Do you know him?” Victor’s eyes are narrowed, peering around me at the men who are paying us no attention. They are too engrossed in their own conversation, one they apparently think cannot be translated for some idiotic reason.

I can’t believe I’m about to do this, but I don’t see a choice. I want to help take down my father, but not at the expense of danger to Luca in the meantime. “No. No, I don’t. But he just told the short man next to him that they just need it to be believable to get the job done tonight because they’d kill us all soon. Very soon.”

Loud voices come from the bar again and I cringe. They are commenting on how hairy Italian women usually are. How there won’t be anything worth looking at tonight. Pigs.

“Are you sure of your translation?” Victor asks in a low, clipped voice. He doesn’t ask how I know the language, only if I’m sure of the information I’ve provided. He is looking into my eyes for any hint of a lie.

Luca’s eyes scan my features, checking to see if I’m okay. He doesn’t seem to care if I speak Russian or not. He seems to be checking for further signs of distress.

“Ne sono assolutamente certo,” I tell him in flawless Italian.I am absolutely certain.Now, Luca sucks in a breath. Behind him, I see Matteo and Elizabeth deep in conversation, oblivious.

Victor responds to me in his language. “You speak RussianandItalian. That seems purposeful given who your family is.”

I nod and feel sick. I’ve ruined everything. I’m dizzy with anxiety over my next words. “And Spanish and Greek,” I tell him, still in Italian. I know what I’ve just confessed. My cards are all on the table, but Ineedhim to trust me so he takes this threat seriously.

Victor studies my face. “Spies should never reveal themselves. It’s dangerous.” A warning. I was correct earlier that he was cooler toward me.

“Pop.” Luca’s voice holds its own edge.

“That is true. Unless they are currently spyingforyou,” I say, still in his language, and Victor looks at me with consideration. I have no idea what he sees. I switch to whispering in English. “I know you are here tonight for what was supposed to be a friendly dinner. But, I don’t want Luca to get hurt. I’ll risk anything to keep him safe. Ineededto tell you.” My breath hitches. I realize it’s true. I will risk anything to keep Luca safe, and I’ve just put a lot on the line by showcasing my skills to the head of the mafia. “They are a threat,” I hiss. “An imminent threat.” He needs to understand.

“Jesus. I’m taking her home.” My boyfriend shoves his drink into a potted plant and has all but wrapped himself around me.The Russians stand. I put my hand on Luca’s chest to stop him. I want to hear this last bit.

Victor continues to watch me while I strain to hear. The man with the scar is snarling at the shorter one again. He needs some plans checked on before dinner. The little guy seems annoyed and obviously disagrees with whatever is going on. He fires more information at him in rapid-fire Russian and they make their way to us. Their expressions turn pleasant. I understood what they said, but that doesn’t mean I can make sense of it. The question is: Should I share it?

I turn to Luca and squeeze his arm. “I’ll stay if it’s okay.” I look to Victor for permission while apprehension has hardened Luca’s face. His grip strengthens.

“I don’t think so,” is Luca’s curt response.

“There is more,” I whisper. “Let me help.”

I know it’s risky, but I’ve made a decision. If I can show Victor that I am on his side, then maybe, just maybe, he will be on mine. Rowan is correct that he would be a powerful ally against my father, and I want to give him something as a token of trust. Unfortunately, I don’t know if it will be enough now that I’ve revealed so much about myself. I look away from my boyfriend to meet the mafia don’s eyes.

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