Page 27 of Ruined By Protection
I shrug. "Not much to say."
Truth is, I'm pissed about this whole situation. JFK airport pickups aren't part of my job description and I wanted to relax today.
In the back seat, Evelyn shifts, the soft rustle of her clothing drawing my attention. She catches my eye and offers a small smile before returning her attention to her phone.
"The charity gala is coming together nicely," Evelyn says, breaking the silence. "Damiano must be pleased with the RSVPs."
Noah grunts in agreement. "Senator Williams confirmed yesterday. That makes three politicians in our pocket."
"They're not in our pocket," Evelyn corrects gently. "They're supporting a good cause."
Noah's laugh is dark and amused. "Sure, bella. Whatever helps you sleep at night."
I stare out at the gridlocked traffic ahead, my patience wearing thinner by the minute. "We should have taken the helicopter."
"For an airport pickup?" Noah scoffs. "Bit excessive, even for you."
"At least we wouldn't be sitting in this shit." I gesture at the sea of cars ahead.
"Your cousin," I say, turning slightly to address Evelyn. "What's her story?"
Evelyn looks up from her phone, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear. "Hazel? We grew up together. She's more like a sister than a cousin."
"That's not what I asked."
I catch the brief flash of hesitation in Evelyn's eyes before she answers.
"She's going through a difficult time. That's all."
"And that's why we're personally picking her up instead of sending a driver?" I press, not bothering to hide my irritation.
Noah's eyes meet mine, a silent warning to back off. I ignore him.
"Look, I'm not trying to be an asshole but I'd like to know what I'm walking into." I turn further in my seat to face Evelyn. "Is she in trouble? Running from someone?"
Evelyn's fingers tighten around her phone. "Please, Matteo. Just... let it be for now."
I'm about to push harder when Noah cuts in. "We're here."
The Escalade pulls into the terminal drop-off area. I step out, scanning the crowded entrance. Force of habit. Noah hands the keys to a valet with a generous tip and we make our way inside.
JFK is a fucking nightmare as usual—masses of people rushing in all directions, announcements blaring overhead, the smell of stale coffee and fast food hanging in the air. We find the arrivals board and I check the flight from Austin.
"Delayed," I mutter. "Of course."
"An hour," Evelyn confirms, looking at her phone.
I sigh, running a hand through my hair. "Perfect."
We find a coffee shop near the gate and claim a table. Noah orders espresso for each of us and I watch as he places a protective hand on Evelyn's lower back. The tenderness in that simple gesture still surprises me sometimes, considering what I know Noah is capable of.
After the barista delivers our coffee I decide to try again.
"So why the Feretti mansion?" I ask, keeping my voice casual.
Evelyn stirs her espresso slowly. "Lucrezia insisted."
"Lucrezia?" That catches me off guard. "How does she even know about your cousin?"
