Page 6 of Auctioned Innocence
Before I can respond to his cryptic warning, he’s called away by one of his associates.
I continue to my room, skin crawling with the sense that I’m caught in currents I don’t fully understand.
In my room later after my father again shows off my “childish hobbies,” I press my forehead against the cool glass of my window and watch as cars pull away into the night.
Dante and Marco had moved to the library, heads bent in serious conversation as they walked out of sight.
More secrets.
More business I’m not deemed worthy to know.
I need to get over this.
Need to stop letting him affect me this way. Need to?—
My phone buzzes with a text from Marco:Someone tried to breach the perimeter tonight. Stay alert.
I glance at my window and move to the side, out of direct view, and open my laptop.
Within minutes, I’ve accessed our security system, checking camera feeds and patrol patterns.
Marco wouldn’t have texted unless it was serious.
In the distance, a car alarm wails.
My fingers hover over the keyboard, ready to enhance our security protocols.
I may be kept from certain family meetings, but protecting our home?
That’smyterritory.
The night suddenly feels a lot darker, but this—at least—is familiar ground.
Whatever threat is coming, I’m ready.
Another text arrives, this one from Uncle Lorenzo:Remember what I said,tesoro. Some men are not for you, no matter how clever you think you are. Be careful where you place your trust.
Chills runs down my spine.
How much does he know?
How much does he see?
And why does his concern feel more like a threat than protection?
2
DANTE
The crystal tumbler of scotch does nothing to dull the edge of wanting.
I watch Sofia disappear up the grand staircase, the emerald silk of her dress catching the light like a goddamn beacon.
My fingers tighten on the glass until I fear it might shatter, same as my control if I let myself think too long about the way she looked at me on the terrace.
“You’re going to burn a hole through my sister with that stare,” Marco says, materializing at my side.
There’s an edge to his voice that makes my muscles tense.
