Page 56 of The Seventh Circle
"You'll need to reschedule them. Your Father has already accepted on your behalf."
I felt the walls closing in. "I don't recall giving Fatherauthority over my social calendar."
"Don't be naive, Lorenzo. This engagement represents the future of our family's expansion. The Vitellis control shipping routes we need." His voice hardened slightly. "Your presence isn't optional."
I recognized the trap forming around me. Each social obligation with Sophia would create another, and another—a chain that would bind me to this life with increasing strength.
"I should go," I said, rising from the table. "Apparently I have a dinner to prepare for."
Paolo caught my wrist as I turned to leave. His grip was firm, his smile unchanged, but his eyes had gone cold.
"One more thing, cousin. Your friend Romano has been reassigned."
My blood froze. "What do you mean, reassigned?"
"Father feels his talents are wasted on simple collections. He'll be working with me on more... specialized matters."
The implication was clear. Antonio would be pulled into Paolo's direct authority—placed in increasingly dangerous and compromising positions.
"Romano works for me," I said, struggling to keep panic from my voice.
"He works for the family," Paolo corrected mildly. "As do we all."
He released my wrist, his eyes never leaving mine. "I'll see you at the Vitelli dinner, Lorenzo. Wear the navy suit—Sophia mentioned it brings out your eyes."
Three days later, I stood in the Vitelli courtyard watching Sophia play the violin, surrounded by admiring guests. Her talent was genuine, her concentration absolute as she movedthrough a complex Vivaldi piece. In another life, I might have appreciated the artistry of her performance.
Instead, I was counting the hours until I could escape to meet Antonio at our villa.
Paolo had been relentless since our café conversation. My schedule suddenly overflowed with appointments, meetings, and social obligations—all arranged by Father or Paolo, all impossible to decline without raising suspicion. Antonio had been sent to Ostia on a collection mission that should have taken a day but had somehow stretched to three.
Every avenue of our escape was being systematically blocked, though Paolo never once indicated he knew our actual plan.
"She's quite extraordinary," Father said, appearing beside me as Sophia's performance concluded to enthusiastic applause. "The Vitellis have ensured she's accomplished in all the social graces. She'll make an excellent hostess for family gatherings."
"Yes," I agreed mechanically.
"Don Vitelli has suggested moving the wedding date forward," he continued, watching my face carefully. "He sees no reason for an extended engagement."
I maintained my neutral expression through years of practice. "What did you tell him?"
"That I would discuss it with you." He sipped his wine. "Though I'm inclined to agree. June seems unnecessarily distant."
Another trap. "The original timeline was your suggestion, Father."
"Circumstances change. The Borghese family has been making overtures to the Vitellis. I'd prefer to secure our alliance before they offer something more tempting."
Sophia approached, slightly flushedfrom her performance. "Was it tolerable, Signor Benedetto?" she asked my father.
"More than tolerable, my dear. You play with remarkable passion."
She turned to me, and I recognized the intelligence behind her carefully composed expression. "And you, Lorenzo? Did you enjoy it?"
"It was beautiful," I said truthfully. "You have a rare gift."
Her smile warmed slightly at the genuine compliment. "Perhaps you'll play for me sometime. Your father mentions you're quite accomplished at the piano."
"Lorenzo hasn't touched the piano in years," Father said dismissively. "Though perhaps he should resume his practice. It would be pleasant to have music in the house again."
