Page 228 of Rosetti Family New York
“So, Sloane,” Besiana says, looping her arm through mine. “Is Rafe keeping you busy, or do you have a life outside of this chaos?”
“Is that an option?” I ask, raising an eyebrow.
She laughs, and it’s genuine, warm.
“I like you,” she says. “But I’m going to make it very clear: if you break Rafaele’s heart, I will break your neck.”
“Er, I suppose that’s fair,” I say, trying to keep my voice even.
Somehow, a threat from Besiana is more terrifying than being held hostage by the Red Hooks, and I don’t doubt she means every word.
“We should get drinks sometime,” she says. “A proper welcome to the family.”
Her words make me reel, and I’m still trying to process them when Emilio appears. The quiet brother. The one who blends into his surroundings. Tonight, that means a black suit, finely tailored but completely forgettable.
Rafe looks pleased to see him, and that alone makes me like him right away. He’s softer than the other Rosettis, almost shy, but I know better than to let appearances fool me.
“Milo,” Rafe says. “Want to hit the tables?”
I’m wondering what kind of tables they’re talking about when Emilio’s gaze settles on me, curious and assessing.
“I’ve looked into you,” he says.
“Looked into?” I ask.
Suddenly I like him a little bit less.
“Investigated. Your dad’s a cop.”
“Was a cop. He’s retired. I’m not undercover or anything.”
The group bursts out laughing. Domenico, Besiana, Emilio, and Rafe, all chuckling like school kids.
“What?” I demand.
“Nobody suspects you’re undercover,” Rafe says, circling my waist with his arm.
“I could be,” I say defensively.
Emilio gives a ghost of a smile.
“You’re the most trouble my brother’s ever been in,” he says. “But not like that.”
“She’s worth it,” Rafe says, with a bite that makes my blood hum.
“Need to ask you something,” Emilio says, turning his attention back to Rafe, pulling him away from the others. “We’re having a hell of a time following the missing money from the fights.”
Rafe is still holding my waist, so I end up in the little tete-a-tete between him and Emilio.
“Where’s it going?” Rafe asks as we follow Emilio through the bar.
“Wish I knew,” Emilio says. “Took a look at the Callahans’ financials.”
“You hacked their bank records?” I splutter, losing whatever cool I had.
Rafe glances at me with a sparkle of amusement in his steely eyes.
Emilio ignores me and keeps talking.
