Page 81 of Fortress of the King

“I have a personal chef and you’re bringing me Richie’s tacos?”

She grins. “I bet you haven’t eaten yet, though, have you?”

I shake my head and take the bag out of her hand. “You know me way too well.”

“Just looking out for you. Somebody has to.”

She takes a seat in the chair opposite.

“Would you like something to drink?” I ask.

“Whatever you’re having.”

I give her a look. “You want a straight bourbon?”

She shrugs. “It’s been that kind of day, Angelo. Trust me, I don’t want to rehash it.”

I walk over to my liquor cabinet, conveniently located in my study. I top up my glass and pour another.

“So, this is just a social visit?” I muse, walking back to my desk and handing her the glass.

She takes a sip, her eyes on me as I round the desk again and take a seat.

“Fine. I confess, I was worried you were still mad with me, and you know how I hate bad blood between us.”

I frown. “And this is because…”

She rolls her eyes. “I spoke with your new squeeze, remember, and you weren't happy about it.”

“My new squeeze?” I give her a pointed look.

“I just worry about you, Angelo, I always have. We’ve always been close, ever since… before Roberto and I got together, when things were simpler.”

I don’t want to cast my mind back to when Allegra and I had a brief dalliance. It was a long time ago, before Roberto. I never outrightly told him, but I’m sure he guessed. The trouble with me back then is I could never commit. Allegra wanted the things most women wanted and I couldn’t give those things to her. I only ever wanted that later, with Lucia.

We were brief, and it was over long before it ever began. We’re too alike. Allegra is sharp and cunning, a lot like me; she’ll do whatever it takes to be the best. There’s nothing wrong with that, hell, I respect it, she’s done well for herself. But I want a woman who is my equal, not someone craving power, wanting more, never being truly happy. I don’t want any of that.

And that’s why we’ll never work. I couldn’t do it, not after Roberto…

“I don’t remember things being simpler, but I do remember us being better off as friends.”

I study her as I take a long pull on my bourbon.Why is she here?

She stares back at me, and something hits me in the chest. Is she actually here to…?

“That’s because of Roberto,” she says simply. “And we’d feel guilty if we were to start something again.”

I almost splutter my drink. Is she mad?

She’s a beautiful woman, I can’t deny that, but we’re never going to be a couple. She was married to my cousin! Last time I checked, he’s still dead in the ground.

“Allegra, what are you trying to say exactly?” I sound annoyed, even to my own ears.

She levels my gaze. “I’m not trying to say anything. I came here to say sorry and feed you your favorite takeout, not to get into a fight.” She’s been drinking, I realize.

“Do you think I’m not with you because I’d feel guilty?”

Her lips twitch into a half-smile. “Aren’t you?”

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