Page 46 of Crazed

I steer Katiya through the mob of people, nodding and saying thanks to those offering congratulations. We get in the elevator and go to the fourth floor. I quickly whisk her to the suite I reserved for my family.

My brothers, Killian, and Papà stand in a huddle near the private bar, talking. Bridget, Cara, and Arianna sit on couches. Another dark-haired woman is seated with her back to me.

I decide to take the friendlier path to start, leading my dolce to the women. I motion for Katiya to sit on the couch, and I slide between her and Arianna, facing the other woman. Then I realize it's Dante's assistant, Pina.

At one point or another, my brothers and I have all tried to steal her. She's the most efficient assistant any of us have ever had. She runs circles around everyone and always figures out a way to make things happen. But no amount of money or added benefits can sway her to leave Dante. She's loyal to only him.

When I invited her to the opening, I thought she'd be excited. She normally is when we extend invitations to these types of events. One time, she even commented it was perks of her job. Yet, she wouldn't commit to attend and said she'd come if she wasn't busy.

I pin my gaze on her, taunting, "Pina. It's nice of you to grace us with your presence. I'm glad your schedule wasn't full."

She smirks. "My plans changed at the last minute."

"So my event was the second choice tonight?" I ask.

She shrugs. "Sorry."

"Ouch," I tease, pretending to stab myself in the heart.

She rolls her eyes. "Let's not be dramatic now."

"Oh, you know my brother," Arianna interjects, then throws her arms around me. "This place is amazing, Massimo!"

"You saw it a few weeks ago when you flew in to plan tonight. You did an awesome job, by the way," I add, proud of the event-planning business my sister has created. She grew a clientele in both New York and Chicago in little time.

She beams. "Thanks."

I tug Katiya closer to me. "Ladies, meet Katiya." I point to each woman. "This is my sister Arianna, Dante's soon-to-be wife Bridget, Gianni's wife Cara, and Dante's assistant Pina. She secretly wants to work for me and not him." I wink at Pina.

She rises and hugs Katiya. Arianna does the same, but Bridget and Cara only extend their hands, which pisses me off.

What did I expect? For it to be easy?

We sit back in our seats, and the server brings a tray of champagne and one scotch. I hand Katiya a flute, and I pick up the scotch, clinking her glass then taking a large mouthful.

Arianna asks, "Katiya, do you work?"

"Yes. At the library," she replies.

"Oh. That must be—" Arianna stiffens next to me. "Which one?"

My stomach falls.

Time to get this over with once and for all.

I keep my arm around Katiya and lock eyes with Arianna, admitting, "The one you don't like to visit anymore."

My sister's color drains from her cheeks. Her eyes dart between Katiya and me. She puts her hand on her very pregnant stomach and stares at the table.

I put my drink down, grab Arianna's hand, and lower my voice. "She's innocent."

My sister blinks hard and releases my hand. "Excuse me. I need to use the ladies' room."

"I'll go with you," Cara announces, shooting daggers at me, then stepping next to Arianna. I almost say something but bite my tongue. Cara is Gianni's wife, so until he changes his mind about Katiya, I'm unsure what good it'll do to even attempt to sway Cara. I decide I'll talk with my sister later in private, just as Cara leads Arianna away.

The entire atmosphere changes. Tension fills the air. My chest tightens further. I glance at Katiya. Her typical cold exterior is in full force. She sits straight up and pushes her chin out, keeping her line of vision between Bridget and Pina.

I rise and pull Katiya with me. "Let me show you around."

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