Page 50 of Crazed

"How do you know?" Dante asks, crossing his arms across his chest.

"Massimo told me what happened. I didn't even know about her abduction until he informed me," I admit.

Tristano steps closer. "I believe you."

"You do?" I blurt out.

He nods. "Sure. If Massimo says you're trustworthy, then I believe him. It's nice to finally meet you." He leans down and kisses my cheek.

"Good man," Massimo says, patting Tristano's back.

"Thank you," I manage to get out, overwhelmed with the Marino men and the stress of this evening. We've barely been here an hour, and I'm borderline ready to sweat. If I'm going to gain their trust, I need to at least get them not to scowl at me.

I adamantly repeat, "I swear I didn't know what Donato was planning, nor was I there."

"But say you had," Dante suggests.

"Enough! You're trying to crucify Katiya for something she didn't do, and now you're just pulling at straws," Massimo barks.

Angelo surprises me, stating, "Agreed."

Shocked, I turn toward him. "You believe me?"

"Tristano has a good point. If you convinced my son you're innocent, then who are we to say otherwise?" He smiles, but it doesn't feel super friendly. Still, it's better than nothing.

Dante sniffs hard. "Fine. Nice meeting you." He spins and walks away.

"Asshole," Massimo states under his breath.

Tristano grabs a flute of champagne and hands it to me. "Here. Have a drink." He takes one and knocks it back then pats Massimo's bicep. "Great job, bro. We miss you at the house."

"It's not even been a full day." Massimo chuckles.

"Tristano has another good point. Now that we're all on the same page regarding our misunderstanding, why don't you and Katiya move into your wing? You don't belong in Queens," Angelo remarks, pinpointing his laser stare on Massimo.

Goose bumps break out on my skin. Massimo must feel it because he runs his thumb over them then states, "Katiya and I will discuss it."

Relief hits me. Living with the Marinos could make it easier to find out their contacts. Yet, the calm replacing my nerves can't be ignored.

"What's there to discuss?" Tristano asks.

"Stay out of it," Massimo orders.

"Think about it. Tully's here. I'll speak with you later. Great job, Massimo. You did an excellent job on this project," Angelo compliments. He nods, pats me on the shoulder, and leaves.

Pina steps next to Tristano. "Tristano. How've you been?"

A scowl flickers on his face, but it disappears quickly. He sniffs hard. "I'm great. Best I've been in a long time."

"Is that so?"

"Sure is," he insists, grabs another flute, and hands one to Pina.

She takes it and is about to drink when he stops her.

He demands, "First, we toast."

"To what?" she asks, an annoyed expression on her face.

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