Page 36 of Devoted to the Enemy

I took a deep breath and did the best that I could to settle my nerves as we walked into my father's hotel suite where the rest of our family had gathered for drinks. My father sat in the living room with Armando, Mira, Vittoria, and Courtney.

After several minutes of greetings with hugs and small talk, the conversation between the girls moved on to our wedding.

“I don't know how we're going to pull it off in just two days,” Mia said with some concern in her voice.

“Don't worry about that at all,” Mira comforted her with a bright, confident smile. “The girls and I have been very busy ever since we got the call.”

“You have?”

“Oh yeah. Since The wedding will be smaller this time around, with less guests, we were able to downsize a bit. And we are planning a big reception when we get home,” Courtney stated.

“I found a local quartet to play the ceremony, a florist willing to do a rush job, and Vittoria called in a favor with a photographer she knows."

"Also, I figured your wedding dress may not be available now, so I did something." Vittoria smirked at Mia. "But if you don't like it you can tell me, and we will find something off the rack instead."

"You got me a wedding dress?"

"Got? Hell no. Shemadeyou a wedding dress," Courtney added.

"An actual real life Vittoria creation? I have to see it." Mia's excited tone made me smile.

"It's hidden away in my room. We can go check it out if you want."

"That sounds great.” Mia beamed at Vittoria. “Teo, do you mind?”

I smiled adoringly at her, amused by her excitement, and squeezed her hand. “Of course not. Go. Have fun and enjoy yourself. I need to run out for a little bit anyway.”

Mia was too excited to even think about questioning me as she wrapped her arms around my neck and squealed. I kissed her tenderly before letting her go as all the girls flooded out of the room.

My father raised a curious eyebrow. “Run out? Where are you going?”

Of course, he would notice. Nothing got past him.“I just have a couple of things I need to take care of before I get settled in.”

My father understood at least in vague terms. It was part of our business. He studied me for a moment longer before giving a nod. “Once you're back, come to my room for a drink. I'd like to catch up on everything that happened while you were away.”

“Of course.” I gave a nod before leaving.

It was nine-thirty by the time I walked into the Blue Sapphire's Lounge. I scan the bar for any sign of Anna or anyone that might be setting me up. There were only a couple of patrons scattered at different tables. A couple chatted intimately leaning over the table toward each other and a couple of businessmen sat sipping bourbon near the door. In the back of my mind, I worried that I was being a fool for not bringing along back up. But she had shown me a picture of the two of us together, a picture that I was sure most people wouldn't have readily available. Still, my senses were in high gear, adrenaline pumping through my veins. I didn't like the way this girl had contacted me or how she went about our meeting.

I ordered myself a drink and found a table near the back of the bar. It was perfectly positioned so that my back could be at the corner with a clear view of the door.

I'd only taken a couple of sips of my whiskey when the door opened, drawing my attention to the same girl I'd seen in the texted photograph. Even though it was still warm outside, she carried a jacket draped on her arm along with her purse and a part of me worried that she might be concealing a weapon there. I would have to be cautious either way. I didn’t know the woman or who she associated with. She looked nervous as she glanced in my direction and forced a small smile as she headed toward me.

I stood for my chair to greet her as she approached. "Anna, I presume?

"Yes." She flashed a nervous smile.

"Please, have a seat." I pulled out the chair for her, waiting until she sat before rounding to my side of the table.

"You really don't remember me." It was more of a statement than a question, but I shook my head.

"From the photograph I know that you were telling the truth about me knowing you or at least meeting you but I'm sorry I don't."

"Well, in any case, I'm glad you decided to meet me."

"It sounded important."

"It is."

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