Page 66 of Fortress of the Soul

I cannot believe it, he’s actually, kind of, apologizing as well. I take it as a win.

“A little is way ahead of the curve,” I say with an eye roll. “But I get it, you’re busy and there’s a lot riding on this project to get it ready for opening night. I’ll do whatever I can to make sure that my team isn’t delayed or held up. So far, it’s looking like we’re on track, from a design and decorating point of view.”

I feel Enzo staring at me in my peripheral.

I ignore him. I don’t need his smugI told you soface.In fact, it’s the last thing I need.

“Just keep doing what you’re doing,” Marco says. “And that includes showing up on time. Half an hour late runs into my next meeting, Valentina. You’ve got to be more punctual with clients if you’re going to be taken seriously. Remember, they’re your bread and butter. If I were a normal client and not your brother, then I would have sharper words to say to you right now.”

“You always have to spoil it,” I grumble.

He ruffles my hair as I swat his hand away. “Marco!”

Laughing, he then turns to Enzo. “Are you going to Philly?”

My interest piques.What’s in Philly?

“Yes, I’m leaving shortly.”

“Good. It’ll keep Angelo off your back.”

“What’s in Philly?” I ask. They both look at me. “Fine.Whatever.”

I’m not privy to what goes on behind the closed doors on the other side of the Medici empire. The one where my brother Angelo rules and keeps the city clean and under his control..

Of course, with that, comes taking the trash out.

Just as I think it, Rocco walks in the door.

“Perfect timing,” I mutter.

Rocco glances at me and gives me a frown.

“I’m taking Rocco with me. I’ll be back in a few days,” Enzo goes on.

Rocco shifts his gaze to Enzo. He’s a man of few words, but when he says, “It’ll be a nice break from the security camera surveillance.” I just about freeze on the spot.

Would he have seen Enzo and I close together just now, when he touched me? Will he say something? What if he tells Angelo?

Of course, it’s absurd. He’d have no reason to think anything untoward… I’ve known Enzo since I was born. And he always looks stoic and unimpressed; it’s kind of his thing.

“Why don’t you let him go break a few bones,” I suggest. “It might put him in a better mood.” I smile sweetly at Rocco as he shakes his head at my insolence.

I’ve known most of these men that work for Angelo my whole life, so they’re like big, cuddly teddy bears underneath, except Rocco. I’m yet to penetrate his forcefield, and sometimes I have to wonder if he even has a soft spot.

“That’s why I’m going to Philly,” he says, giving me a wink.

I nod and take another sip of my coffee, knowing that he literally does mean that. It’s why anyone in my family takes Rocco or Santino, our other cousin and Jonas’s brother, with them when trouble maybe brewing.

I am still thankful that Angelo did not send Rocco to spend the weekend with me for the wedding. Who knows how seriously he would have taken the job, especially where Toby is concerned.

“When we’ve all finished standing around, Valentina and I have a meeting to get to.”

“Keep your hair on,” I say, waltzing past them without giving Enzo a second look. “You’re not the boss of me in this room, you’re myclient.”I draw out the last word just for Marco’s benefit and leave them to their little boys’ club of three.

I’m sure I hear Marco curse under his breath as I leave.

It’s all a ruse. This is what I do. I use humor and sarcasm to cover up my true feelings.

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