Page 30 of Mafia Kings: Dario

I was surprised at how open Niccolo was being –

But from what I had seen, healwaysdid everything for a reason.

And it was like he could read my mind.

“You might be saying to yourself right about now, ‘My, but he’s giving me a great deal of information!’” Niccolo said. “And yes, there’s a reason. A couple of them, actually.

“You have questions, I’m sure. Hopefully I’ve answered the most pressing ones. Because there will be many others Iwon’tanswer. There are things this family does that are secret… and it would be best you not know too much about them. So don’t ask.”

My stomach tightened. Even though his tone was much lighter than the night before, the sinister implications were the same:

Step out of line at your own peril.

We reached the foyer of the mansion.

“In addition, there are parts of the house you’re not allowed,” Niccolo said. “Your bedroom is on the third floor. Anything up there is fine. So is the ground floor, unless the door is locked. In that case, don’t pry. But the second floor of the eastern wing – ”

He pointed to the right side of the building.

“ – is completely off-limits. Don’t go beyond the staircase. Ever. Understood?”

His voice wasn’t threatening this time, but itwasfirm.

I was immediately curious what was up there and why it was forbidden – but I just nodded. “Understood.”

“Good.” He smiled. “Feel free to roam the property, but don’t go beyond its boundaries, either. If you need anything, just ask.”

“How long will…”

I wanted to say,How long will you be keeping me here,but I thought that sounded a bit hostile.

And Niccolohadgone out of his way to be…

Well…

Lessthreatening.

“…um, how long will I be staying?”

“Still to be determined.”

“I’ll need to wash my clothes at some point.”

Niccolo waved his hand dismissively. “Just give them to Filomena – she’ll take care of it. We should probably get you some new things to wear, as well.”

“Why bother?” a deep voice said behind me. “She wouldn’t wear them anyway.”

My heart skipped a beat.

From fear –

…and maybe something else, as well.

I whirled around to see Dario. He had entered the foyer as silent as a cat, and was staring at me with an irritated look.

“I don’t take gifts from men who intrude on my privacy,” I snarled.

Dario frowned. “What are you talking about?”

---