The rest of the evening passes with polite conversation and business discussions. I keep Vittoria close, hand rarely leaving her back. She plays her role perfectly, charming those she needs to charm, staying silent when required.
As we prepare to leave, Johann approaches once more. "Cesare, a word before you go?"
I nod, turning to Vittoria. "Wait for me by the car." She nods, casting curious glances between Johann and me, before making her way out.
Once she's out of earshot, Johann leans close. "I have information you might find interesting," he says, voice low. "Your wife's father, do you know much about him?"
Every muscle in my body tenses. "I have a feeling what you're about to tell me will be news."
He nods. "After the shit that went down last year, I dug deep into the Costa family. Your wife's brothers are solid. They know the business inside and out and they adore their sister. They were furious when they learned about the arrangement between you and their father."
That's hardly surprising. Even Vittoria's mother was far from pleased.
"What is it you have for me, Johann?"
He glances around, lowering his voice. "From what my sources tell me, her father rules with an iron fist, not just with his men."
"Vittoria?" I question, though I already suspect the answer.
He pauses. "I haven't gotten confirmation or denial. I've only been told he's a bastard to everyone, including family."
Rage builds in my chest, hot and immediate. "Thank you, Johann. We'll speak again. Time to get my wife home."
If that bastard Domenico has hurt Vittoria, there's nowhere he can hide from me.
As I make my way to the car, my mind races. Surely, I'd have known if her father was abusive? Then again, there's so much I don't know about her. She's extremely good at keeping secrets.
She's waiting by the car as instructed, her face illuminated by streetlights. For a moment, I'm struck by her beauty, something she has no idea she possesses.
"Is everything alright?" she asks as I approach.
I study her face, searching for any sign of pain or fear. But all I see is curiosity and concern.
"Everything's fine," I reply, opening the car door for her.
As we slide into the backseat, I can't help but wonder if Johann is right. Is her father an even bigger asshole than I thought?
The ride home is tense and silent. She stares out the window, lost in thought. It's times like this I'm reminded of how young she truly is. She's wise and intelligent, far beyond her years. But looking out that window, watching the city pass by, she looks nineteen.
Vulnerable.
Mine to protect.
As we pull up to the house, I speak. "Come to my study," I tell her, my tone leaving no room for argument. "We need to talk."
Her brow furrows as she gets out of the car. She doesn't speak, just dutifully follows behind me.
The moment we're locked in my study, I turn to face her. "You are my wife, Vittoria. I will do anything to ensure your safety, but I need complete honesty."
She places her hands in front of her and nods. "What's wrong, Cesare?"
"Has your father ever hurt you?" I ask bluntly, watching her face carefully for any reaction.
Vittoria's eyes widen slightly before she schools her expression back to neutral. "I'm not sure what you mean," she says carefully.
I take a step closer, voice low and intense. "Don't play fucking games with me, Vittoria. Has Domenico ever been physically abusive toward you?"
She's silent for a long moment, eyes darting away from mine. When she finally speaks, her voice is barely above a whisper. "Why are you asking this?"
