My pleasant smile turns to puzzlement. “I’m sorry, Bibi. I don’t understand.”
“I’ve been in your position, and I know it’s better to keep them happy however we’re capable of but screeching and moaning like one of those women from Club Oasis for the whole house to hear when there’s a child around…”
All the blood drains from my face. Theyheardus? How could I have beenthatloud?
“Perhaps I should thank you though,” Bibi prattles on, ignoring my humiliation. “No wonder Silvio’s been in a better mood. He sent the recording to your brother this morning.”
“Waa-what recording?” I stammer.
“The one of Alessio fucking you like a dirty slut the other night.”
Thatwordbrings back memories of how Alessio urged me to be loud for him. Surely, he didn’t know though. Right? “You’re lying.”
“Do you imagine that there’s a single inch of the mansion where our Capo doesn’t have ears listening when he wishes to?” Bibi asks in a patronizing tone. “My husband is perverted, powerful andveryparanoid.”
I glance toward the front of the car where Silvio sits, seemingly in conversation with his young son. His pale eyes immediately find mine in the rearview mirror, and he gives me the creepiestsmile. I recognize it. His son gave me a similar smile after we first met.
Helistenedto us. Herecordedus. He sent it to my brother. I feel sick. “Why?” I whisper, my eyes still on Silvio who’s already returned his attention to Valdo.
“You know why,” Bibi replies, nastily. “They both want their revenge for Sil, Jr. It’s strange that a monster like Alessio doesn’t seem capable of harming you. Give it time though. The apple doesn't fall far from the tree, I assure you. Maybe he figures he can at least pick a fight with your brother this way. Personally, I would’ve preferred different timing. This weekend is supposed to be Sofia’s shining moment, but Silvio never listens to me.”
Then, she picks up her phone, mindlessly scrolling as if what she’s revealed means nothing. As if she’s not just suggested that my husband was complicit in the whole thing. I know Alessio said to come to him next time Bibi tells me anything upsetting, but what if I’ve been a fool to let down my guard so readily for him? And, even if Alessio’s innocent regarding his father’s plot, will it stop Nico from attacking my husband the second he sets eyes on him?
***
The hustle and bustle of Times Square seems inescapable even from several floors up and the balcony is an excellent place for this conversation I’ve been dying to have for hours now. The private jet didn’t allow enough privacy so I’m grateful that Armando agreed to bring me to Frankie’s room immediately after we settled at The Westin.
“I say it’s bullshit, Cat. Bibi lives to stir drama when she isn’t trying to convince everyone her life is picture-perfect.”
“Do you think maybe there’s no recording at all?”
“No, I’m sure there’s a recording, unfortunately. My uncle is that level of gross without a doubt, but there’s no way Bibi actually heard you in Alessio’s wing. I’m saying I don’t believe Alessio had any knowledge of it.”
“Not even to get revenge?” I want so much to believe her. As mortifying as it is, the recording would be nothing as long as Alessio wasn’t in on it. I’ve come to trust him completely in the bedroom. Not just there either. This would be a total violation of that trust.
“Not even for that. From what you’ve told me; he sounds very possessive of you. He wouldn’t want toshareyou that way. He burned the bloody sheet, you said. We already know he’s protective of you. You texted him, right?”
“I called Alessio and left a message saying I wanted to talk. I wasn’t sure how to text such a thing. I texted Nico though and told him he’s forbidden from opening any email attachments or unexpected packages from Las Vegas.” My big brotherneverneeds to hear that recording.
Her brow furrows. “They permit you to text your brother?”
“We’ve never spoken of it but it’s hardly as if Alessio doesn’t know. Nico hasn’t replied, but my father has been sick lately, and Nico's been struggling between the twins at night and his responsibilities by day from what Mother’s said.” Matilde was sent to help, but it was decided it would be improper for an underage girl to live alone with a widower so she's living with my parents for now.
“How nice that you can freely speak to your brothers without fear,” Frankie says, her tone strangely bitter sounding until I recall she has a brother, too. Or, shehadone.
“Forgive me for dominating our chance to talk with my worries, Frankie. How have you been? I’ve missed you terribly and we don’t speak as often as we did before my wedding. Areyou excited about your audition? Is your mother well? Do you think we’ll get to do much sightseeing here? I’ve never been to New York.”
My words don’t have the intended effect of bringing some cheer to our conversation. She glances away, biting at her bottom lip. “Iwasexcited about the audition and New York. Now, I don’t know how it will go, Caterina.”
“What are you talking about? Your voice is beautiful. They would be fools not to accept you in their music program.”
A flicker of a smile twisted with guilt makes my stomach sink as Frankie takes my hand. “Things have changed since we were last together.”
“What is it?” I whisper, fresh worry sweeping the embarrassing sex recording from my mind. “Is it Rocco?” I’ve long feared there was more to her dislike of living in Reno than what she’s admitted.
She’s hesitant to tell me, but I think she’s bursting at the seams to tell someone, too. Nothing could prepare me for what she says though once she finally gives into temptation.
“Sofia’s planning to run away during your audition?!” I gasp. I quickly cover my mouth and look inside the room. Armando is talking on the phone and I’m grateful for the traffic noises below. Frankie nods and another fear washes over me. “You’re helping her?”
