I'm almost impressed.
"How thoughtful," Caterina says, though her smile doesn't reach her eyes. "Though I do find that confidence in one's appearance can be just as respectful. After all, we're celebrating, not attending a funeral."
"Of course." Bianca's smile doesn't waver. "Though I've always believed true confidence comes from knowing you don't need to use your body to hold people's attention. Personality tends to be more memorable than cleavage."
Several people within earshot are listening and I have to bite the insides of my cheek.
Caterina's eyes flash. "I wasn't suggesting?—"
"Oh, I know you weren't." Bianca squeezes my arm affectionately, the perfect girlfriend. "You're far too elegant for that. I was just sharing my personal philosophy. Growing up with limited means teaches you that character matters more than clothing. Though obviously"—she gestures to Caterina's dress—"when you have both, that's wonderful."
Did she just call Caterina shallow while making it sound like a compliment?
Damn.
My father laughs. Actually laughs. "I like her, Dante. She has spine."
"She does," I agree, looking at Bianca with what I hope looks like affection and not the complicated mess of anger, attraction and grudging respect currently churning through me.
Sometimes I have no idea what to do with this female.
"Well," Caterina says, her smile razor-sharp now, "I'm sure we'll have plenty of time to chat later. Dante and I have so much catching up to do. It's been too long since we've had a proper conversation."
"I look forward to it," Bianca says pleasantly.
As we move away, guided toward the bar by my father's gesture, I lean down to murmur in Bianca's ear.
"That was either very brave or very stupid."
"Can't it be both?" she whispers back.
"Caterina is not a normal woman, she is dangerous and you just made an enemy out of her."
"I already had an enemy out of her the moment I walked in here as your girlfriend. I just made sure she knows I'm not afraid of her."
I should be angry. Should be furious that she's taking risks without my explicit say so, making waves, drawing attention.
But instead, I find myself fighting a smile.
Because Bianca Mancini just went toe-to-toe with one of the most dangerous women in the city and won the first round.
And that makes her even more dangerous to me.
Incidentally, I have always wanted all the dangerous things life had to offer.
CHAPTER TWENTY-SEVEN
Bianca
After the Caterina exchange, I need air.
Or alcohol.
Or both. Definitely both.
But Dante keeps me anchored to his side as he works the room, introducing me to what feels like every dangerous man in New York City and honestly, all I want to do is disappear.
Senators. Judges. Men with dead eyes and expensive watches who smile like sharks who constantly see blood.
