“Because they think it’s interesting,” Cold replied calmly, “and I’m sure the prosecution is trying to sell the idea of Marco and me being in a relationship to help their case.”
“And you’re not worried.”
“These sorts of opinions only matter when there’s going to be a trial,” Cold explained. “And there will be no trial, so there’s nothing to worry about.”
“Right.”
“Come on,” Cold urged as he took Jimmy’s arm. “Let’s take our drinks in the living room, hmm? Our guests should all be arriving shortly.”
Jerry had prepared an elaborate charcuterie tray that stretched over the entire length of the bar, but Jimmy didn’t have much of an appetite.
The reality of their circumstances was creeping in, and his stomach hurt. As much as he wanted to hide from it, the danger and the risks were all too real now. He sighed when Cold rubbed the back of his neck, murmuring, “I’m just worried.”
“Enjoy tonight,” Cold said, squeezing gently. “Forget your troubles and have fun.”
“Easier said than done.” Jimmy took a hesitant sip of wine to calm his nerves.
“Good evening, sweeties!” Rowena’s voice called out, the click of her heels announcing her presence long before her voice did. She was wearing a slinky gold dress and had Dario at her side. “Don’t you both look adorable?”
Jimmy grinned, quickly hugging Rowena and kissing her cheek. “Hi! How are you, Roe?”
“Mmm, I’m just dandy,” she purred, affectionately nudging Jimmy’s hip. “Has my dear brother revealed his great master plan to you yet?”
“I’m standing right here,” Cold remarked dryly, “and no, I haven’t because none of you need to know.”
“Nope! And we’re totally good with not knowing!” Dario piped up, shaking Jimmy’s hand and waving at Cold. “We have no reason at all to know anything at all!”
Cold stared blankly.
“Dario,” Rowena sighed, and she petted his shoulder. “I know you’re trying. Uhm. Try a little less, okay, baby boy?”
“Got it,” Dario said nervously.
It couldn’t be easy dating the little sister of the city’s most powerful criminal.
Cold ignored Dario and embraced his sister as he said firmly, “Everything is under control.”
“Says the guy with the cute new ankle accessory,” Rowena snapped briskly. “Come on! The Luchesis have already tried to kill you once, and now they’re dragging you and Jimmy all over the news! Tell me what’s going on!”
“No.”
Rowena planted her hands on her hips and gave her brother her most deadly glare. When it didn’t work, she turned it on Jimmy. “Well?”
“Trust your brother,” Jimmy said with a shrug, offering Cold a small smile. “That’s what I’m trying to do.”
“Ugh.” Rowena stalked over to the bar and smothered a few curses with some cheese. “You just wait until Maury gets here! He’ll talk!”
“When does he not?” Cold sat down by the fireplace with a grimace.
“You seriously holding up okay?” Dario asked Jimmy, his brow wrinkled in concern. “I know there’s a lot of heavy crap going on. I mean, I don’t know exactly, which is fine. But are you okay?”
“I’m good,” Jimmy replied, not sure who he was trying to convince. “Really.”
“Uh, congratulations by the way!” Dario exclaimed cheerfully. “Rowena told me you and Cold tied the knot! You’re a mafia husband now!”
“Something like that,” Jimmy grumbled.
“The wedding is in two weeks,” Cold said firmly. “We need to finish planning.”
