Here goes nothing.
"I want to meet your crew." I say it casually, like it's the most reasonable request in the world. "The men you work with. If we're getting married, I should know them, right? And I want to see your house. Maybe come to one of your poker games." I lean forward slightly, injecting enthusiasm into my voice. "I want to be part of your life, Santo. All of it."
He blinks once. Then twice. Like he's processing words in a foreign language. "You want to meet my crew?"
"Yes. And see where you live. Where you work." I gesture around the office with an appreciative look. "This place is nice, by the way. Very you."
"Very me," he repeats flatly.
"Dark. Masculine. Intimidating." I stand and walk to his bookshelf, running my fingers along the spines. "Do you actually read them?" I pull one out—The Art of War. "Classic choice. A bit predictable, though."
He's watching me with an alarmed expression. I can practically see the gears turning in his head.
"Why?" he asks finally.
"Why what?"
"Why do you want to meet my crew? See my house? This isn't normal, Liana."
Because I want them to think I'm insane so they'll convince you to dump me. But I can't say that.
"Because I care about you," I lie smoothly, meeting his eyes with what I hope looks like sincerity. "And I want to know the people who are important to you. The places where you spend your time. Is that so strange?"
"A little." He doesn't move from his position against the desk.
"Well, I'm a little strange." I smile, playing the role. "You're figuring that out."
He doesn't smile back. "My crew isn't used to having women around during business. It's not appropriate."
"I won't interrupt business. I'll just observe. Get to know them." I pause, setting the perfect trap. "Unless you don't want me to? Unless you're embarrassed of me?"
It's perfect psychology. If he says no, he looks ashamed. If he says yes, I win.
A muscle twitches in his neck. "I'm not embarrassed of you."
"Then what's the problem?"
Silence stretches between us, thick and heavy. I can see him calculating, weighing options, trying to find a way out of the corner I've backed him into.
"Fine. You can meet them. They're here now, in the main room."
"Perfect!" I inject enthusiasm into my voice, perhaps a bit too much. "Let's go!"
"Liana, wait—" He stands, moving to block my path. "There are rules. Don't ask about specific operations. Don't touch anything. And definitely don't—"
But I'm already opening the door and stepping out into the hallway. I hear him curse behind me.
The main room now has four men in it, and I recognize them from the engagement ceremony. Bruno, his right-hand man with the sharp eyes. Paulie, the one who's always smirking like he knows something you don't. Tommy, built like he could break someone in half without breaking a sweat. And Sal, the older one with calculating eyes that have probably seen everything.
They all look up when I enter, conversation stopping mid-sentence.
"Hello!" I wave enthusiastically, channeling every ounce of overeager bride-to-be I can muster. "I'm Liana! We met briefly at the ceremony, but I wanted to properly introduce myself since we're going to be family soon!"
Santino appears behind me. "Gentlemen. You remember Liana."
"Of course." Bruno stands first, ever the professional, and extends his hand. "Good to see you again."
I shake it firmly. "You're Bruno, right? Santino's right-hand man?"
