“That puts us on the back foot. I don’t like it.”
I glance up at that. “That’s the order, Dom. We watch, and we wait. I’ll take the guards. Let’s see what frame of mind he’s in when he gets back.”
Dom’s phone rings, and he lifts it to his ear. I stare out of the window, watching the birds outside. The pounding in my headdeepens. When he finishes, I glance over to him. “Looks like we didn’t have long to wait after all.”
His hand tightens on the phone. “His car just pulled in through the gates. I don’t think you should go to the dining hall tonight.”
Sighing, I open my laptop. “I’m not hiding, Dom. We’re not weak, and he’s not going to start a war in full view of everyone. My orders hold.”
He doesn’t move.
“Go and sort the rota.” My voice is firmer this time. “I’ve got a financial law lecture in an hour, and I’ll go to the dining hall from there. Make sure the guards are in place. Hell, walk me there yourself if it makes you feel better. But that’s the plan.”
Gray eyes sweep my face. “Fine. Just… be careful, Cat.”
My fingers rest on one of the guns, my words grim. “I’m always careful.”
And if I can’t be careful, I’ll befast.
Hopefully fast enough to outmaneuver whatever trouble is heading my way.
Chapter thirteen Caterina
It’s not nerves that churn my stomach as I head into the dining hall, but irritation. I’m late, held up by the rambling Morelli law tutor who decided to spend the whole session running over old ground instead of teaching us anything new. One of the disadvantages of constantly swapping out the teaching staff.
My shoulders are back, my stride confident as two of the men that appeared this afternoon leap to pull the double doors open. When I sweep through, heads start to turn in my direction. The buzz of low-key dinner conversation ends in an abrupt wave, spreading out from the table closest to me until it reaches the head table.
A brief scan tells me Giovanni Fusco hasn’t arrived yet. Only Luciano and Dante are there, both of them watching me closely, taking in the outline of the guns strapped to my body.
But the Fusco table is full, fury pouring off them in silent waves as I stalk past. Leo dips his head to listen to the muttering girl next to him, his lip curling. He doesn’t look away from mystare, doesn’t back down. The men around him almost vibrate in their anger, their hands fisted. Hatred oozes from them, so strong I can almost taste it on my tongue.
It’s an explosion waiting to happen. Across from them, the Crows are silent. Watchful. Waiting for a signal. For a spark. Domenico only stands once I’m past the Fusco table, his shoulders tight as he heads over to the serving tables. I don’t wait, the click of my heels loud in the silence as I ascend the steps. Luciano and Dante are deathly still as I walk around them, yanking out a seat and dropping into it.
It feels as though the room is holding its breath. Nobody is eating, every person watching us. Domenico is the only movement as he jumps up the steps and places a full plate in front of me. His face tips up in a crooked smile. “Steak. Your favorite.”
“Smells good.” With a returned smile, I wait for him to return to his seat before picking up my cutlery and digging in, ignoring every single fucking one of them.
“Playing with fire, Caterina.” Luciano sounds amused, but there’s an edge to his voice. If violence erupts in this room, no family will escape unscathed.
I take my time, swallowing my food before I respond in a louder tone. “I’m just eating my dinner, Morelli. I didn’t realize my eating habits were so…interesting.”
My words carry into the silence, and there’s a clatter as the Crows pick up on my not particularly subtle annoyance. Slowly, the Morellis follow their lead, then the V’Arezzos, until the only table still silent is the Fusco group.
Dante’s voice is low and hard. “You shouldn’t be here.”
My head turns to him slowly, taking in the state of his face. The tiniest hint of guilt works its way in, but I push it down. I have too much going on to worry about something that he caused. “Dowe have to have the conversation about what is – andisn’t– your business again? It didn’t work out too well last time.”
“Cat—,”
“He’s not wrong,” Luc’s voice is softer, and when I turn to him, he’s staring down at me. “This is dangerous, Caterina.”
Ignoring them, I take another bite of my food. “I won’t hide,” I say finally. “It only delays the inevitable.”
“Which is your head on a fucking platter,” Dante hisses. “They’re not fucking around, Cat.”
“Neither am I,” I say shortly. “They won’t move until Gio arrives. If we need to fight, me and mine are ready. Get your people out if you’re concerned.”
Luciano curses. “Too late for that, little crow.”
