But of course, now that the meeting is scheduled, I can’t back out.
Which is why I’m sitting with Isolde in one of the VIP booths, waiting for Giovanni Santorini to arrive so we can discuss the trafficking that’s been happening in this city.
The Santorini's are the other Italian family in the area. We’re not rivals, but we’re not exactly friends either. Unfortunately for them, Papa has more power due to his connections in Italy.
It’s not often that we come together. But more and more girls are going missing, and that's something neither of us will ignore. Gio and I have the best relationship, being closer in age, which is why we work together on occasion.
Izzy’s leg bounces up and down on the seat next to me, so I place my hand on her thigh to steady her. Bad idea. Now I can feel her silky-soft skin beneath my palm.
Christ.
Her dress is barely there and wreaking havoc on my self-control.
I spot Gio moving through the crowd, heading in this direction, so I lean down to speak directly into Izzy’s ear. “Remember to tell me, or tap me, if you feel uncomfortable. We leave straight away, okay?”
She nods, her hand finding mine under the table and squeezing.
Gio reaches the top steps, striding over until he stands at the table edge, eyeing Izzy with more interest than I’d like. I stand, offering my hand, which he takes before sitting on the opposite side of the bench.
“Thanks for meeting me on such short notice,” he says, still eyeing Izzy with intrigue.
I spare a glance at her. Her breathing is shallow, like she’s trying to force herself to stay calm, but her eyes shine with determination.
Leaning in, I whisper, “He’s a friend. You’re safe.”
She relaxes at my words, sagging into me.
I dip my head in acknowledgment to Gio. “What did you want to discuss?” I ask, cutting the bullshit and getting straight to business.
He leans forward, pushing his sleeves up his tattooed arms. “I would prefer we have this conversation alone.”
My jaw tightens. “You can talk freely around her.”
Gio smiles, but it doesn’t meet his eyes. “All the same.”
I nod, standing and offering Izzy my hand. Her delicate fingers are so tiny in mine as she follows me from the booth.
I had the VIP area cleared for the meeting, so fortunately we don’t have to navigate around bodies before reaching the staff-only door at the back. The stairs back here lead to myoffice, among other things.
Only once we’re inside the soundproofed room do I let go of Izzy’s hand. She deflates like a balloon, shoulders dropping as she releases a lungful of air.
“Are you okay?”
She starts to nod, then shakes her head. I pull her into my arms, her cheek resting against my chest.
“I hate feeling so weak,” she mumbles into the fabric.
I tilt her chin up to look at me. “You’renotweak. I don’t want to hear you call yourself that again.” She swallows hard. “I’m serious. Iz. You’re so fucking strong for coming here tonight. Give yourself more credit.”
Her arms come around my waist before she lets go, stepping back.
“I need to get back downstairs. Will you be okay here?”
She sinks into the armchair, curling her legs up next to her. “I’m okay.”
I hesitate before leaving.
Dante’s outside my office when I shut the door, ready to stand guard. He gives me a subtle nod, letting me know that he has this.
