Luca released him to his feet, and Ercole straightened his jacket, running a hand through his hair. Luca turned to me, ordering me to tell him the truth, out in the open, that his cousin had concealed.
It would have been a lot harder if Ercole was not close to sneering at me, but I stepped up, getting closer to him. Out of sheer pride, he refused to take a step back, though all signs pointed to him wanting to get a large shrub between us. Or perhaps even a country.
Whatever he’d heard about me painted me as a clever, beautifulstrega. I almost laughed at the absurdity of it, but I doubted Luca would be pleased if I did.
“He’s not lying,” I said quietly, and Ercole almost smirked at Luca. “But he is hiding.”
It was almost comical how quickly the look on Ercole’s face faded, especially when I continued.
“He is not loyal to you or Lothario. He wants the family for himself. If Lothario were to succeed in keeping his position, which he won’t, he will turn on him like Lothario turned on your son for the sake of power.”
I’d been wrong. This went much deeper than I’d originally thought. Cesare had his own reasons for doing what he did, and so did Burgess, but Cesare had been in cahoots with Lothario, and through him, had gotten to some of the family. Those family members didn't want Lothario to succeed either.
They wanted to throw Marzio’s line over all together.
“Liar!” Ercole shouted at me.
Luca backhanded the man in the mouth, and blood spurted from his lip before he turned his face.
“Liar,” Luca repeated. “Tell me again if she is lying, cousin.”
This time Ercole met Luca’s eyes, refusing to look at me. “She’s a witch! Ettore knew it. His wife was the same!”
Luca turned to me, and I could read the look in his eyes.
I shook my head—I was certain.
He didn’t need me to confirm it though. He had known all along. I was only there to make the man sweat, to push him into the truth. Luca had used me as his new scare tactic.
He’d have a fight on his hands if he kept it up.
Brando would never let him use me in that way. Many had tried before and failed. Though I didn’t feel like Luca coveted me; he only wanted to use me this once. Perhaps to see me in action for himself.
Luca thought for a minute or two, which almost made Ercole squirm. I knew he was wondering if Luca was about to steal his last breath in the labyrinth.
“Leave,” Luca said, his voice even, his words slow and precise. “I do not want you in my sight.”
Ercole went to leave but was stopped by Luca’s voice.
“Remember this, cousin. If you challenge me, be prepared to die at my hands. I am not Lothario. I do not mind holding a heart in my hand that beats to the sound of my blood.”
Ercole glanced at me before he turned and disappeared in the labyrinth, not knowing his way out.
* * *
Luca began to walk again after Ercole left, this time not stopping at any of the places to pause and take in the sights. He seemed to be heading straight for our escape.
The meeting seemed to perk him up, while it made me fume. I didn’t mind reading people from time to time—especially if I had assurances that the person I felt was not going to be harmed after I’d…sort of invaded their personal space.
Luca had cornered me into the scheme. I didn’t appreciate it.
Giving me a sideways glance, one that told me he was shielding his ears from the rant going on inside of my head, he decided not to speak. Better for him, because my tongue felt like a whip, ready for the strike.
More than anger him, my tantrum seemed to amuse him, dammit!
His face held the expression,you’re cute when you’re mad.
No woman ever wants to hear she’s cute when she’s about to blow a fucking gasket.
