“When it comes to shadows, the Saldis have their own myth that seems to have diluted and disappeared for the most part. Fathers told their sons the story. Most have forgotten it, but Val was told by his birth father and then by his adoptive father, Giuseppi Saldi. He thought it was just a story until he noticed Emme’s shadow at a party and his shadow connected with hers. Emmanuelle was a kid still, a teenager. She had no idea anyone other than a shadow rider would have the ability to compromise her shadow. At the time Val wasn’t aware of the full extent of the consequences. It’s a long story, but the bottom line is Stefano and Val worked out a deal.”
“And you trust them to keep that deal? You’re comfortable with the arrangement?” Because she wasn’t.
“Let’s just say, I like and respect both men. Like Stefano I believe it’s safer to keep them close and know what they’re doing at all times. With Emmanuelle, who is absolutely loyal to the shadow riders and her family, Stefano was brilliant in ensuring Valentino and Dario both gave their word of honor to uphold the agreement between families. If they ever did anything to put the shadow riders in jeopardy, Emme would stand with us against them, and both men know that. She’s lethal as hell.”
“Our women could be compromised by other Saldis if this gets out. Your family should never have kept this to themselves. The International Council should have been informed.”
“We informed them as soon as we had as many facts as we could gather that would protect our female riders. Unfortunately, even Emmanuelle didn’t have many facts because Val and Dario didn’t. They had tried to find the original mythology in a library in Sicily but were trying to shut down a human trafficking ring and fighting for their lives. That’s how we came to be allies with them. Both Dario and Val were nearly killed in an ambush, and we threw in with them to shut down the ring. That’s when we discovered that members of the Saldi family had the ability to bind a shadow rider.”
There was more, Amaranthe was certain, so she remained quiet without protesting. She didn’t know what to say, other than the council sent her out without warning her to be careful of her allowing her shadow to seen by others as much as possible. They should have. They should have sent a warning to every rider—male and female.
“The book they need to study the mythology is written in an ancient language, one I doubt Val or Dario would be able to find an interpreter for, even at a university, at least one they would trust. Val’s good with languages, but not that good. He doesn’t go back that far.”
Amaranthe heard the satisfaction in his voice. Not just satisfaction, but animation. “But you do. You have a gift forlanguages.” There was an extensive library on the same floor as the master bedroom. There was a second library on the middle floor, where the recreation rooms were. She knew Geno loved books.
Geno’s white teeth flashed at her. Briefly, but it was a genuine smile. “I love the written word and always prefer to read any story or document in the original language it was first written in. Translations are often interpreted incorrectly, as anyone going to another country and listening to an interpreter can tell you.”
“Are you searching for this book that has the Saldi myth in it?”
“We can’t do that,” Geno denied. “It would be a violation of trust. We’re being patient. Stefano has dropped the word occasionally to Valentino that I have extensive knowledge in ancient languages, but he only does so in passing, when the subject comes up. He acts like I’m an old soul who likes dead poetry behind my mask of indifference. Occasionally he tells Dario to study the ancient languages with me so he can quote poetry no one else can understand.”
“He’s planting the seed to have you read the book for them.”
Geno nodded. “We need them to do the asking. We can’t volunteer. It needs to be their idea. Stefano hasn’t mentioned my penchant for languages in a while and he won’t.”
“Very clever.” Amaranthe found herself smiling. She still wasn’t certain of Val and Dario being so close to the Ferraro family, but she did understand the concept of keeping enemies close. Keeping an eye on them seemed like a good idea to her.
She really liked Geno Ferraro. More than she ever thought she could like another human being. She wanted the fairy tale.
CHAPTER SIX
Amaranthe found it was one thing to feel like she was in a fairy tale when she was alone with Geno in the unbelievable apartment, but it was an altogether different proposition being driven in a luxurious car to their engagement party, knowing the paparazzi were swarming around the restaurant. They had already run into a gauntlet of reporters with cameras as they exited the condominium, bodyguards shielding them as they were rushed out of a private door straight into the car with tinted windows that would take them to the restaurant, where she knew to expect the bulk of the paparazzi.
In his home, Geno was a different man, warm and doting, his entire focus on her, telling her funny stories about his brothers and asking her questions about her beloved ballet. When Geno had asked her point-blank if she would give up shadow riding for ballet, she could honestly answer him with a resounding no. She would never consider such a thing. Now, as the town car moved steadily toward the restaurant, the lively conversations she’d had with that GenoFerraro faded away to be replaced by the stranger sitting beside her.
In his dark navy suit, his shoulders seemed wider and his chest even thicker. He appeared more sinister and very much like a crime lord. He looked so remote, his hard features an expressionless mask. He had his phone out and was clearly receiving updates on what was happening at the restaurant. Who was there. How many. The security. He seemed completely engrossed with the news from someone watching the frenzy unfolding. The head of his security also chimed in occasionally. She knew because Geno would occasionally talk to him, asking questions and giving orders.
He didn’t look at her. He didn’t talk to her. He seemed completely remote and removed from her. What had she been thinking this entire time? She didn’t fit into his world. She didn’t live in the fast lane. She observed it from the shadows, but she didn’tlivethere. It was exactly what she’d been thinking all along—a fairy tale. Fantasies no one really believed.
She brushed her fingers down the glittery tulle skirt in the hopes that it would give her confidence as the town car pulled into the circular entrance to the Luna D’Argento restaurant. The building had originally been a very large warehouse before the Ferraro brothers had converted it to a restaurant.
Constructed of gray, black and white stone, it was so large it had multiple entrances for the convenience of allowing for family dining on one side. Separately, a very upscale restaurant boasted an entirely different chef and staff for romantic evenings out. The back room was for private events or the family, and that room was kept locked. That was where their engagement party was being held.
It was silly how nervous she was. If they’d ridden the shadows to the restaurant, she was certain she wouldn’t have felt the millions of butterflies fluttering like mad in her stomach. Suddenly, Geno’s hand enveloped hers, thumbrubbing back and forth over the engagement ring he’d put on her finger. She glanced up at him, her fake smile in place, trying to reassure herself more than him.
She could do this. She played roles all the time. This was the role of a lifetime. She looked down at the ring on her finger, the one he was rolling under his thumb. He hadn’t asked her formally. She wasn’t certain what that meant. Were they engaged to be married, or was this a sham for the benefit of drawing out the murderers of his parents? Maybe she needed to really look at this like an undercover role, not as if he was going to be a permanent part of her life. She had wanted a home and family... No, she had wanted Geno Ferraro. He had been her fairy tale. Her Prince Charming.
Geno unexpectedly tightened his fingers around hers and brought their joined hands to his mouth to kiss her knuckles. “Are you having doubts about us again, Amara?”
His voice was so unexpectedly gentle she found herself blinking back tears. Geno Ferraro was a man of complete mystery to her. One moment he was as hard as steel, and in the next, so caring it shocked her.
Amaranthe attempted a humorous reply. “I suppose it’s because I’ve never even dated. I don’t exactly know about relationships. Are we undercover, Geno? You need to let me know what we’re doing here, so I can get things straight in my head.”
He turned her hand over and pressed his lips against the ring Damian Ferraro had created exclusively for her. “You’re wearing my ring on your finger.”
“I’m well aware, but props are necessary for any role I play.”
The door opened to allow them out of the car. Her heart sank. She knew she could face Stefano Ferraro again, and any of the other relatives that might be waiting to congratulate them, but there were cameras crowding around. Geno Ferraro’s engagement was big news. She wasn’t as certain how to play the part of his glamourous fiancée.
