"Guy thinks the Castellanis are just, you know. Hollywood producers."
"Ah." Pedretti frowns a little. "You think he might not realize what he's getting into?"
I nod. "Exactly. He's too—" I hesitate, not wanting to say what I'm really thinking. "He's too green for this kind of thing, youknow? Way too naive." Pedretti squints at me, and I quickly backtrack. "I mean, he seems like a good guy. Hardworking and all that. But this…" I gesture around vaguely. "This isn't the kind of life he's used to, if you catch my drift. He doesn't seem theconnectedtype."
Pedretti considers my words for a moment. "Maybe nothing will come of it," he says, but he sounds concerned.
I snort quietly. "He's too prettynotto get the job." Pedretti's eyebrows rise, and I feel my face heat up. "I mean, uh, you know what I mean," I stammer, "He's just…he's not the type to mess up an interview, that's all."
Pedretti regards me for a long moment, his expression unreadable. Then, to my relief, he simply nods. "I hear you, DeLuca. I'll have a word with the Boss later on. These things are delicate—Julian had his heart set on this guy."
That means Sandro needs to be the one to deal with this.
And I get it. Since everything went down with Julian and the Lion and the Bernardis, people have been walking on eggshells around Julian. He got beat up real bad—hell,Ifelt sorry for him, too—but he's all better now, and I feel like he's taking advantage of the goodwill he built up with the Family. With his brother.
Still, the buck stops with the Boss, and I can see when something's above my pay grade. So I just say, "Thanks, Pedretti," and resolve to let it go.
Pedretti gives me a nod, then heads upstairs. Not long after, the salon doors fly open again and Julian strides out. "Raffaello! Just the man I want." He flashes me one of his brilliant white smiles, but I know better than to trust it. "Would you mindaccompanying Darian and me on a little tour of the house? I'd like to show him around."
I'm surprised by the request. Julian is more than capable of defending himself, and Darian clearly isn't a threat.
But I know better than to question orders.
"You bet, Mr. Castellani." I fall into step behind them as they start down the corridor.
As we walk, Julian keeps up a steady stream of chatter, pointing out various rooms and artworks. Darian listens attentively, eyes wide with wonder. I try to hang back a little, not wanting to crowd them, but Julian keeps glancing over his shoulder at me, as if to make sure I'm still there.
We turn a corner and Julian stops in front of a heavy wooden door. "And this," he says, pushing it open with a flourish, "would beyoursuite, Darian. If you decide to join us, of course."
Darian steps inside, his mouth falling open as he takes in the spacious living room, the tasteful furniture, the incredible view from the windows out across the estate. "This is…exquisite," he breathes, running his fingers over the back of an armchair.
Julian smiles, pleased by Darian's reaction. "Only the best for our staff," he says smoothly. "Why don't you take a look around? I'll wait out here with Raffi."
Darian disappears into the bedroom, and Julian and I go back into the corridor. I shift uncomfortably, not sure what to say. Julian leans against the wall, arms crossed over his chest, and regards me with those weird pale eyes of his.
"So, Raffaello," he says casually, "what do you think of our new butler?"
"Potentialnew butler," I correct him. "Seems capable. But a bit…naive?"
Julian's smile sharpens. "Naive, yes. But that can be an asset, don't you think? Someone who doesn't ask too many questions, who does as they're told without complaint?"
I don't like where this is going. "Mr. Castellani, all due respect, I'm not sure it's fair to bring him in without fully explaining what he's getting into."
For a moment, I think I've overstepped. But then Julian laughs. "Oh, Raffaello. Always so concerned about doing the right thing." He pushes off the wall and steps closer to me, his voice lowering. "Don't worry. I'll make sure Darian understands exactly what's expected of him."
I draw myself up to my full height, which brings me nose-to-nose with Julian. "I just don't want to see him get hurt," I tell him.
"And he won't be hurt. As long as he does what he's told."
"Yeah?" I raise an eyebrow. "Well, the Boss is the one who signs off on staff. So I guess it's not me you need to convince."
Julian scowls at the mention of his older brother, but before he can respond, Darian emerges from the suite, eyes shining.
"This whole place is incredible," he gushes, then seems to catch himself, his cheeks flushing. "I mean, it's very impressive, Mr. Castellani. Thank you for showing me around."
Julian steps back from me, his charming mask slipping back into place. "You're very welcome, Darian. I'msoglad you appreciate the wonders of Redwood." He glances at me. "I'm afraid I have another engagement, but Raffaello will drive you home."
I will?
