I wait until the guards file out, and then I scrub my hands over my exhausted face. I talk a good game, but the fact is, I'm all shook up, and I can't get my mind off Darian.
But I need to make my own rounds before I can go back and check on him. So that's what I do, checking all security footage from last night and instructing the guards there to go through it meticulously, tell me if they see anything—anything at all. I check in with the gate staff, reiterate that all visitors, even including our own men, are to be turned away.
And with everything in hand, I head straight for the foyer again, ready to turn down the corridor that leads to Darian's room, but the merry sound of piano music drifting from the grand salon stops me in my tracks.
I step inside to find Julian at the piano, playing some jaunty show tune, a mischievous smirk on his face. "Raffaello, the angel in human form!" he calls out. "Just the man I wanted to see. Come over here. We need to talk."
I can't disobey a direct order. I approach reluctantly as he finishes the piece with a dramatic, chorded flourish. "What is it, Mr. C?"
"Well, since Darian is your ward, and considering your…intimaterelationship, I thought I should ask your permission to speak to him."
"Darian's got enough to worry about without?—"
Julian shakes his head, tutting. "So possessive. I don't know how he stands it."
He clearly wants to provoke me, but I won't give him the satisfaction. "What do you really want, Julian?"
"Let's go and talk to Darian," he says, serious at last, "and then I'll tell you what I really want."
"Okay," I reply after a moment. "Just…be careful with him. He's been through a lot."
"I wouldn't hurt a hair on his head."
And beneath that charming veneer, I detect a hint of sincerity that only worries me more.
I unlock Darian's suite and then knock softly at his bedroom door, to no reply. I crack it open to see him curled up on the bed, fast asleep. But then he startles awake, blinking in confusion. "Raffi?" he croaks, his voice thick with sleep. "What's going on?"
I come in and sit on the bed, taking his hand. "Mr. Castellani wanted to speak to you."
Darian relaxes at my touch, but looks warily at Julian, who's followed me right into Darian's bedroom. "Mr. Castellani? What is it?"
"I wanted to make sure my favorite little butler boy was alright. Idohope we didn't interrupt any pleasant dreams."
Darian looks at me, uncertain how to reply. I squeeze his hand. "Everything's fine," I tell him with meaning, though of course nothing about this situation is fine. I glare at Julian. "Well? You had something you wanted to say?"
"So touchy. I just wanted to make sure you're both on the same page. Because I'm putting the investigation into Tony Clemenza's demise intoyourcapable hands, Raffaello."
I stare at him. "What?"
"You heard me." Julian examines his nails idly. "You know, I'm very fond of Pedretti, and I was rather angry when he was taken away from Redwood Manor. I don't intend to lose anyone else. I have full confidence in Leo and Jack, of course, but I want all my bases covered. So I'm also tasking you, Raffaello, with getting to the bottom of this. Sandro doesn't need to know, of course. He's far too busy."
Darian's hand tightens around mine, but he says nothing, waiting for my response. I don't like Julian much, and I don't like this feeling at all. Like one of the trickster gods has decided to mess around with a few humans for his own entertainment.
Julian might as well be a god. He's untouchable, despite the atrocities he's committed.
And he's my superior, whether I like it or not.
"If those are your orders, then fine. I'll do my best to find out who's responsible."
"Excellent. I'm glad we understand each other."
"Don't know what this has to do with Darian, though," I go on.
Julian's eyes flick to Darian, and his smile widens. "Well, Raffaello, since you and he are soclosenow, I've decided you should move into his room. For his safety, of course."
It's a challenge. Julian doesn't believe for a second we spent the night together last night, or that we're lovers.
I keep my face blank and call his bluff. "Thanks for your concern. I'll move my things in here right away."
