"I'm honest."
I roll my eyes even though he can't see my face, then scoot closer to him. "There. Happy now?"
His arm cautiously wraps around my waist, and I tense for a moment before relaxing into his warmth. It feels strangely right, being held by him like this.Dangerous thoughts for someone on a mission of revenge.
"Very," he whispers, his breath warm against my neck.
We fall silent, and gradually his breathing evens out. I find myself matching its rhythm, my eyelids growing heavy.
CHAPTER NINETEEN
Iwake to sunlight streaming through my bedroom windows, empty space beside me where Zoe had been.
Something shifts in my chest—unfamiliar, unwelcome. I push it down and head for the shower.
By nine, I'm in my office reviewing shipment reports when Alessio knocks and enters without waiting for my response. His eyes sweep over me, taking in what must be the closest thing to contentment I've shown in years.
"You look different this morning," he says, settling into the chair across from my desk.
"And you look like you have news," I deflect. "The Sartori meeting?"
Alessio nods, a slight smile playingat his lips. "It's arranged. Riccardo is interested in our proposal for a joint casino venture. Could be very profitable for both families."
"When and where?"
"That's the thing," Alessio says, leaning forward. "He wants to host at his estate in Chicago. Friday."
I drum my fingers on the desk. "What's your read on this?"
"The Sartoris have always played fair. It's why we approached them in the first place." He pushes a folder across my desk. "Preliminary financials. The projections look good—better than good."
I flip through the papers, scanning the numbers. "And he specifically requested..."
"That you bring Zoe," Alessio confirms. "Riccardo's wife, Ava, apparently wants to meet her. The Sartoris are traditional—family means everything to them."
I lean back in my chair, considering the implications. Taking Zoe means introducing her as my wife to one of our most important potential allies. The Sartoris will expect a united front, a real marriage.
"The timing works," I decide. "We need this alliance, and the casino would give us legitimacy with certain circles that have been... resistant."
Alessio nods, standing. "I'll handle the preparations. We'll need to leave Friday morning."
I nod as Alessio is about to leave. "I'll find Zoe and tell her about the trip. We'll need to prepare her for what to expect from the Sartoris."
After Alessio leaves, I get out of my office to go find Zoe.
I find her and Lucrezia in the living room, huddled together on the sofa laughing over something on Lucrezia's phone.
Zoe notices me first, her smile fading slightly as our eyes lock.
"Damiano!" Lucrezia exclaims, oblivious to the tension. "You have to see this TikTok of?—"
"Later, sorella," I interrupt, keeping my eyes on Zoe. "I need to speak with Zoe. Alone."
Lucrezia's eyes dart between us, a knowing smirk forming. "Sure thing. I'll just..." She stands, patting Zoe's knee. "Text me when you're done with whatever this is."
As Lucrezia sashays past me, she whispers, "Be nice," just loud enough for me to hear.
When the door closes behind her, silence fills the room. Zoe sits straighter, lifting her chin in that defiant way that simultaneously irritates and arouses me.
