Again, Luna interrupted her, her head cocked to the side, “But you don’t, do you, Autunno?”
Autumn glanced at Nico. Had he told Luna her name beforehand?
“I’m sure we can arrange something,” he purred. Clearing his throat, Nico blinked and ushered Autumn to his side. “This is a party, right? I want to introduce the woman I love to everyone.”
Autumn turned to him sharply. Her mouth opened and closed.
Luna’s lips curved up as she studied both of them. “Then do that,tesoro.” She chuckled, then told him concisely, “We need to talk after dinner, Nico.”
Nico took his eyes from Autumn. Autumn felt him go rigid at her side. “Yes,la vedova nera.”
The name earned him a raised eyebrow as Luna left them to their own devices.
Chapter 15
Dinnerhadgonewell.
Nico introduced Autumn to his extended family. Mario had been right, Vera and Luna invited all the family and friends. It was well worth it to see the smile on Luna’s lips. Her eyes were brighter than the last time he’d seen her.
Autumn appeared to take it all in stride. He’d never seen her smile, and it was brighter than the lights in all of New York City. He knew his pronouncement of love stunned her. In a way, it was a ruse. No one would believe he brought a random woman to Luna’s home. He had to make everyone believe he was head over heels for this woman.
Are you sure it’s only for show?
He ignored the voice in his head. He didn’t love Autumn Taylor. At least, not yet.
He’d left Autumn in Mario’s hands as he went to his meeting with Luna. He knew she would be safe.
If his brother didn’t spill all of Nico’s secrets.
He enclosed himself and Luna in the room. She sat behind her massive desk, smoking one of her Virginia Slims. Nico told her a long time ago those cigarettes would kill her. She was still as healthy as a horse.
“So, you’ve brought the authorities into my house,nipote.” She closed her eyes and let out a long stream of smoke before opening them, “Why?”
“Why do you have a hit on her?” He answered back.
Luna’s eyebrows went up to her hairline, “Mi scusi?”
“Don’t look at me like that,” he snapped. Gone was his good nature. He wanted answers from his adoptive mother, and he was going to get them, along with a promise of protection. “An assassin shot at my car when we finished talking to Lydia Esposito this morning.”
Luna’s eyes went half-mast as she smoked, “Quella puttana?” She tapped the end of the cigarette in a glass ashtray. “Why were you talking to her?”
“Luna,” Nico’s voice hardened along with his jaw. “Don’t start on me.”
“That one was trouble,” Luna spat. The red tip of her cigarette glowed. “She was trouble, along with the reporter.” She shrugged a shoulder. “This one seems decent enough. But…”
“No fucking games, Luna.” Nico gritted his teeth so hard he wondered if they would crack. “Did you send someone to kill Autumn or not?”
Luna took his measure, then leaned forward. She put her head in her hand, looked at the polished wood of her desk, then back up at Nico, “No.” Her eyelashes fluttered. “At least not to what you’re referring to.”
Nico raised an eyebrow, “Explain.”
“It was an agreement from…” she twirled her wrist in the air. “A long time ago. I never found her and then her name came up…but I sent no one after her recently.”
“End your contract,” he leaned over the desk. “Now. Autumn is no longer up for the highest bidder. She’s mine. And I’ll kill anyone who tries to harm her.”
There was a tense moment as they stared at each other. Luna leaned back in her chair and crossed her arms. “Why are you here, Nico? Hm? Do you think I do not watch the news?” She raised her eyebrow.
Nico lifted his chin, his arms crossed, “Autumn is in danger, Luna. From a psychotic killer, Casale, this assassin–anyone you send after her. I want to make sure no harm comes to her when I can’t be there.”
