"Romance is strategic. There's a difference."
I laughed despite myself.
∞∞∞
The restaurant was classic Little Italy—old world charm, the smell of garlic and red wine, murals of the Italian countryside on the walls. The kind of place where deals were made and broken, where futures were decided over seven-course meals.
My stomach attempted gymnastics.
"You okay?" Quentin asked as we approached the entrance.
"Define okay. My palms are sweating, my heart is racing, and I'm pretty sure I'm going to throw up. But other than that, fantastic."
"That's my brave wife."
"Your wife with complicated feelings and a suspicious timeline."
"That's a mouthful."
"That's accurate."
Stone peeled off toward the bar without a word, positioning himself where he could see our private room's entrance. Close enough to help. Far enough to give the illusion of privacy.
The hostess recognized me immediately. Her eyes widened, then smoothed back to professional composure.
"Ms. Russo. Your brother is expecting you."
Your brother who might murder my husband.
"Thank you," I managed, ignoring the impulse to tell her it was Mrs. Vanetti now.
She led us through the main dining room. I felt people’s gazes following us. Some recognized me. Or recognized that something important was happening.
In our world, you learned to read the room. And this room was totally immersed in what was about to happen.
The hostess opened an ornate wooden door. "Enjoy your dinner."
Then we were inside.
Carlo sat at the head of a table set for three. He stood as we entered—a show of respect that somehow made this more terrifying, not less.
My brother looked tired. Or maybe that was just the weight of being don aging him faster than it should.
"Jules." He opened his arms.
I crossed to him, let him pull me into a tight hug.
"You okay?" he murmured in my ear.
"Terrified."
"Good. Means you're thinking straight." He released me, his gaze shifting to Quentin. "Vanetti."
"Carlo." Quentin extended his hand.
For a heartbeat—a lifetime—I thought Carlo might refuse.
Then he took it. Shook firmly.
