"The little fucker disappeared. Someone must be helping him." I drain my glass and set it down. "How were things here?"
"I had to sedate her."
That doesn't surprise me. Violetta gave him considerable trouble when he had to drag her out of my office. She's a wildcat when cornered.
"Where is she?"
"The basement."
Fuck.That's not where I wanted her. She was meant to be put in the bedroom next to mine where I can keep a close watch over her. It's my fault for not being specific. Other prisoners don't get the luxury of silk sheets and a garden view
Riccardo obviously sees something in my expression. "Don't worry. I put her in the nice cell."
Nicecell? I shake my head. "Did Olivia see you bringing her in?"
Matteo's sister has been staying with me for the past few weeks. We thought it would be safer for her while Matteo works to eliminate every last Rossi.
"I doubt it. There's no way your cousin would have kept her opinions to herself if she saw me carrying an unconscious woman into the house."
"True." Olivia has never been afraid to make her feelings known, and if she'd seen Violetta, she'd have had strong opinions. "Do you believe Violetta's story about not knowing Gianotti, that she just felt sorry for him?"
"With any other woman, I wouldn't, but Violetta has a soft heart."
"Soft hearts get people killed."
"That they do." Riccardo crosses one leg over the other, apparently settling in for a long conversation. "So, what are you going to do with her?"
"I'm going to marry her."
It fixes two problems, the first being how to keep her close now she's interfered in my business. The second is that her estranged grandfather won't sell his land to Lorenzo unlessmy brother finds a husband for her. Marrying Violetta is the cleanest solution.
Riccardo watches me for a moment. "That seems pretty drastic."
"The situation requires it."
I pour myself another drink.
"Well," my friend says, "I suppose if you get bored of fucking her you can always slit her throat and dump her in the Arno."
My fingers tighten around my glass as I hold my temper in check. "I thought you liked her."
Riccardo nods. "I do."
"Then God help any woman you don't like."
My cellphone vibrates on the desk. I glance at the screen.
"Matteo," I say as I answer.
"You need to find me a priest. I'm marrying Giulia today."
"Are you sure?" Although Giulia has been his friend since they were children, their relationship only turned romantic a few days ago. This wouldn't be like marrying a woman for some business deal. Giulia already matters to him. If he's forcing this on her, it won't end well.
"Of course I'm fucking sure. It's the only way to keep her safe."
"Debatable." He could simply send her back to New York.
"Damiano," Matteo snarls. "Are you going to help me or not?"
