“No harm done,” Angelo said easily. “Relax, cousin. Chiara and I were getting to know each other.”
Leo’s jaw tightened.
“You know,” Angelo added thoughtfully, “she really doesn’t like me.”
“Smart girl,” Sergio muttered under his breath. I nearly choked. Angelo barked out a laugh.
“See?” He pointed at Sergio. “That’s why I like him better than you, cousin.”
Leo ignored all of it. His attention stayed fixed on me. “Did he upset you?”
The question caught me off guard. I curled my fingers tightly around whatever Angelo had slipped me before answering carefully. “No.”
Angelo watched me with obvious interest. Like he was waiting to see if I’d expose him. I didn’t. Not because I trusted him. Absolutely not. But because curiosity burned hotter than common sense.
“Good girl,” Leo murmured distractedly, already reaching for my waist.
The words hit differently from him. That was the worst part. My stomach tightened traitorously as his hand settled possessively against my lower back. Angelo noticed.
Of course he noticed, and a knowing smile tugged at his mouth. Then he stepped backward toward the doorway.
“If you ever change your mind about the family hierarchy,” he drawled lazily, “you know where to find me.”
“I would literally rather throw myself off the building,” I snapped.
“Maybe not for me.” His eyes glittered. “But if you ever want out…”
His gaze dropped meaningfully toward my closed fist. Then he winked. And disappeared into the crowd. My pulse spiked. Leo’s hand tightened on my waist.
“What was that about?” he asked.
“Nothing,” I lied. His eyes narrowed slightly. Beside him, Sergio looked deeply unconvinced.
“Angelo’s always up to something,” Sergio muttered. “Slimy bastard.”
“True,” Leo agreed calmly. My fingers curled tighter around the object hidden in my palm. A keycard. Jesus Christ. I kept my face perfectly still somehow.
“Where were you?” I asked quickly, desperate to redirect attention. Leo glanced at Sergio once. Neither answered. Suspicion clawed through me. “You just disappeared this morning.”
“Business,” Leo said.
“That explains absolutely nothing,” I said.
“It’s not supposed to.” Frustration burned hot in my chest at his cold tone.
“You’re my husband,” I snapped quietly. “Am I seriously expected to just sit there and know nothing?”
“Yes,” he smiled. The blunt answer stunned me silent. Leo guided me toward the waiting SUV before I could argue further.
“You’ll know what I decide you should know,” he said calmly. “That’s how this works.”
Rage simmered beneath my skin the entire drive back to the city. I barely looked at him. Barely spoke. But all the while, I could feel the hidden keycard burning against my thigh from where I’d slipped it into the pocket of my coat. If you ever want out. The words echoed through my head the entire ride back to Manhattan.
Byevening,rainstreakedagainst the penthouse windows in silver lines. The city glowed beneath us, distant and cold. I stood barefoot near the massive windows in one of Leo’s silk robes, pretending I wasn’t hyperaware of him behind me. Pretending I couldn’t feel his eyes on my body. Pretending I hated this.
“You’ve been quiet,” Leo observed from across the room.
I crossed my arms tighter. “Maybe I have nothing to say to you.”
