“Yes, he does. But he also works for us,” Matteo clarifies. “He’s one of Raffaele’s men.”
I suddenly feel very, very sick. That’s how he knew so much about the mafia.
“Doing what? What does he do for you?” I ask. “Are there limits to how deep the corruption goes within the legal force in this city?”
Matteo sighs. “He turns the other cheek, mostly. Makes some moves within the force that ensures that our more illicit activities stay hidden.”
“Since when have you known this?” I question accusingly.
“A while. I didn’t recognize him at first because he doesn’t work directly under me, but I did some digging and found out.”
“And you let me continue working with him? He’s helping me with the Bratva Rico case!”
“I’m sure he was going a good job,” Matteo says. “Him working with you on that has nothing to do with us.”
“Unbelievable. I’m not working with him again.”
“Now that we can agree on,” he growls. “He put his hands on you. You should have let me kill him.”
I don’t even dignify that with a response. He stopped, though. He listened to me and he took a step back, and for that I’m grateful. Plus the whole possessive, jealous thing is kind of hot.
But before I can focus on that, I remember everything Fadden just told me.
“We need to talk,” I say, gripping the cuff of Matteo’s suit jacket.
He takes in my expression slowly before leading me to the limo parked on the side of the road. I arch an eyebrow in question and he sighs.
“I was at an event when I saw the text. Had to leave early to keep you out of trouble. Like always,” he states.
There’s a twinge of disappointment in my chest.
“How come you didn’t invite me to come along?”
Matteo frowns. “I didn’t think it was your scene. I also didn’t think you’d say yes.”
“I could have surprised you.”
He’s right that balls, galas, and fancy parties aren’t exactly my thing. I had ample chance to attend them when I was younger, and they don’t really appeal to me anymore. But still, I wish he would have asked.
“Next time, princess,” Matteo says softly.
I think about the chaos that would be unleashed should I turn up at a social event on Matteo Vitale’s arm. It would be exciting.
He opens the door of the limo and I slide in, smoothing my dress as I settle into the leather seat. The interior is dimly lit, private. Matteo follows a second later, the door shutting behind him in a way that makes my heart skip a beat.
I don’t waste any time as I remember what Fadden and I just discussed.
“I think the Bratva’s coming after you,” I state.
Matteo’s expression doesn’t change.
“Really?”
“Yes. Fadden told me they know you murdered the lieutenant. They’re targeting you. Plus, they also shot my father.”
When there’s still no ripple in his eyes, my jaw tightens. All I get is silence. My brows pull together in frustration.
“But you already knew all that, didn’t you?”
