Page 29 of Lovely Venom

Nonna dips her head, making the sign of the cross as she whispers something about their souls resting in peace.

The Vitale family has been through a lot, and the grief of losing their parents still lingers. It’s affected each of them differently, and I understand why some of them wouldn’t want to marry. I knew Silvio before he passed, and I can’t forget the devastation on his face when he spoke about his wife. He was never the same after he lost her.

Cristian has always struck me as more business-minded, so it doesn’t surprise me that he’s not interested in a love match. But Nonna doesn’t seem willing to accept that just yet. She mutters something about cookies in the oven and wanders off, leaving the conversation unfinished.

When my phone buzzes, I check it, only to see it’s another text from Marco. He already sent me a slew of them this morning, ranging from excuses to irritation that I’m not responding. Now, he’s apparently delusional enough to think he can smooth everything over.

Come have breakfast with me. I want to see you.

It’s tempting to send him a string of middle finger emojis, but I have no desire to engage with him again, so ultimately, I just block him.

“Hey.” Abella nudges me with her elbow. “Do you have plans tonight?”

“Not yet. What’s on the agenda?”

“I wanted to see if you’d be up for going to the Seven Deadly Sins party at Eden. Val and Lucia already said they’d come.”

“You’re going?” I ask.

She smirks at the obvious surprise on my face.

“I know, I’m very pregnant, but Angelo’s going, and I could use a night out of the house.”

“Isn’t the party for their clients?”

“Yes, but between you and me, I think they’re working on some scheme to mess with Ares. It’s the feud that never really dies.”

“Oh.” My stomach sinks as I consider that.

I don’t want Ares to think I’m involved in whatever they’re doing, but I also doubt I’ll actually see or hear about it.

“You don’t even have to go home,” Abella says. “We can raid my closet and find something for you to wear. I’ve been working from home, so I need someone to dress up.”

“Well, when you put it like that, how can I refuse?”

She lets out a happy little shriek. “Girls’ night here we come.”

5

CHANTEL

Eden After Dark is high-end luxury serving up curated sin. The multi-level club has a dance floor, a rooftop pool and bar, and an exclusive space for business-only meetings. I saw it briefly once before with Mariella, but tonight, the dark, intimate atmosphere is definitely amplified.

Abella told me on the way here that this party is exclusive to VIP clients, which means members of The Society will be rubbing elbows with the Cosa Nostra.

Unsurprisingly, when we walk through the door with Cristian and Angelo, there’s an immediate shift in the air. The Vitales are well-known in The Society, but they don’t attend social events unless they have a reason, even if they own the place. Tonight serves a purpose, whatever it is.

Cristian leads us through the club, and I take everything in while some of the guests shoot us curious glances.

The space is drenched in gold and emerald with an abundance of greenery and vines hanging from the ceiling.

This level is intimate, with velvet bar stools, lounges, hidden alcoves, and burbling fountains. Apple motifs and snake décor bring a seductive, forbidden energy to the room while dancers in gold body paint draw attention to the elevated platforms throughout.

Beautiful women in candy-apple red corset dresses pass by with trays of fig, pomegranate, and citrus cocktails. Each of them greets Cristian with a smile before their eyes narrow in my direction.

“God, if looks could kill,” Abella murmurs in my ear.

“Seriously,” I whisper under my breath.