Page 133 of A Dangerous Kind of Love

“Apparently you’re the fucking Godfather,” she mumbles.

I bite back a smile, not nearly as successful as I should be, and guide her forward. My hand settles at her back as I steer us toward a table near the front.

“Michael.”

Teresa Calloway, founder of the Calloway Arts Foundation and one of my mother’s closest friends stands as we approach, already smiling.

“Teresa, ciao.”

I release Katie for a moment, stepping in to greet her properly. My hands settle at Teresa’s arms as I lean in, pressing a kiss to each cheek before pulling back. I turn to Katie.

“This is my girlfriend, Katie.”

She looks at me, and then to Katie. She takes both of her hands in her own, warmly.

“Che bella ragazza, Michael,” she says.

“Finalmente, eh?”

Teresa laughs, and it spreads around the table. Katie smiles along with them, even though I know she doesn’t understand a word of it. My hand finds her back again, resting there.

“You keep this one in line, va bene?” Teresa says.

Katie nods. “I’ll do my best. He’s stubborn though.”

That earns another round of laughter, and just like that, something shifts. She leans into me a little less out of necessity and a little more out of comfort. Her laugh comes easier this time.

“Mr. Amato?” a voice cuts through the table.

I turn, and Matteo Messina stands behind me. I don’t bother hiding the irritation.

“Matteo.”

“Could I possibly have a word?”

His attention flicks to Katie for a second too long before returning to me. She doesn’t acknowledge him. She’s looking at me. I told her I wouldn’t leave her.

“I’m busy.”

“It won’t take long. I beg you.”

I look down at her.

“Not tonight.”

“It’s okay,” she says. “I can sit down.” She turns to Teresa. “Would that be okay?”

“Ovviamente, of course.”

Katie smiles, a little brighter this time. “See.”

I exhale. “I won’t be long.”

She nods, sliding into the seat beside Teresa.

“Follow me,” I tell Matteo.

I start toward the door, aware of the way the room tracks us, conversations lowering enough to notice. Before I step out, I look back. Katie’s already deep in conversation with Teresa, animated, relaxed in a way she wasn’t a few minutes ago. Even from here, I can see it.