Page 193 of Ricardo

My father spots Mario first. Of course he does. Men like my father always locate power in a room, even before family.

Mario greets him with a handshake that looks cordial and is probably being assessed by at least twelve people. My father smiles. Mario smiles less. Victoria stands beside Mario, gracious and watchful.

Then my father turns to me.

“Julia.”

“Father.”

My mother kisses the air beside my cheek. “Darling.”

Her perfume wraps around me, expensive and familiar enough to make me feel sixteen for half a second.

Ricardo stands at my side.

He does not move forward.

He does not retreat.

My father’s eyes flick toward him, then to me next to him.

“Ricardo Conti,” he says. “I see Julia has become even more involved with Conti Enterprises than I had been led to believe.”

I suck in a breath in disbelief that he would say something like that, especially in public, though no one else is close enough to hear.

Ricardo simply says, “Julia’s involvement tonight speaks for itself.”

My father’s gaze flicks to me once again. “It certainly does.”

I feel immediately that Ricardo's posture has changed. He was willing to be cordial on my behalf, but my father's comments drew blood.

Before he can answer, I step forward.

“I helped organize the gala,” I say, my voice polite, but filled with steel. “And I’m here with Ricardo.”

My father’s smile stays in place. “I gathered as much.”

“Good,” I say. “Then there won't be any more confusion going forward.”

My mother’s eyes sharpen.

Ricardo’s hand settles at my lower back again, but he says nothing.

My father looks at his hand, then back at my face. “This is quite a public way to make a point.”

“I’m not making a point,” I say. “I’m attending an event.”

My father’s eyes narrow almost imperceptibly.

Before he can say another word, Patrice appears beside me.

“Julia,” she says. “Nora Whitcomb Farley has asked to meet the person who arranged such an exquisite event. Her words.” She laughs.

I almost laugh. Bless you, Patrice.

“Of course,” I say, smiling.

Ricardo offers me his arm.