Page 23 of Autumn Ritual

There she was, sitting close to the front, a vision in a black pencil skirt and frothy midnight blouse. So pure. So beautiful. Sara was not the kind of creature a beast like me should have any right to take.

But it was too late for her.

I chose to sit in the back instead of joining Lucian in the front pew. Being that close to Sara, hearing the whisper of her body as she flipped through the service book, would have been an unbearable torment.

I didn’t take my eyes off her until Mass was finished.

Her mother whisked her away to the refreshments in the basement of the church. I meant to follow, but an idea had formed in my mind. I needed the chance to interact with the angel in a normal setting. Without a mask or darkness. Eventually, she was going to see me for the man that I was, and I couldn’t have her afraid of the monster known as my other half.

“Caputo!” I stalked after the financial genius.

Saverio paused, took one look at me, and scowled. I appreciated his protective side. Though he was no match for me physically, when it came to his little girl, he would fight to the death.

“Signore, what can I do for you?”

I clapped my arm over his shoulder, steering him down to the social hall in the basement. “Your family will attend the Ravello Sunday Dinner.”

The Caputos had a standing invitation to join the don whenever they liked, as did all the upper ranks of our organization. I didn’t need to ask the boss to make this happen.

Saverio groaned. “Sancia has a roast in the oven.”

“Eat that for supper.” I gave his shoulder a squeeze. “You dine at the don’s manor at noon.”

“Okay,” he sighed.

“And make sure Sara knows she’s invited,” I added casually.

Saverio stopped abruptly. “Sara was heading back to the lake house once she grabbed some groceries.”

I gave him a meaningful smile, all teeth and menace. “Change her mind.”

Saverio’s nostrils flared.

Good.

This reaction was good. I smiled on the inside.

Saverio might be a nerd, but knowing he wasn’t a complete mouse helped quell the raging anxiety by knowing Sara had his protection.

“What are your intentions with my daughter?” he demanded.

I held up my hands. “I swear to you, she’s safe with me.”

Saverio narrowed his eyes. “You’re the don’s enforcer.”

“And you’re his numbers guy, so what?”

Saverio pursed his lips. “So, know that I can sink you.”

I believed him.

And, what was more, I welcomed the threat. It gave me a sick thrill to know there was a challenge.

“If Sara doesn’t want to be with you, I will protect her,” he insisted.

“If Sara doesn’t want to be with me, I’ll step back.” She won’t, though.

That angel was mine.