Page 38 of Venomous Throne

“Vincent’s killer walks free,” I whispered.

Marco had to bend to catch the words.

With a sharp inhale, he reared back. His dark eyes searched my face.

“What is it? What is it!” the old witch shrieked.

I dropped my face into my hands. “Nothing, signora. Nothing!”

“I demand to know what is happening,” Signora Moretti yapped.

“Just that Isabella accepted my proposal,” Marco said sweetly. “And now, as soon as I take care of a little matter, one that was on my to-do list already, I’ll go ring shopping.”

Fireworks shot through me.

I did it.

I freaking did it! Marco took the bait. He wouldn’t stand a chance against Vincent’s killer. While I debated calling Don Mancini to warn him, I knew the Blood King could handle himself.

“Marco, caro, you could have anyone you wanted,” his mother moaned. “Why her?”

I blinked up at my prey through damp lashes. It took an effort to twist my mouth down and fight back the laughter.

“Because—” Marco considered for a moment. “She’s exquisite.”

Point for beauty.

“Can I have some water?” I croaked. I needed to escape the stuffy parlor with its dusty, old memories and tacky knick-knacks that stared at me with accusing, empty looks.

Marco led the way to the kitchen.

As I passed the capo, the bastard leaned toward me.

“Venomous bitch,” Bonetti snarled.

I stopped short, looking him dead in the eye. “Excuse me?”

“You heard me, Black Widow.” Bonetti sniffed. It was a wonder his nose worked well enough to breathe, it was so smushed and misshapen.

“Watch how you speak to me, Rocco,” I warned.

“No, you watch yourself.” With that, he turned sharply and left.

Heading into the kitchen, I braced myself on the dated wooden pillar that held the cabinets over the L-shaped counter.

“Can I ask you a question?” I pressed with a shaky voice.

“Anything.”

I considered Marco. Vincent hated when I brought up business. It was hard to say how much his brother would dislike it, too.

“What was Rocco doing here?”

That was safe enough.

“Oh, that?” Marco chuckled. “He’s vying for the number two spot on the food chain. He’s been kissing my ass since Vincent died.”

Dangerous. Warning bells pealed in my mind.