I shake my head. Words fail me. My own cousin and best friend are conspiring against me.
“And we are only making light of this because we already have planned how we’re going to kill Dominic and make sure no one ever finds his body if he hurts you.” Lucia grabs a few of the discarded dresses on my bed and hangs them in the closet.
“That’s not going to happen because we are not together,” I protest. “I’m just holding up my end of the deal so he can find the person who wants to assassinate me and I can slit their throat.”
“Please, Cugina. We know you and Dominic still have feelings for each other. Let’s be honest. You might hate each other for what happened in the past and the professions that separated you. But deep down inside there is passion simmering, just waiting to be ignited.” Matteo leans against the doorframe.
“And I did some digging on Dominic. He hasn’t been in a steady relationship since you broke up and you haven’t either.” Lucia smoothes my dress.
“That’s not true, there were some people,” I protest.
“Dating Gianni Mazzo for six months doesn’t count. Casual dates and hookups don’t either.”
I bend down to grab my heels and wince.
“Don’t do that. Sit in the chair and I’ll put your shoes on for you,” Matteo offers, taking the heels out of my hands. “I know you’re still in a lot of pain.”
“It’s not that,” I sit in the nearby chair, pulling up the edge of my dress slightly so Matteo can help me with my shoes. “I just can’t get out of my head what Bruno said in the hospital room. It’s been nagging at me. Dead butterfly wings, the king wasn’t supposed to fall, the bishop watches from within. I know someone is sending a message.”
“Yes and the message is they want you dead.” Lucia closes the door to my walk-in closet.
“I feel like it’s more than that. Why go to all this trouble with chess pieces and raven feathers?”
The doorbell rings. The chime on my phone sounds, and we freeze.
Lucia runs to the window. “Oh my god! Your date is here, Cipi…with a limo and flowers.”
“No fucking way.” Matteo is by her side. They both stare out the window gawking. “Awe he still cares.”
“Will you two knock it off!” I stand up and fix my dress. “We have to hurry. Nonna, Mama, and Gigi are still out but I don’t need them returning early and seeing this.”
“Is Gigi still dating that fool Elio?” Lucia follows me out of my bedroom.
“Unfortunately, yes, but I have some of the guards tailing them.” I pick up my dress and slowly make my way down the stairs.
“I have a good mind to knock some sense into that Ivy league pretty boy.” Matteo cracks his knuckles.
We reach the bottom of the steps when Matteo pulls me back. “Wait a minute, let me do it. Your father isn’t here and you need a man to give him a good talking to.”
“Cugino, please.” I roll my eyes but stay standing at the bottom of the stairs facing the front door. My heart is hammering so loud I swear they all can hear it.
Matteo opens the door to reveal Dominic standing on the front porch in a tailored black suit.
He looks so handsome!
Glimpses of a gold chain peek from under the collar of his crisp white shirt. An expensive watch glimmers on his wrist. In his hand is a large bouquet of roses. Not just a dozen, but at least two or three dozen roses.
“Buonasera, Dominic, it’s so good to see you.” Matteo clasps him on the shoulder as he enters.
“Ciao, Matteo…Lucia.” Dominic seems taken aback at seeing Matteo and Lucia in the foyer but his eyes widen as soon as he catches sight of me.
“Hello, Dominic,” I whisper. My stomach feels like thousands of butterflies are flying around.
“Wow, Cipi. You look beautiful,” he breathes, stepping forward to give me the bouquet. “These are for you.” The roses are wrapped in gold tissue paper and tied with a scarlet ribbon.
“Grazie.” I look down at the red velvet petals.
“So Dominic, what are your intentions with my Cugina tonight?” Matteo strolls over with his arms folded.
