I try not to stare too openly at Cas, but I appraise her anyway. She’s still in her performance outfit, so there may still be additional damage hidden under that leather jacket of hers.
“Mister Moretti,” Lazzaro greets me tightly, and I tear myself away.
“Lazzaro. Why don’t you take a seat?”
He alone walks forward to the single chair in front of my desk. When he realizes Cas hasn’t followed, he snaps his fingers at her.
Mia takes a step further into the room.
“Miss Chiavari,” I say firmly, “would you mind closing the door on your way out?”
The look she gives me could level a building, but she obeys regardless, shooting her friend one last, desperate look before clicking the door shut behind her.
“I trust our…arrangement the other night was to your satisfaction?” Lazzaro has the nerve to ask as he makes himself comfortable in the chair.
Cas drifts awkwardly to his side, the bruised side of her face turned away from me.
“Quite,” I offer him a tight smile. “You’re a lucky man, Lazzaro.”
He has to believe I’m doing him a favor. It’s the only way to prevent him from taking this straight to my father. My plan only works if Giuliano is kept in the dark for as long as possible.
Even if it means I look like an even bigger asshole, I have to play the part to get Lazzaro to trust me. Which means I have to speak his language.
“I like to think so.”
I gesture carelessly in Cas’ direction. “Do you find yourself particularly attached to her?”
“What do you mean?”
“Since Danny is no longer of any use to me, I’m in the market for an upgrade. And after her…performance the other night, well. I must say I’m impressed.”
Both of them stiffen at my words, and I can’t bring myself to look at Cas for fear that my mask will completely crumble.
“You want Cas?”
“On a…trial basis, really.” I shrug. “Perhaps I can sweeten the deal for you?”
Lazzaro stares at me as if trying to decipher my next move. “What kind of deal?”
“Claudio,” Cas’ voice cracks as she tries to protest.
That fucking scum bastard.
“I’ve recently been informed that you took a loan from the Guild a few months ago.”
Claudio’s head snaps to where Teo is lounging, and he glares at him.
Teo waves back merrily in return.
“You owe them money?” Cas whispers in horror.
It dawns on me that there is a very real possibility that Cas has no idea that Lazzaro is a part of the mafia. That, on topof everything else, he’s lied to her about the nature of his employment.
Would Cas have even followed him to Brooklyn if she’d known? Probably not.
It’s an unfairly bitter pill to swallow.
“After your recent payments, you’re down to one hundred and one thousand.”
