Page 257 of Lorenzo

“This part isn’t your job anymore.” He holds my gaze.

Technically, it still is. The second investigation became a job the moment his family hired me again.

But that is not what he means.

“You’re putting yourself in the middle of something Marcello started because of me,” he says. “I know he’s after my father, but I was how he planned to do it. And now you’re the one he’s paying attention to.”

“That part is on Marcello.”

“I know.”

“Then stop trying to carry it.”

His jaw clenches.

That expression is so much like Lorenzo that for a second I almost smile.

“He broke into my office,” I remind him. “He had someone go through my home. Marcello made himself my problem when he did that. Whatever happens from here on out is because of his choices, not yours.”

Alessio studies me.

“You really believe that?”

“Yes.”

“About my father too?”

There it is.

I understand immediately what he is asking. Do I blame Lorenzo, the way Marcello blames him, for what's happening now?

I straighten. “Marcello's choices are his own,” I say clearly. “And Angelo's choices were his own.”

Some of the tension leaves his face, and he nods.

I tilt my head. “Does Lorenzo know you’re worried about that?”

“No.”

“Why?”

“Because then we’d have to have a conversation about feelings, and we’d both hate that.”

I snort. “Heaven forbid.”

“Exactly.”

“You Conti men are exhausting.”

“You seem pretty fond of us.”

I shrug. “I always thought I had good judgment. I guess I was wrong.”

He grins, and that charm peeks through again. Then he surprises me by stepping forward and pulling me into a hug.

It lasts only a few seconds, but there is nothing awkward or hesitant about it once he commits.

“Thank you,” he says quietly.