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I offer her a sad smile, agreeing that she has a point. I need time and space to think about it, and one thing I’ve noticed about Abella is that she’s good at talking about everyone else’s problems except for her own.
You never told me when you’re getting married, I say.
She downs the rest of her martini in one long gulp and sets the glass onto the table, her eyes taking on a cloudy hue. “As long as I can avoid it.”
I want to ask her more, but our dinner arrives, and she changes the subject. We eat and laugh and talk for an hour before we finally get around to our Christmas shopping. If there’s one thing I can be grateful for in all of this, it’s that Alessio has given me a true friend in her.
30
Alessio
“Mr. Scarcello, you wanted me to check in when I arrived?”
I glance up from my computer to the man standing in my office doorway. “Yes. Have a seat, Damien.”
He does as I request, and I size him up for what feels like the hundredth time. I’ve spent the last six weeks interviewing guards and trying to find a solid match for my requirements. Not only do I need a candidate who speaks fluent ASL, but I need them to be someone I trust wholeheartedly with Natalia’s safety. It’s important they understand I will fucking slaughter them if they even look at her wrong. As it turns out, it’s a tall order. I managed to find a guard from Germany who’s willing to relocate, but he can’t be here for another month. However, between Natalia and Nino’s schedules, Manuel isn’t able to be with them both at all times, and I need a temporary solution, which is where Damien comes in. IVI sent him over as a courtesy until the new guard arrives, and I’ve spent the last week giving him the rundown repeatedly. He needs to know this job comes with a zero fuck-up policy.
“My wife’s safety is a priority,” I tell him. “I’ll need bi-hourly updates.”
“Yes, sir.” He smirks. “You’ve told me. Several times.”
“I’m aware.” I narrow my eyes at him. “But I’ll reiterate as many times as I deem necessary.”
“Of course, Mr. Scarcello. I understand.”
“Today will be busy.” I check my watch. It’s the day before Christmas Eve, and I’m waiting on word from Angelo regarding the emergency court hearing I requested. “I’ll need you to remain with Natalia at work this morning and then keep watch over the house this afternoon. Manuel needs to leave by noon today to catch his flight back home. He’ll return on Tuesday, after the holiday, and we’ll resume our normal schedule.”
“It won’t be a problem,” Damien assures me.
He looks far too self-assured for my liking. I suspect he thinks his skills are superior to the demands of this position. It rubs me the wrong way, but right now, short of duplicating myself, there aren’t many options at my disposal. With the upcoming holiday, I have to use the resources I have. I may not like this asshole, but he’s vetted by IVI and has references from two other families. I’m also aware that I’ll never be completely comfortable hiring anyone with male anatomy to watch over her, but the IVI security team is a male-dominated industry. I’ll have to get used to the idea eventually, and I only need him around for a month until her other guard arrives.
There isn’t time to consider it further because a moment later, Angelo appears in the doorway. I’m eager to hear what he has to say. Since the discovery of Angelo’s false conviction, he’s been working closely with the Tribunal to ensure the responsible party will pay. He knows the Councilors better than I do on a personal level, and he requested an emergency hearing for today on my behalf. When he nods at me, it’s a quiet indication that he was able to sway them. It’s a welcome reprieve after the hell of the last few weeks.
I slam the computer shut and rise from my chair, my eyes cutting to Natalia’s new guard. “You can wait for my wife in the parlor room, Damien. She’ll be downstairs soon.”
“No problem.”
He leaves quietly, and Angelo arches a brow at me.
“When?” I ask.
“Now.”
“Fucking finally,” I mutter, grabbing my suit jacket from the back of the chair.
“You’re welcome,” Angelo grouses.
“Thank you.” I walk around the desk to join him. “Now, let’s go get this over with.”
He follows me into the hall, and I feel like a thousand-pound weight has been lifted off my shoulders. I’ve been in negotiations with the Tribunal for weeks after they rejected my first proposal. They said I didn’t have sufficient evidence against Enzo to warrant his death. It was bullshit. If he were a lower echelon member, he’d already be dead. Because he’s a Sovereign Son, they want undisputable proof about the new accusations I’ve made against him.
