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Luciu had told Savannah that their apartment represented Sicily perfectly.
Having never been there, I couldn’t agree or disagree, but it was comfortable. Warm. Homely.
Not what I’d imagine of the Sicilian, to be frank. Minimalism suited him more than this place. Especially when I thought of the precise method he had of slicing up his enemies’ faces.
I half-expected to be guided into the kitchen, but I was led into the dining room. Luciu had already taken a seat and he was murmuring something to the woman I recognized as his housekeeper.
She nodded at him, barked something in a language I didn’t understand, then bustled away after gracing me with a grim look.
I’d clearly been found wanting.
A sentiment she never failed to silently transmit whenever I was here.
"Take a seat," Luciu invited, slouching back in the chair at the head of the table.
Places had been set, and I appreciated that he hadn’t pulled a power move and made me sit at his side.
Settling opposite him, I reached for the glass of orange juice and took a deep sip.
"I need to apologize for that business earlier this week," I murmured, eyes on my glass before I focused on him.
"Apology accepted," he said easily. So easily, in fact, that I blinked. "You did not think I would accept your apology?"
"I didn’t," I confirmed, my tone stiff.
"I understand that a man in your position is pulled in many ways. I understand that more than most considering I, too, am new to my role.
"We must present a strong front to our allies and enemies alike. It is hard to strike the right balance, is it not?"
I grimaced. "It is."
"I heard about Cain MacMurray."
"How?" I snapped in outrage.
He shot me a wry grin. "You just told me half the story. He is dead now?"
"He is," I said grimly, not amused by that stunt.
"Did you uncover his source?"
"I did. Russians."
Luciu’s brow furrowed. "I do not sell to the Russians. Things are too fractious with them right now to distribute to them."
"They are? Why?"
"In-fighting, mostly. Lyanov is trying to court Moscow as far as I’m aware."
"He’s not in the city?"
Jesus, how had I been so blind?
"At the moment, no."
Taking all of that into account, I mused, "One of your dealers must be making the sale for you."
He didn’t argue with me, just said, "We’re friendly with the Russians. Has Lyanov given you cause to suspect that friendship has been dissolved?"
