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“We were friends, that’s it.”
“I thought you and Elio were friends too.”
I cut my eyes at him, not wanting to his play games. This night had been a challenge in itself, and I didn’t need this as well. As we talked, I slowly slid my hand into the purse that hung from my shoulder. I could feel it cold against my fingers.
“What are you doing here, Mariano?” I distracted him with a wave of my opposite hand. “You showed your true colors when you tossed me into Rosa’s car, just like I showed you mine when I kicked your teeth out.” I was still proud of that, even more so when I sent them to Piero. I’d been waiting for the right moment to tell him who they belonged to. “Unless you want to go down that path again, I suggest you—” He suddenly lunged forward and wrapped his hands around my neck and pressed me flat up against the stone wall.
“I’m here to show Elio that I’m untouchable.” His breath smelled of brandy as he squeezed my vocal cords. It wasn’t too painful, but it was enough to show me I couldn’t get away. “I want him to know I now have connections and can slip by anyone, at any time. Not everyone is loyal to the almighty Elio Capri.” He spat to the side, clearly disgusted with Elio. “I found you once, and I can find you again, protection or not.” His face twitched. “You know,” he sniffed and blinked rapidly, “the best part of this whole thing? You have no idea whohereally is. But I do, and when you find out, that will be what will bring down the Capri syndicate.”
I suddenly snapped my wrist under his arm and sliced down the side of his ribcage. It wasn’t where I was aiming, but it did the trick.
His eyes went wide as he registered the pain and leapt back as he felt around then looked at the blood on his fingers.
“You bitch! You’re never really alone, Sienna. Remember that.” Mariano laughed like the crazy person he was. “Not even close.” He shoved me to the floor then bolted for the window.
“Vinni!” I screamed as loudly as I could as I raced to look out the window. I saw him disappear into the shadows, instantly regretting not choosing an upstairs room.
Boom!The door flew open, and Vinni had his gun drawn as he came running in. I heard a crash and saw a plate of spaghetti hit the floor as Wyatt ran in.
“Mariano was here.” I pointed to the window, and Vinni quickly made a call.
“Did he hurt you?” Wyatt had me by the arms as I shook my head.
“He just…” I took a deep breath, trying to settle myself. “I’m fine. He had me by the throat, but I’m okay.”
“What happened?” Elio raced into the room and pulled me into his chest.
“I’m okay. Mariano was here and was saying all kinds of things. I cut him, though,” I held up my little blade, “straight down his side.”
“Vinni,” Elio ordered, and Vinni was already out the window and retracing Mariano’s steps. “Come on. We’re leaving. You can tell me everything in the car.”
“No.” I stepped away from him.
“No?” His brows drew together. “It wasn’t a question, Sienna.”
“I know it wasn’t, but tonight was about announcing the joining of our two syndicates. Leaving right now won’t look good, and I won’t let Mariano win. He banked on scaring me, and though he did, I’m not physically hurt. I say we go back out there and work the crowd as a team.”
“I don’t like that idea.”
“Okay.” I shrugged, not caring that he didn’t like my pushback. “You don’t have to like it, Elio, but you know I’m right. If we back down every time someone comes at me, what would that show the people? That I really am your weakness.”
He closed his eyes and let out a curse while Wyatt tried to conceal his shit-eating grin.
“You never leave my sight. Do you understand me?”
“I wasn’t planning on it.”
“I’m serious, Sienna. I don’t know how he got in here, but he just pushed my last button. I won’t be held accountable for my actions if something else happens here tonight.”
“Understood.” I reached for his hand. He looked down at me, and I saw conflicting emotions run across his face. Then, after a moment, his eyes softened, and he nodded.
“Before you go, drink this.” Wyatt handed me the glass of red wine he’d managed to save. “I’m afraid your dinner needs replacing.” He chuckled as we all looked at the mess on the floor.
“Thanks, Wyatt.” I kissed him and brushed at a small red wine stain on his jacket. I took a few steadying sips then put the glass on a side table. “All right, I’m ready.” I smiled and took Elio’s arm.
We went back to the party, and I tried to hide my growing anxiety as I scanned the faces to see if Mariano was in the crowd. With my subconscious so preoccupied, it proved to be more difficult to engage with people this time around, but I was determined not to let Mariano’s sudden reappearance ruin my night.
“Drink?” Elio asked.
