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Emiliana pushed Stefano to follow. “We’ll talk in the kitchen. Everyone’s here, and no one is hurt. A few more minutes won’t be a big deal.”
His jaw flexed, and I couldn’t help but wonder about the headaches he must have gotten from clenching his teeth so hard. But Luc wore a similar expression. It was going to be a stressful discussion. I extricated myself and threaded my fingers with his, tugging him along. I didn’t want to have the conversation twice, which I think Luc intended. He gave in and followed, but I knew he wasn’t happy. He vibrated with aggression.
Nicole had a pod in the Nespresso and a cup in progress, her cheeks flushed. I couldn’t help but wonder what had happened between her and Tom on the ride home. “I know how they got in.” She glanced up from what she was doing, and the color left her cheeks. “The guard at the back entrance was knocked out. There was a dart in his neck. He and the one inside had been drugged.”
“That had to be Mia, then, because the Tucci family would have killed them. We know how they operate,” Max said.
El got a few mugs out and asked who wanted coffee or wine. I opted for decaf. At least it was better than nothing. Once we all had something to drink, we crowded around the island, and questions tumbled from the guys’ mouths at breakneck speed.
I told them what Mia had said and how she’d behaved.
“The problem is that we don’t know if the Amato and Tucci families have teamed up.” Stefano leveled his gaze at me. “Is there anything else that you aren’t telling us?”
I felt myself pale then took a hasty glance at Luc, who narrowed his eyes at me, then lied through my teeth. “Lauralee never mentioned anyone with the name Tucci. She only told me about confronting Ben, and he’s the only one I’ve had any interaction with.”
Luc’s fingers spasmed around mine. He knew I was holding back. Marco redirected the conversation, and I released a long exhalation when he didn’t say anything. I should have told them about the phone, and I would after the wedding. I couldn’t fully shake my fear that they’d turn me over. It was irrational, and I knew that, but it was there nonetheless.
“We need to move the wedding up.” Luc tugged me impossibly closer, his arm going around my shoulder.
Maybe he understands my thought process?
“Agreed,” Stefano growled. “Nine tonight. Emiliana and I’ll make sure the priest is ready.”
“Whoa.” Sofia held up her hands, palms out. “That’s a lot of work. I need all you girls to help.”
The alterations. “Sure.” I would do whatever needed to be done.
“We can help to pin what needs to be taken in or hemmed while Sofia sews,” El suggested. “Marco, can you and your brothers make sure things are the way we want them to be at the church?”
I wasn’t sure what that meant, but he grinned then kissed her. “Sure.”
Enzo slapped Luc on the shoulder. “Come on. You look like you need another round of sparring.”
Luc grunted. “Give me a minute. Summer and I need to talk about something. Then I’ll be right there.”
I went with Luc, pulling my hand from his when we were in the study where we worked. He shut the door behind us then turned to face me, his arms crossed over his impressive chest.
I lifted my chin, not liking how cornered I felt. Amusement flitted across his chiseled features before he let out a sigh and ran his hands through his short dark hair. “Summer, nothing will change between us, but I need to know what you’re hiding.”
My gaze bounced over his face, and I weighed my options. I would have to confess eventually. And if I told anyone, he should learn about it first. I fell onto the couch, suddenly exhausted. “I don’t know anything else. I was telling the truth about that.”
“But there is something you’re holding back.” He didn’t move toward me, and I was glad for the space.
“The backpack. It’s not mine. It’s Lauralee’s, and her phone is hidden in the inside pocket.”
Luc’s brows furrowed. “What’s on the phone?”
I threw my hands up in frustration. “I have no idea because she has a passcode that I can’t break, and she never gave me the code. It could be nothing, but she did say she recorded Ben on there. My guess is that’s what she was blackmailing him about.”
“We need to share this with the others.”
I tucked my hands beneath my legs. “I know. I just… can we wait until after the wedding?”
He closed the distance between us then took my hand in his. “I promise you that nothing will change between us, and they won’t think badly of you. This is important. They need to know.”
I pursed my lips. This mattered to me. I didn’t want to give in on handing it over, not yet.
“How about this: I’ll tell them about the phone then hand it over after the ceremony tonight.”
