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As I head into the gold museum, I meet Diana coming the other way, this time dressed in a cornflower blue floral dress that brushes against her slim ankles as she walks.
Her hair is brushed and dances around her shoulders and she smiles angelically, as if she’s the sweetest person in the world.
“There you are. Where’s Leo?”
“He’s gone for a walk.”
“Alone?” She raises her eyes and I nod.
“He’s a grown man.”
“With many enemies.” She shakes her head in apparent dismay.
“Men like Leo don’t just go for a walk. They take security with them and make sure it’s safe first.”
“Are you telling me that the private beach in his family home is an unsafe place?” I say, staring at her hard and she shrugs. “Never take anything for granted, Chastity. There’s always someone out there with a hidden agenda.”
“Can you tell me anything about that?”
A brief smile lights her face and she laughs softly. “I like you. At first, I didn’t, but that’s because I thought you weren’t good enough.”
“For Leo?”
“For this life.” She waves her hand around the room. “Don’t let appearances fool you. I’m not really the sweet girl you think I am. Since meeting Giovanni, I’ve had to toughen up. When you live among mafia, nothing is guaranteed except the target on your back. Trust no one, confide in no one, and always keep your wits about you.”
“So, who is after you, Diana?” I raise my eyes and she stares at me long and hard and then smirks.
“It’s always the family, Chastity. You’ve seen the news. Girl goes missing, husband murdered. A stray shot, or an unfortunate accident. It’s why the cops always investigate the people closest to the victim, because nine times out of ten it’s someone they know.”
She grins and says pleasantly, “Isn’t this nice? It’s so good to have a female to talk to and a worthy one at that. We should spend tomorrow together. The reading of the Will is the following day, and I could use some company to pick out an outfit. What do you say, come shopping with me and we can really get acquainted?”
“Possibly.” I shrug, giving nothing away.
“Leo may have other plans. He did say we would pick out an engagement ring.”
“You mean he proposed without a ring?” Diana’s eyes are wide, and I hate the smirk on her face as she guesses correctly that it’s all an act.
“He did.” I lie quickly. “It didn’t fit, so we sent it back. I wasn’t a fan of his choice and asked to pick out my own.”
“Brutal.” Diana shakes her head and laughs softly. “Well, you’ve got balls. I’m not sure I would be so brave.”
“Why not?”
She stares at me with a pitying look. “Because of who he is and what he may become. It’s obvious you haven’t been around the mafia before, Chastity, so allow me to offer you a word of warning. Their loyalty is fleeting. Remember what happened to Leo’s mom. Giovanni grew bored with her and didn’t hang around for a divorce. Death is so much more convenient and for men with no heart, it’s the preferred option. As I said before, suspect the family first.”
I stare at her, trying to figure this woman out. On the outside, she appears caring and friendly, but I realize she is planting doubts and causing fear for her own reasons. I’m not a fool and her suggestion to head out tomorrow is beginning to suit my own plans because if Leo agrees, only I will make it back.
CHAPTER16
LEO
Iwanted to get away from the house for a reason and the beach is the only place I can call my brothers, knowing nobody is listening. I can’t believe Chastity discovered listening devices in my room. I made the whole thing up to get her naked and now I’m angry.
Then there’s the woman herself. She’s done nothing but what we agreed, but I’m the one struggling with the details. She could die because of me and I’m not sure she really understands that. It seems wrong throwing her to the hungriest lion and I’m not sure I can live with myself if she doesn’t make it back.
I pull out my cell and call Domenico first.
“Hey, what’s happening?”
