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We kiss cheeks, and she pulls on her seat belt. The MC20 revs at my demand, and I watch Caterina’s lips tip upward.
“When are you going to let me drive?”
I zip down Salvatore’s driveway, watching him in my rearview as he watches our departure from his bedroom window. He’s far enough away that I can’t be certain, but for a man who refuses to speak to his betrothed, something resembling longing narrows his dark eyes. If I didn’t know any better, I’d say my twin brother is jealous of the time I spend with his future wife.
“Never,” I tell her honestly, shaking thoughts of my brother from my mind. “My baby is only built for me. Ask your future husband for one.”
She scowls at me.
I wink at her.
We don’t often, if at all, speak of her impending nuptials to my brother. She prefers to live in denial, and I’m happy to let her dance in there for complacency.
“I’ve been looking forward to today all week,” she tells me, and guilt wraps itself around my throat.
I have an ulterior motive for spending time with her, and I wish I didn’t have to stoop to this level. I wish I didn’t have to rely on the beautifully lost woman beside me for information. But I need as much intel on Diego as I can gather, and right now, she’s the closest and most reliable source I have.
I let Caterina lead the conversation as we drive, her soft voice rising with excitement as she tells me about the farm-to-table Michelin-starred lunch spot where we’re going.
I’m only half listening, my mind wondering about the best strategy to insert Diego into the conversation without raising suspicion. Not that I believe Caterina has been planted in Chicago to spy, but I don’t know her enough yet to determine the strength of her loyalty to Lorenzo Caruso.
We’ve sat down and ordered drinks and appetizers when Cat reaches across the table to take my hand.
I startle.
“Are you okay?”
I force a smile, hoping it looks genuine. “Why do you ask?”
“You've barely said anything since you picked me up. If you're not up to catching up…”
I squeeze her hand. “I’ve just got a lot on my mind. I've been counting down the days to see a friendly face.”
Her face lights up. “Work stuff you can't talk to me about?”
I like that about Caterina. She will happily listen if you want to talk but is equally comfortable filling the silence if you struggle with conversation. She's easy to be around and accepting of whatever version of you she’s offered. She adapts, and it's an admirable quality.
“A little,” I answer. “I also wanted to ask you something, but I don't want our time spent on others.”
Her head tilts with curiosity.
“Diego Greco has recently overhauled my security system at home.”
“Okay.”
“It's nerve-racking having another family responsible for my safety.”
She raises an eyebrow.
Okay. Wrong choice of words.
I sigh. “You know what I mean. I want to know if I can trust him.”
She sips her water and shrugs. “He’s moved quickly up the ranks in New York. Lorenzo trusts him. I don't see why you couldn't.”
Naive girl.His loyalty to Caruso ispreciselywhy I’m not sure I can trust him.
“I’m sure you’re right.” I sit back in my seat. “What can you tell me about him?”
