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She remembers my RHONY obsession? I have to laugh, her playful smile helping set me at ease. "Come on, we have some time before dinner. I'll show you the gardens first."
Soon I'm strolling the grounds with her, breathing in the sweet floral scents on the night breeze. Fountains bubble gently around us, the only sound beyond the rustle of leaves. For a moment, I can almost forget all our problems.
Almost.
Too soon, I see Alessa glance at her phone to check the time, and announce that her father must be back by now.
We collect Elena and make our way into the house. The first person I see is a woman who looks remarkably like Alessa, but a little older. "Darling," she says in surprise, seeing Alessa, "I didn't know you were coming tonight."
"Sorry, Ma." Alessa goes to kiss her cheek. "It was a last-minute thing. Daddy didn't tell you? Oh, well, we're here now. Let me introduce you—"
I know now where Alessa got her charisma from. When Maria de Luca takes my hand and says my name in greeting, I feel like the only person on the planet who matters. A little dazed, I accept her dinner invitation at once, and we all follow her into the dining room, which gleams under the light of a crystal chandelier. Fine china and polished silverware adorn the long table set for two, but at Maria's nod, the house staff—there arehouse staff?—immediately set three more places.
And then Johnny de Luca comes into the room, his presence filling up the space. "Alessa, darling. Welcome home. And this must be Elena. How lovely to meet you."
He kisses both of Alessa's cheeks and smiles at Elena before turning to me, his expression unreadable. "Ms. Miller, isn't it? A pleasure to have you with us this evening."
"Thank you for having me, Mr. de Luca." My voice comes out steadier than I expected, and I'm glad of that.
We take our seats, Alessa and I side by side, Elena across from me. I sneak a glance at the vulnerable girl. She sits with her hands folded, gazing around uncertainly.
But when Johnny speaks, his tone is warm. "Elena, welcome to our home. While you are here, I hope you'll consider it yours as well. You're quite safe here. You'll come to no harm."
Elena's eyes widen. "Th-thank you, Mr. de Luca."
I'm taken aback by her earnest tone. I expected fear, not this genuine gratitude. Clearly there's more to Johnny's reputation than I grasped.
And as for Maria de Luca, she merely smiles at her husband in approval, and asks no questions at all. I guess that's how a marriage like that works: deliberate ignorance.
I don't think I could do it.
Servers appear, bearing trays of mouthwatering Italian dishes. Despite everything, I find myself relaxing in the culinary aromas and lilting background music.
Between bites, Johnny regales us with charming stories. With a pang, I'm reminded of family dinners long ago, my father's hearty laugh. I have to stop myself from being drawn in by nostalgia.
Johnny de Luca is still a ruthless killer and kidnapper. I can't forget that.
The meal passes smoothly, but I sense Johnny's assessing gaze on me throughout. Is he trying to unnerve me? Provoke some reaction?
I won't give him the satisfaction. I meet his stare evenly, refusing to show weakness.
After the meal is over, and we're all making small talk, he smiles at me. "Natalie, would you mind giving me a few moments of your time?"
I glance at Alessa, who hesitates, then nods.
"Of course, Mr. de Luca." I follow him into what I think is some kind of drawing room. Alone with Johnny, the genteel atmosphere evaporates. I sit straighter in my armchair as he leans forward, his expression now hard.
"You seem quite taken with my daughter, Ms. Miller. And she with you. But you strike me as an intelligent woman. Surely you grasp that you are meddling in dangerous affairs."
I lift my chin. "I'm committed to protecting innocent lives. Just like Alessa."
He chuckles, though the sound lacks warmth. "Admirable principles. But understand, the choices you make have consequences."
"Is that a threat?" I ask sharply.
"Merely counsel, from someone who has a lot to lose." His eyes bore into mine. "Tread carefully, Ms. Miller. My daughter's heart is not easily won, and I won't see it shattered."
I feel my eyes widen. "I…Alessa and I are…"
