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“What happened?” I ask, trying to suppress the tears, and failing.
“We had a large propane tank just outside, used for our gas stove. Once the fire from the initial blast spread, it exploded. Drago survived. Barely. Dina didn’t. She inhaled too much of the smoke. They couldn’t save her.” She pauses and sniffs. “Drago still blames himself. He almost got burned alive trying to shield Dina with his body until the firemen got to them, but he still believes it’s his fault.”
Dear God. I can’t even imagine what it was like for either of them.
“He used to grumble about being stuck with two baby sisters, but the truth is, he was the best big brother anyone could ask for,” she continues as her voice shakes. “Used to call us sugar and spice because Dina was so sweet, and I’m . . . not so much.”
I wiggle my hand a bit to the side and wrap my fingers around Tara’s, squeezing. “I’m so sorry.”
She looks down at our joined hands. “I don’t give a damn that you’re from Cosa Nostra, you know. I was just afraid that you’re going to somehow steal my brother from me.”
“Tara, I would—”
“I know,” she interrupts me and smiles. “Did you really put silk ribbons on Drago’s dogs?”
“Yes.” I grin.
Tara blinks at me and laughs. “I think I might move back into the mansion after all.”
“I’d like that.”
“Now, spill.” She squeezes my hand. “Why are you hiding from Drago under my bed?”
“No reason.” I look back up at the wooden bed boards above me.
Drago’s yelling and the thumping of multiple feet still can be heard from somewhere inside the house. I know my behavior is idiotic, but I can’t make myself go out there and face him. I’m afraid I’ll break down and beg him not to go.
“Sienna?”
“What?” I choke out.
“You’re crying again. Are you allergic to dust?”
I close my eyes and mumble. “Yes.”
I slam the final door on the second floor and look down the hallway. Where the fuck is that woman? I’ve checked every damn room in the house, and it’s like she’s disappeared from the face of the earth. I take out my phone and call Relja.
“Bring me Zeus,” I growl into the phone as soon as I see the call has connected and then I head upstairs.
Just as I reach the landing on the fourth floor, the door to Tara’s room opens, and my wife slips out. A strange expression crosses her face when she sees me, but it is quickly replaced with a smile.
“Oh, Drago, were you looking for me?” she chirps as she approaches. “I thought I heard you calling my name.”
My eyes capture hers and I take a step forward.
Sienna takes a step back, still smiling. “Drago?”
I advance another step, and one more until I have her trapped against the wall. Her mask is in place, but her eyes are red. I don’t think I know anyone who goes to such lengths to hide their real feelings. Bracing my palms on either side of her head, I lean toward her until our noses touch. “Stop.”
She raises an eyebrow. “Stop what?”
“Pretending. It may work with other people,mila, but not with me.” I grab her chin. “I see you, Sienna.”
The fake smile disappears. She blinks, and one tear rolls down her cheek. A low growl emanates somewhere behind me.
I look over my shoulder and find my dog a few feet behind me, his teeth bared and eyes fixed on my hand. “Really, Zeus?”
He growls again.
