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Salvatore Furnari is nothing if not observant. There’s no way he doesn’t see how my second cousin is looking at me. He’s thrown men out of this house for less.
Something is going on here. And it makes my stomach twist in knots.
My father and Maximo, once again, begin to talk about business. And, again, I’m glad for the reprieve. I’ve almost eaten half my plate when the cell phone tucked into the waistband of my pencil skirt buzzes. I look up to confirm neither man heard the noise. They’re both too focused on their conversation and the delicious food in front of them.
Taking care to be discreet, I reach down and slide the phone from my waistband. I put it in my lap. Normally, I wouldn’t dare bring my phone to the table in my father’s house, but after not seeing Declan in two days, I wanted to keep the device close. I’m not entirely sure why. It’s not like I expect him to suddenly text me and explain his absence after what happened between us at the museum. Still, I can’t deny part of me hopes there’s a valid reason for his distance.
With that thought, I look down and see I have a text. Anticipation builds, but it swiftly falls when I see it’s from my best friend, Ashley, and not my elusive fiancé.
A fiancé who may have aided in your brother’s murder,my subconscious reminds me in an attempt to mitigate my disappointment.
I open the message.
Hey, girl. Long time no see. Want to grab coffee tomorrow morning? We need to catch up.
She’s right. It has been a while since we’ve seen each other. In fact, we’ve barely spoken since my engagement party. Things between us were tense that night, and honestly, I’ve been so preoccupied with everything else going on that I didn’t think to try to bridge the gap between us. I’m a crappy friend.
I quickly type my response.
I’d love to. Name the time and place and I’ll be there!
I reach for my glass of water as I wait for Ashley’s reply. The last I heard, she was seeing someone she met during her trip to the Maldives. I wonder if it’s the same man I caught her out on a date with the afternoon of my wedding dress fitting. The same afternoon she told me she was too busy to join me.
That’s something I have yet to bring up with her, and I doubt I ever will. I’m not usually one for confrontation. Especially not with Ashley. My best friend is feisty. And the few times we’ve argued have not gone well. I learned a long time ago it’s often best just to go with the flow when it comes to my high-maintenance bestie.
“You know, it’s a shame about Catarina’s engagement. You two would have certainly made an advantageous couple.”
Water almost spews across the table as I choke. I use my napkin to dry the escaped liquid from my mouth and turn to my father with wide, disbelieving eyes, silently asking,What the hell?
But he isn’t looking at me. My father is looking at Maximo, wearing an expression of pride mixed with anticipation.
Maximo gives my father a wry smile and shakes his head slightly. “I would be honored, Uncle.”
I don’t know what the hell is going on, but this meal has officially taken a turn from awkward to downright uncomfortable. Do they seriously not realize how inappropriate this conversation is? I mean, Maximo just called him uncle for Christ’s sake. How are they overlooking the incestuous nature of that comment? I sure as hell am not.
I’m mentally plotting my escape from this meal when a throat clears near the dining room entrance. All eyes turn in that direction. Relief floods me when I see Liam standing behind Benedicto.
“Benedicto,” my father addresses his longtime house manager. “What’s the meaning of this interruption?”
“My apologies, Mr. Furnari,” it’s Liam who speaks. “But something has come up and Catarina is needed at home. Immediately.”
“And you are?”
Despite my father’s belittling tone, my bodyguard answers without a hint of unease, “Liam O’Connell, sir.”
I rise from my chair with a frown. “What’s happened?” Is it Jane? Or Declan? I haven’t heard from either all day.
Liam’s expression softens when he looks at me. “I’ll fill you in on the drive home.” He shoots a pointed look at Maximo and my father.
“Of course.” He wouldn’t want to discuss MacKenzie business in front of outsiders.
Since when are you no longer an outsider?
“We are not finished with our meal, Catarina.” My father’s reprimand stops me halfway to the door. I look back and see his scowl. Months ago, I would have let his disapproval win. I would’ve returned to my seat despite the gnawing unease growing in my gut at the thought of what could cause Liam to interrupt lunch. I’ve always prided myself on being a respectful, obedient daughter.
But that’s not me anymore.
Of course, I still love and respect my father. But my life has changed these past months. I was forced into an engagement to protect our family from unnecessary violence. I watched my ex-boyfriend die right in front of me. And I let myself fall for a man who could be responsible for the death of my eldest brother.
