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I race into the mansion, my boots pounding against the marble floors. Icy fingers of dread clamp across my hands at the familiar sound of that quick, brisk walk I've recognized since childhood.
No. Not now. Please, not now.
I turn slowly to find the Capo standing behind me, gazing at me with eyes like twin coals. My heart leaps into my throat.
How long has he been there? What did he see? I struggle to keep my face neutral as panic and dread war within me.
One wrong move could mean death—for me or for Isabella.
The Capo's lips curve into a smile that never reaches his eyes. "Aren't you going to greet your Capo properly?"
My throat is too dry to speak. All I can do is stand frozen in place, my heart pounding. He extends his hand. I must pretend everything is okay. I step forward, bow, and kiss the back of his hand.
"Capo Conti."
The Capo's lips curve upwards, but his eyes remain cold and calculating, which is his usual way of being, so I can't tell what he's thinking. "Stefano, my boy. How have you been?"
I swallow and force a smile, hoping it reaches my eyes. "Very well, Capo. And yourself?"
"Can't complain. And our guest? Has she been behaving herself?"
"Perfectly," I say, the lie bitter on my tongue. "She has been a model of propriety."
The Capo chuckles, a low sinister sound that makes the hairs on the back of my neck stand on end. "Is that so? Then why do I get the sense there's something you're not telling me?"
My heart hammers against my ribs. He knows. Dear God, he knows everything. I struggle to find my voice as panic rises in my chest like a tide.
"I assure you, Capo, everything is as it should be."
The words sound hollow even to my own ears. I can only pray he accepts them, but I know better than to expect mercy from this man.
The Capo's eyes gleam with malice, and he takes a step closer. "Wonderful," he says, softly. "Haven't lost her, have you?"
I shake my head, petrified. My throat goes dry. I don't even dare to blink, or breathe.
But to my surprise, the Capo throws back his head and laughs. "You should see your face! I was only joking, my boy. You looked so stricken I couldn't resist."
He slaps me on the back, and I stagger under the force of the blow. "Go, enjoy the rest of your day. I just wanted to have a bit of fun at your expense."
"Th-thank you, Capo," I stammer.
"You're excused," the Capo says grandly, waving me away like a king dismissing his subject.
I don't need to be told twice.
"Thank you, Capo," I say again, and begin to climb up the banister before he changes his mind.
"Stefano," he says. I turn, and look down at him staring at me intently. "You never asked how Chicago was."
Fuck. I messed up. I'm about to open my mouth to apologize, to ask how the mission went, but he interrupts me before I can even get a sound out.
"We failed. But we'll try again. Felix Carlisi will be killed for having taken the life of one of ours. Our family always comes first."
"Yes, Capo," I mutter.
I stand there, realizing he just threatened me. If I can't stand with him, if I betray him, I might have the same fate as an enemy.
He walks away, and I release the air I've been holding in my lungs. I try to shake off my anxiety, and run up to Isabella's room, two steps at a time.
