Page 9 of King of Omen

We received nods of respect from stands of men and women clustered in groups on the steps leading into the generous entryway.

I dipped my head back but moved fast, not keen on in-depth conversation.

Mauri did his job, the menace to my charm, the offence to any charges made by a few eager-faced individuals.

As soon as I stepped inside the home, another unexpected wave of calm and belonging came over me.

The house was a dream, surrounded by lush greenery and overlooking the rugged escarpment. It offered the tranquillity of the outdoors with a private garden and an expansive patio, perfect for al fresco relaxation.

The interior boasted modern amenities, with a comfortable and stylish touch throughout the various wings and generous rooms, high vaulted ceilings, and abundant natural light.

The living area was centred around a cozy wood-burning fireplace, and it included two formal lounges, a dining room, and casual entertaining spaces.

The spacious galley kitchen had top-of-the-line appliances and a convenient butler’s pantry.

French doors opened onto a private deck with stunning views of the Blue Mountains range and the landscaped gardens below. The grounds featured a pool surrounded by fragrant lavender hedges, colourful hydrangeas, flowering magnolias, roses, and native plants.

The place was packed with Bianca’s friends, older couples, men and women, and a few ex-colleagues from the clinic she’d run.

I pursed my lips, surprised to see a working bar at one end of the living area. I headed for it, keen for a drink.

I spotted a flash of lilac from the corner of my eye, and my heart lurched.

The woman from the chapel.

My eyes locked on her as she worked the room.

I noticed her replenish the food, hand out trays, and greet the guests as if she owned the house.

Or perhaps she was the hired help?

Needing clarity, I stepped toward her, hankering to know the truth.

Until a hand nabbed my arm and spun me around.

‘Vitto,’ growling, annoyed at the interruption. ‘What?’

My baby brother gave me a furrowed glance. ‘I need you to meet Signore Chivas,’ he murmured. ‘He’s a member of the San Giovesse familia in Australia and was a close friend of our aunt.’

‘Damn, I’d forgotten we needed to pay and be paid respect, even this far away from home.’

Vitto waggled his brows at me. ‘The San Giovesse family are influential in Naples, and so too here, so watch yourself.’

Narrowing my eyes at my kin in warning, I turned to greet the silver-haired man who’d appeared before me.

He gave me a smile which didn’t quite reach his eyes. ‘My deepest sympathies,’ he intoned.

With a gesture to step aside, he pulled me close to whisper in my ear. ‘I hope your aunt’s passing doesn’t mean you Calibreses are getting any ideas moving in on us.’

I canted back to nail him with an ice-cold glare. ‘We have no such plans, and even if we did, it wouldn’t be any of your fuckin’ business now, would it, Signore?’

He sucked his teeth. ‘We don’t need any trouble.’

‘If adversity comes, it’s because it’s looking for me, not the other way around,’ I ground out. ‘ Should it find its way to us, be advised we won’t hesitate to make it go away, with permanent efficacy.’

The man blanched and cursed, nostrils flaring.

Giving Vitto an annoyed glare, I jerked my chin at the older man, muttered my polite gratitude for his attendance, and retreated back to the bar, fuming.

---