Page 20 of Of Oaths and Secrets

“Sorry I’m late,” I say, stepping closer, my tuxedo-clad arm brushing against hers.

Her mother sighs dramatically. “Well, I was just telling Nora she needs to get used to this. This will be her life from now on.”

I throw her a cold look. “I wasn’t apologizing to you. Your opinion holds no value. I was apologizing to my fiancée. Nora?” I wait for her to meet my gaze. “I am sorry for being late.”

I have no reason to apologize. I shouldn’t, but seeing her like this, I can’t stop myself.

Her eyes widen with surprise, and as my brother chokes on his drink. I know he’s just as shocked.

“It’s okay. It’s not important,” she murmurs.

“Still,” I continue, “it was something that only I could handle. If not, I would have been here on time.”

“Ah, you must have been out torturing people then.” Leo smirks, trying to lighten the mood.

“Yes, I was,” I say, deadpan, meeting his gaze without flinching. “I was obtaining answers you could never get.”

Nora’s eyes flicker with something unreadable, and for a moment, I feel the urge to say more—something to comfort her, perhaps. But before I can act on it, I notice Francisco Bonnano entering the room. His presence is an unwelcome distraction, but I know it’s something I can’t ignore.

“I have to take care of something,” I say, more to Nora than anyone else. The reluctance in my voice surprises me. I’m not accustomed to feeling torn between duty and anything—or anyone—else.

She nods, offering me a small, understanding smile that makes something twist uncomfortably in my chest. “Of course,” she replies, her voice soft, almost resigned.

I give her a slight nod, then turn on my heels and make my way toward Francisco. As I approach him, I take in his demeanor—calm, confident. It doesn’t add up with someone who might be plotting to destroy my family’s business.

“Bonanno,” I greet him curtly, my eyes narrowing slightly as I study his expression.

“Lucchese,” he replies, offering a handshake that I accept, though I don’t miss the way his eyes briefly scan the room, almost as if he’s looking for an escape route.

I can’t blame him for that. I would do the same.

“I’m surprised to see you here. I expected your sottocapo to show, but not you. With the kids and all.”

He throws me a guarded look. “I have a nanny for the kids, and frankly, I wanted to see who you picked as your bride.” He turns to look at Nora, and I’m not a fan of the way his gaze lingers on her.

I step into his field of vision, blocking his view, and he smiles. “Defensive?”

I cock my head to the side. “Are we going to play this game?”

He sobers up and meets my eyes—this is how we engage in battle in our world. You threaten my future wife—I’ll threaten your children.

He smiles again. “Interesting.”

“What is?”

“It seems that the most feared killer in the famiglia can feel something after all.”

I ignore the part about feelings because, truthfully, I don’t know anymore. “Yes, remember that ‘most feared killer’ before you decide to start a war.”

He scoffs. “Is this why you invited me? To threaten me?” He shakes his head. “I will not start a war against you, Lucchese. I’ve got too much on my plate, but know that if you start one, I won’t be shy in answering.”

I scrutinize Francisco’s expression, searching for any sign of deceit, but all I find is a man who, like me, is navigating the dangerous waters of our world with caution. Despite Francisco’s words, there’s a tension between us that’s impossible to ignore—an unspoken understanding that, while we may not be enemies today, the wrong move could change everything.

“I didn’t invite you; my father did,” I reply evenly, though my voice carries a warning. “But I needed to be sure of where you stand.”

Francisco nods, his face unwavering. “And now you know. I have no interest in conflict with the Lucchese. But don’t mistake my restraint for weakness.”

I give a small, almost imperceptible nod, acknowledging his stance. “Nor should you mistake mine. We have an understanding, then.”

---