Page 27 of Of Oaths and Secrets

“I know she’s smart.”

“And very beautiful, too, in case you have not noticed.”

I glare at him. “Of course I noticed. I’m just not keen on you noticing it.”

He rolls his eyes. “If it makes you feel better, if I had to pick between you and your brother, I’d pick you too.”

I look at him for a second. “Are you saying you’re in love with me?”

“You wish.” He sighs.

I take a long sip of my drink, considering his words. It’s possible, but it still doesn’t sit right with me. I’m not the kind of man who gets picked for anything good. I’m the man you choose when you want something done, something dirty, something no one else will do.

Paolo finishes his drink, setting the glass down with a soft clink. “Just don’t screw it up tomorrow. You’ve got enough enemies out there; the last thing you need is to add your wife to that list.”

I snort, but there’s no real humor in it. “Right, because what I really need is another enemy.”

Paolo pats me on the shoulder as he stands. “You’ll figure it out, Rafa. You always do.”

I nod, even though the uncertainty still clings to me like a shadow. As Paolo turns to leave, I stare at the empty glass in my hand, the weight of tomorrow pressing down on me.

"I will figure it out," I mutter to myself, determination hardening in my chest.

Paolo pauses at the door, glancing back at me. “I’ll help you,” he offers, his voice steady.

“Okay, fine,” I say, suddenly making up my mind. I stand abruptly, setting the glass aside. “Help me get to her room.”

Paolo looks at me, raising an eyebrow. “Now?!”

“Yes, now.”

Without wasting another moment, we head outside. The night air is cool against my skin, the sky dark and clear. Paolo gives me a look that says he thinks I’m crazy, but he doesn’t argue. Instead, he just follows me, his expression filled with amusement and concern.

We reach the side of the house, and I eye the first-floor window. Paolo shakes his head, but he bends down, lacing his fingers together to give me a boost.

“You really want to do this?” he asks, giving me one last chance to back out. “This can blow up really bad.”

“Yes,” I say firmly. “Help me up.”

With a grunt, I step into Paolo’s hands, and he lifts me, giving me just enough height to grab hold of the windowsill. I pull myself up, the muscles in my arms straining as I get a grip and swing a leg over the ledge.

Paolo lets out a low whistle as I’m about to disappear into the darkness of Nora’s room. “Good luck, Rafa.”

Ignoring the pounding in my chest, I steady myself, quietly pushing open the window and slipping inside. I’m annoyed that she didn’t check if the window was locked. This is careless, but also, who would dare do what I just did?

The room is dimly lit, and I take a moment to let my eyes adjust, scanning the room for any sign of Nora, who is sitting at the vanity, looking at the mirror, but her eyes are unseeing. She’s dressed in a pair of flannel pajamas with dogs on them, and I’m struck once again by how young she looks.

Only twenty-two…

I rethink my decision to be here—the alcohol clearly making me act more impulsively than I should have. I take a step back, considering leaving before she notices, but the movement breaks her from her trance.

She spins around, her hand flying to her heart. “Rafaele, what are you doing here? I’m not dressed to receive anyone.”

I shrug, trying to maintain my composure. “You’ll be my wife tomorrow. I’ll see far more than this then.”

She blushes, and despite the situation, I find myself liking the color on her cheeks.Focus, Rafaele.

“It’s bad luck to see the bride before the wedding,” she protests, her voice softer now.

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