Page 71 of Impenitent Claim

The woman yelped.

“You two need to shut your mouths,” I growled. “You know better than to talk about family matters. And Benedetta? Just because your daddy is a capo, doesn’t give you the right to talk about business. Ever.”

“Isabella?” Giulia stammered. “Is that you?”

“Lucky for you,” I snapped and moved to the sink to run my hands under warm water. It did little to dispel the cold seeping into my veins.

“How’s your wedding planning?” the younger woman asked, emerging from her stall.

The thought of standing here and making small talk soured in my stomach. I glared at her through the mirror. “It would take a hellspawn to prevent me marrying Alonzo. The wedding’s happening.”

Which, if the malicious gossip was to be believed, was already haunting the don’s reign. Between the war with the Scorso Famiglia and the disaster that was this marriage, holy water was being used for baths and cornicello amulets were being passed out like candy.

I glanced at my own, the charm nestled just above the neckline of my dress. Gio might be a troublesome kid, but he was a good little brother.

“That’s interesting,” Benedetta said in a tone that was almost a sneer. “I heard things were being postponed. Glad to hear you’re so eager.”

“And what’s that supposed to mean?” I slammed my elbow into the paper towel dispenser.

Giulia shuffled. “I think she means that it didn’t seem like you were interested in marriage before. And when the wedding planning fell apart—”

“And so mysteriously,” Benedetta added with a bite to her voice.

“We thought you seemed, well, glad.” Giulia shrugged.

“Right,” Benedetta added, coming from her stall and fluffing her hair. “It’s just nice to see you so…happy.”

“Well, I am.” I pointed a finger at the women—who’d been just as idiotic and bubbleheaded in high school. “Remember, keep your mouths shut about business.”

They nodded meekly, and I stormed out of the bathroom.

“Did you know she was so fiery?” Giulia’s astonished question followed me through the door.

“Nope, she always seemed so dopey,” was Benedetta’s hushed response.

I grinned.Yes, ladies, I have teeth.

It felt good to unleash that part of me, even if the moment was fleeting.

***

Those who were able knelt on the cushioned pads. The words of the priest floated through the sanctuary, and the words of repentance formed on my lips.

Cecilia hmphed.

I shot a side glance, hoping my black veil would be enough to hide the look. Coming in late, the underboss and his son knelt next to us in the pew. Their cologne was stifling, and I had to resist the urge to sneeze. Holding my breath only made my ribs pop as the muscles contracted. A snort exploded from me, filling the silent church. My cheeks flooded with warmth, and I struggled to suppress a second outburst. The strega reached quickly between us and her fingers pinched tight. A sharp sting radiated through my side. It wasn’t like her warning could stop the force of nature.

As the contrite confessions of the congregation rose in unison to the steepled ceiling, I sneezed violently, three times, in quick succession.

“Excuse yourself and come back when you’re more composed,” Cecilia hissed.

Sniffing furiously, I hurried from the pew, not needing to be asked twice. Dashing to the stack of brochures in the front entryway, I grabbed a tissue from the box sitting in one of the cubbies. It was only going to continue if I didn’t find some allergy pills. I ripped open my clutch, digging through the few items, even though I knew there wouldn’t be any relief in there.

I opened my phone to order a delivery grocery service to bring allergy meds, knowing it would be faster than sending the guards for the stuff.

Something dark prickled along my spine. Embarrassment swelled inside. I didn’t have to look behind me to know I wasbeing watched. The spectresaw my struggle with the allergy attack.

He’s here.

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