Page 112 of Mafia King of Lies

I look at the clock. I’ve been away from Maria for too long.

“Send word to Dario,” I say, already moving toward the door. “I want every lead on Giacomo and Emily verified within the next twenty-four hours. I want this issue done and over with within the next two weeks. Enough is enough.”

Valerio grins. “You got it, boss.”

I step out of the office, my thoughts already shifting to the next battle. I lost the last two, but the war isn’t over yet.

As I make my way down to my car, my mind begins to shift focus to something else—or rather someone else.

Maria.

She is my anchor in all of this. The one person whose loyalty is unwavering. The one person who doesn’t see me as a monster or a king of sorts—just as Matteo.

And yet, she’s hiding something from me.

She thinks I don’t notice but I do. The way she hesitated after the gala. The flicker of something in her eyes when I asked if she was okay.

She’s keeping something from me.

And I intend to find out what it is.

Whatever she’s hiding… I’ll tear the truth from the shadows myself.

33

MARIA

Iwake up in Matteo’s arms. For a moment, I let all the doubt slip away and allow myself that one singular moment of reprieve.

His warmth surrounds me, the steady rise and fall of his chest against my back grounding me in the early morning stillness. His arm is draped over my waist, his hand resting just above my hip, holding me close even in his sleep.

For a brief moment, I allow myself to sink into it—to close my eyes and pretend that nothing is wrong. That there isn’t a flash drive hidden in my nightstand, waiting to unravel everything. That I’m not holding a secret inside me, a possibility that could change my life forever.

But the moment doesn’t last very long because I feel movement behind me.

Matteo shifts slightly, pressing a slow, lingering kiss to the back of my shoulder. “You’re awake,” he murmurs against my skin, his voice thick with sleep.

I force a small smile, even though my stomach twists uncomfortably. “I was just enjoying the quiet.”

He hums in response, his hand skimming lightly across my stomach before settling against my waist again. He doesn’t say anything, but I can feel him studying me, his gaze heavy with unspoken thoughts.

“You’re tense,” he finally says, his voice still low, but sharper now.

Crap.

I stiffen slightly, but then I school my expression, turning in his arms to face him. “Just tired.”

Matteo’s eyes search mine, and for a second, I think he might push—might call me out on the lie. But then he brushes a strand of hair behind my ear and presses a kiss to my forehead. “I’ll have someone bring you breakfast in bed.”

I shake my head, sitting up. “No. I’ll be fine once I’m up.” I force another smile. “Besides, I don’t like people preparing food for me anymore.”

I wince as soon as the words leave my mouth. I shouldn’t have said that. The last thing either of us needs is to be reminded of the Emily incident.

“I’m sorry,” I mutter under my breath.

“I understand. The fridge has everything you could want. But I’ll ask Valerio to make any runs you need—for anything. I don’t want you wandering outside for too long.”

He brushes the back of his hand over my cheek. I lean into his touch and revel in its warmth for a moment longer. I close my eyes and will myself to hush the internal voice that keeps roaring loudly in my head.

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