Page 353 of Niccolo

“Of course I knew. You think Niccolo wouldn’t inform me of what he was doing?”

“And you LET HIM?!” Adriano raged.

Dario sighed. “Niccolo?” he said wearily.

I knew whatthatmeant.

He wanted me to explain myself.

“I pegged her as Fausto’sconsiglierethe night of your wedding,” I said to Adriano. “I met her right before Fausto left, and I was taken by how intelligent she was. She said some things… comments about chess… that made me reconsider everything that had happened with the Turk and Mezzasalma. Only later did I put it all together and realizeshewas the one who had planned it all.”

“Wait –Faustodidn’t plan any of it?” Roberto asked in shock.

“I’m sure he had a hand in it, but no – Sofiadid.”

“Oh, so she’s not the enemy’sconsigliereanymore – she’sSofia,”Adriano snarled.

“Well, I mean – I didfuckher, you know.”

“How did you find outit was her and not Fausto?” Roberto asked. “Did she admit to it?”

“No, she didn’t – but I was his apprentice for over a decade. Iknowhim. I know how he thinks. He’s cautious.Overlycautious. The Turk – Mezzasalma – they were far too audacious. Too bold. I knew Fausto had outside help, and she fit the bill perfectly. She’s a former chess grandmaster. She’s brilliant, both at strategy and tactics.”

“It sounds like you admire her,” Lars said.

“Well, hedidFUCK her,” Valentino said savagely.

I shot Valentino a glare, then looked at Lars. “Even if they were on the enemy’s side, wouldn’t you have the greatest respect for a soldier who’s so good at what they do that it raisesthe bar for what ‘good’ actually means? Somebody who embodies all the best qualities you value in a soldier?”

Lars sighed grudgingly. “I suppose… but if you’re correct, then this woman planned the hit on your brother. You do realize that, right?”

“Said the man who’s now married to the would-be-assassin,” I snapped.

Lars glared at me but didn’t say anything more.

“You were literally sleeping with the enemy,” Roberto said in irritation.

“Said the man who wasalsosleeping with the enemy!” I shot back.

“Hey,” Roberto said, wounded. “In my defense, I didn’tknowshe worked for Lau when I slept with her.”

“Oh, it makes itsomuch better that she duped you.”

“How long has this been going on?” Valentino asked angrily. “Did you fuck her at the wedding?”

“No, onlyyoudo things like that,” I retorted.

“Not anymore. He’s a married man,” Massimo said, trying to lighten the mood –

But Valentino wasn’t having it.

“So when did you fuck her the first time?” he demanded.

“In Hong Kong.”

“Jesus, that long ago?!” Valentino snapped.

“Yes,” I sighed.

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