Page 103 of Where Dark Hearts Devour
Trilby looks from me to Savero with one hand clasped inside her other.
He eyes me with suspicion. “So tell me, what did Augusto have to say?”
“Nothing.” I shrug. “He just talked about Father. You know how close they were.”
“Hmm. Too close sometimes.” Savero tips his head back so he’s looking down his nose at me.
“Why do you say that?”
“They were secretive. They kept things even from me.”
He walks toward the window, and I move around the island to follow. With his back turned, I place my glass on the counter next to Trilby’s and brush my fingers over hers as I pull away.
Just one last touch.
Her breath stutters, and a flame ignites in my belly at the contact.
“The connection between a don and his underboss has to be unbreakable—you know that. Hundreds of lives and billions of dollars are riding on it. They kept things from me too.”
Sav stares out the window, his expression cold as he replies. “Even when I turned twenty-one, older than Father was when he became underboss, they still kept me in the dark. And don’t think I wasn’t aware of all the times Father begged you to reconsider your departure after Mama was killed.”
I don’t deny it. There’s no point.
Savero speaks through gritted teeth. “He begged you more times than heeverconfided in me.”
“Why are you bringing this up now?” I rest my hands in my pockets, but I’m acutely aware of the gun I’m still carrying in my waistband and the trembling woman still standing at the kitchen island, listening. “Because I went to visit Augie? I’ve visited with him many times before now, and you’ve never had a problem with it.”
“That was when Father was still alive and you were wedded to your life in Vegas.”
I keep my heart rate steady as I answer. “What’s different now?”
His head turns slowly in my direction. “You don’t seem quite so keen to leave this time.”
“I’m leaving now, aren’t I?” I can almost feel Trilby’s bones shaking. “I thought I was stopping by to bid farewell, not to get the Spanish Inquisition.”
Savero spins suddenly and walks toward Trilby before stopping abruptly. She takes two steps back, away from the island. She looks fearful of him, which makes the hairs on my arms rise.Has he done something to her?That thought alone roots me to the ground. If I got even the faintest suggestion he’d raised a hand to her or threatened to, I don’t think I could be held responsible for my actions.
Savero and I stand on either side of the island glaring at each other, and I wonder what happened to our brotherly bond. I don’t remember the last time I felt it. I only remember feeling indebted. He once saved my life, which is why I still find the vision of Father holding him up at gunpoint at the side of the boat shed so disturbing.
“It’s not the Spanish Inquisition.” His smile is sudden and not authentic. “I’m just curious to know what you discussed with Augusto.”
I let my shoulders drop. “Nothing of importance.” I narrow my eyes. “Is everything okay here?”
Savero rests a hand on the island, and I notice Father’s ring glinting in the late-afternoon light. “Everything’s fine,” he says serenely. “Isn’t it, Trilby?”
She jumps a little but covers it up quickly. “Yes, Savero.”
My heart squeezes painfully, and I suddenly feel tired and parched. I reach for my water and knock it back.
“I have to go.”
Trilby sucks in a breath, but I can’t look at her. I can’t think while I’m here. I need to get away; get some distance. I’ve already asked Augie to keep an eye on her. I’ll give a couple of Father’s soldiers a call too.
“Of course.” Savero’s lips curl up at the corners. It’s the most I’ve seen him smile since I came back. “Thanks for coming by.”
He walks me to the door, making it easier to not look back at what I’m leaving behind.
“Safe travelsfratello.” He holds me a little too tight around the face and kisses me on the cheek. “Don’t leave it so long next time.”
