Page 11 of Auctioned Innocence
Since I backed her against a bookshelf last Christmas and nearly kissed her.
Since the swimming lessons last summer that turned into something else entirely.
Since whatever is growing between us that neither acknowledges in the light of day.
“She knows I don’t overreact,” I say instead. “If I tell her something’s wrong, she listens.”
Lorenzo Abate glides into the study, his silver hair catching the low light.
Francesco Renaldi’s oldest friend and advisor has a way of appearing exactly when you least want him to.
“Trouble?” he asks, sharp eyes missing nothing as he takes in our tense postures.
“Just business,” Marco answers smoothly. “Nothing to concern yourself with during a party, Uncle.”
Lorenzo’s gaze shifts to me, calculating in a way that always puts me on edge. “And yet our fearsome enforcer looks ready for war.” His smile doesn’t reach his eyes. “Or is it something else entirely that has him so…tense?”
There’s something in his tone that makes my hackles rise.
As if he knows exactly what—or who—has been occupying my thoughts.
“Just doing my job.” My voice remains neutral despite the warning bells ringing in my head. “Keeping the family safe.”
“Yes, you are quite…dedicated to certain members of the family,” Lorenzo muses, swirling his brandy. “Particularly our Sofia. Such attentiveness is admirable in an employee.”
The word “employee” lands like a slap.
A reminder of my place in the hierarchy.
I’m not a Renaldi by blood, just a useful tool.
A borrowed prize from the DeLucas.
A weapon to be pointed at threats.
“She’s Marco’s sister,” I say simply. “She gets priority protection.”
“Of course.” Lorenzo’s smile widens a fraction. “And suchelegantprotection tonight. I could hardly focus on dinner for watching you watch her. Does Francesco know how closely you guard his daughter?”
Marco steps between us, his back to Lorenzo as he faces me.
His eyes communicate a clear warning:Don’t engage.
“Uncle,” he says without turning, “I believe Father was looking for you. Something about the Vitellis’s proposal.”
Lorenzo hesitates then nods. “We’ll continue this conversation another time, Dante.” He claps a hand on myshoulder as he passes, his grip just shy of threatening. “Remember your place in this family. It would be a shame to lose such a valuable…asset.”
The study door closes behind him, and I release a breath I didn’t realize I was holding.
“Ignore him,” Marco says quietly. “He’s been in a mood since Father started giving Sofia more responsibility with the tech systems.”
“It’s fine.” It’s not, but I’ve learned to swallow worse for the sake of the family.
For the sake of my place here.
Marco studies me for a long moment.
“You know I trust you more than anyone. With my life. With this family’s future.” He pauses, conflict clear in his expression. “With Sofia’s safety.”
