Page 69 of The Diávolos: Part Two
My lips quiver, but I will myself not to cry at my own dinner. “How can you be so sure?”
“Because it’syou, Angelica, and I’ve never been so sure about anything in my damn life.”
The tears that were threatening to fall roll down my cheeks. Even though I’m crying, the tension in my body slowly dissipates like a heavy fog lifting. The more I spend time with Evan, the more he seems to chip away at the walls I built around my emotions. I’ve been so angry with him, holding onto resentment like a shield, but it feels as though he’s finally finding the cracks in my armor. Nagging doubt creeps in, whispering words of caution into my ears. I want to allow myself to be happy, but the other side is a force that urges me to reconsider. I’m just not ready yet.
Despite my wariness, I can’t deny the power of Evander’s words. I can sense the sincerity in his voice, an attempt to bridge the gap that has formed between us.
Dinner is a breeze. Conversation is flowing and the food is delicious. Xander’syayáreally outdid herself. As the night unfolds, my anger and longing toward Evan wage a silent battle within me.
Someone clinks on their glass to make a speech. It’s Dion.
“Adelfé, today is a special day. We finally see two families unite, not only in power, but in love.” I wince and glance away for a moment. “When I look at you and your new wife, I see devotion. This marriage maybe didn’t happen in the most conventional of ways or reasons,” he says, winking at us, and laughter fills the room. “But nothing easy is worth fighting for. To the bride and groom,” he toasts.
“To the bride and groom!” the table erupts. I can feel Evan’s burning stare on me as I sip my champagne, but I refuse to meet his gaze.
Nicholas Matsoukas clears his throat, lifting his own glass. “I’d like to congratulate the couple. I see bigger and better things in all our futures because of your union.” Evander nods at him. “I’m sorry for bringing up business on such a joyous occasion, but we must discuss our next moves.”
“You’re right. Other than to celebrate, we invited you all here today to inform you of our plan,” Evander says, placing his hand on my thigh and giving it a little squeeze. The gesture reassures me instantly, and I didn’t even realize I needed it. “Now that Angelica and I are married, our families have united. But there’s one problem. Peter has disappeared.”
“How do you know?” Homer Cirillo asks.
“My intel informed me that he’s been laying low for the past week, and he told Angelica that he was going to be away for business, which we suspect is a cover-up. Xander was having Peter followed, but he vanished.”
“Peter and I share many of the same associates, and I’m usually at the same meetings. I haven’t heard of any new dealings happening. So, your assumption must be correct,” Damon agrees.
My heart sinks into my stomach. Is Damon also part of the circle who leads the Sisterhood? Evander stiffens next to me, probably having the same thought. His fingers dig deeper into my leg, and I hiss. He retracts his hand immediately. “I’m so sorry, my angel,” he mutters.
“It’s okay.” I give him a reassuring nod.
Evander faces Damon once more. “Who are these associates you refer to?”
From the corner of my eye, I see Xander and Dion slowly approach the table, alert. On the other side of the restaurant, Evan’s guards place their hands onto their holsters.Fuck. I hope this wedding doesn’t turn into a shit show.
“Moró, I think right now might be the perfect time for you to freshen up in the bathroom,” Evan whispers in my ear. I shake my head. He scowls at me, but I'm not leaving his side.
Not having time to argue, he looks back at Damon and tilts his head, waiting for an answer.
“I’d watch your tone, Vasilakis. If you’re implying that I have anything to do with the Sisterhood, then you’re wrong,” Damon spits.
Evander slides his chair back. “Is that a threat, Petrakis? I don’t take those lightly.”
“It’s whatever you want it to be, Evander,” Damon mocks. “I will not sit here and be insulted by anyone at this table.”
Evan emits a low, menacing sound. “Be careful with your next words, Damon. I don’t know if you’ve noticed, but you’reveryoutnumbered.”
The older man goes to reply, but Gianis stops him. “That’s enough, father.”
Petrakis laughs. “So, you’ve becomehispuppy now?”
Gianis lets out a guttural noise and, within an instant, is at his father’s side, his hand around his neck. “You might be my father, but I won’t hesitate to kill you if you disrespect me. I’m not the same man you used to order around,” he snarls.
“Enough!” I shout, standing up. “Let’s not do this today. We’re here for a common purpose—to come together against one: my father and the Sisterhood. I won’t allow this behavior at my own dinner,” I bark, irritation boiling within my gut. If I’m going to be the next leader of the Kouvalakis family, I need to act like one. “Gianis, let go of your father, please.” He obliges without argument. “Damon, do you have anything to do with the Sisterhood? Yes or no. And if you lie, we will find out.”
“I have nothing to do with that disgusting place,” he snaps.
“Very well,” I say. “Now, let’s continue. As my husband said…” The word hitches in my throat. I chance a look to my side and find Evander staring up at me, his face full of awe, but there’s a hint of arousal in his eyes. His gaze penetrates me like a heated rod, and I feel myself burning under his stare. “My father is most likely plotting something, which means we have to findhim. Once we do, our men will question him about his endeavors and where the Sisterhood is located.”
“What if you can’t locate him? Or what if he doesn’t offer any information?” Homer asks.
