Page 37 of Righteous Deceit

A sinister smirk pulls at the right side of her mouth. “You mean you want to know if he's a pervert and likely to have placed hidden cameras in your house?”

My eyes widen.

I didn't even consider that. Would he do that? Would my unmasked hunter spy on me in my private space? Did I give my suspected enemy free access to my inner sanctum?

Cat laughs. “Oh my god. You should see your face.”

“That’s a horrifying thought.”

She settles her laughter. “Calm down. Diego is the last person I’d expect to be a pervert.”

I don't entirely believe that.

“He's a good person,” she assures me. “I don’t know him very well. He's incredibly private or just quiet. I couldn't tell you which.”

“How old is he?”

She pauses to think . “Early twenties. Twenty-four, I think.”

I pick up my water, taking a large gulp to dampen the sudden dryness in my throat.

The man who ravaged my mouth with the single most incredible kiss I've ever received is ten years younger than me.

“Why do you look so traumatized?”

I relax my face, mentally cursing myself for being so open. “He’s much younger than I thought and incredibly young for a capo.”

“Diego’s young for a capo, but I’m not too young to be a bride?”

I smiled softly. “Touché.”

Our meals are delivered to the table, and we eat in relative silence.

Her eyes focused on her food, she doesn't look up when she speaks. “His persona is very unapproachable, but under his armor, I think he's kind.”

I watch her, hoping she'll continue.

She glances up at me through her lashes. “He told me that if Salvatore ever hurt me, he'd be here in a heartbeat.”

“Salvatore would never hurt you, Cat. You have my word on that. He's not built that way.”

She shrugs, but I can see the tension coiled in her shoulders. I hope she hears my promise and doesn't think I would reassure her of something so crucial without wholeheartedly believing it.

“I didn't tell you that for reassurance. I was merely pointing out that Diego is protective. If he's reconfigured your security system, it's because he wants you tobesafe and, more importantly, tofeelsafe.”

The conviction in her statement brings tears to my eyes, and I clench my jaw to swallow the lump in my throat.

I duck my head, not comfortable showing Caterina the unexpected display of emotion claiming me.

He wants you to be safe.

He wants you to feel safe.

The depressing reality is that I could never imagine trusting a man to keep me safe.

My brother would lay down his life for mine. But he also believes me to be unwavering in my strength. He sees me as formidable and steadfast in my power. I love that about him, but I crave a connection so resolute that my reinforced shields could drop. I want someone I can be vulnerable with. I don't always want to be Alessia Bianchi, consigliera. Sometimes, I just want to be Alessia. I want someone towantto protect me and my heart. I want a soul partner to share the burden of life with.

Up until this moment, I believed that affinity couldn't possibly exist. But Caterina has planted a seed of doubt in my pessimistic assumption.

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