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“No, Vespa.” Antonio’s voice vibrated as he took a step closer. “Barone was trying to be subtle about it, in his way, but you were the one who was drawing his attention. Not your boss, or even the newest, unusual but perfect choice for a consigliere.” He searched her face. “Has that happened before? Is there some history I’m not aware of?”
The slight worry in his voice was making her stomach swirl even more. “That’s none of your business,” she snapped, even though she couldn’t think of anything and had nothing to hide.
“Information is my business,” he murmured.
He wasn’t lying. Antonio was renowned for having informants everywhere. “Speaking of business, thanks, by the way.”
Antonio blinked, his eyebrows drawing together as his attention shifted. “What are you thanking me for?”
She shrugged. “You’re treating me the same and not…” She waved her hand in the air, not sure what she was saying. “I don’t know. So, thanks.”
His eyes were studying her again as if she were an interesting puzzle. “How did you expect me to treat you?”
“It’s just… I’m used to being treated different, you know? That’s probably what you’re picking up on from Barone. The older generation tends to not like me.” She shrugged. “Most people don’t like me because of my winning personality, and I’m fine with that. Montrell’s all I need.” She looked past Antonio, watching the two couples chatting and leaning into one another. They were all so in love. She knew Montrell was, even if he hadn’t said it yet, but Giovanni and Nera were too. The jury was still out on Beatrice’s emotions, but she’d been looking at Montrell in a softer way the last few days.
“They’re so cute but creepy at the same time,” she muttered.
Antonio turned, looking at the others as well. “They are cute. Nera has been amazing for Giovanni.” He seemed to be considering something. “Montrell seems more settled. I’m glad my information worked out.”
She rolled her eyes. “Taking credit?”
“When credit is due.” He side-eyed her. “I can’t picture you doing a ton of PDA, if you ever fall in love.”
“Hey, Montrell and I bump shoulders all the time.” Her arms tightened over her chest.
“Yeah, but you’re not in love with him.” Antonio reached out, his fingers slipping down the edge of her suit jacket, his touch hidden by the position of his body. “Nera will be offering treats in the kitchen.” He released her to join the others.
Vespa didn’t understand why her pulse was jumping when he’d barely even touched her.
She blew out a breath and hurried to follow, not willing to waste time thinking about something so pointless.
Chapter 13
Even after eating some of Nera’s food, which was as amazing as usual, Antonio’s nerves skittered inside. He could still hear Vespa claiming that most people didn’t like her. The matter-of-fact words had stolen his breath, and then he’d lost the chance to say anything.
She would have considered anything he’d said to be hypocritical anyway. He’d had fun poking at her before that first night in the bar, had enjoyed the way she snapped back at each jab during their business encounters, but because of all that teasing, she probably believed he was another person who didn’t like her.
Antonio had heard reports about her actions over the years, and every action she’d taken garnered his respect. She didn’t know that he admired her for the way she defended Montrell and the way she put herself out there, raw and unchanging. She didn’t understand that when she eyed Alina and edged away, as if terrified the woman would hug her again, it was so damned adorable he wanted to kiss her senseless.
Vespa didn’t think people liked her, and she was wrong. Just as she was wrong about Leandro Barone. Barone had threatened her.
Antonio dragged the assassin aside for a chat. He’d been working with Luka more directly in recent weeks. Doing a favor for him had helped ease their working relationship, just as Antonio had known it would. Introducing Alina’s artwork to a gallery had been more like earning two favors.
He still didn’t trust or like Luka, but he felt sorry for the brainwashed kid he’d been. His pity didn’t mean he’d forgive him, though.
“You up for some information gathering?” Antonio asked.
The man nodded as his shoulders hunched in his long-sleeved, black shirt, and he leaned against the wall. With the dimmed lighting of the hallway and the dark clothes and the ink-covered skin, Luka practically disappeared into the wall.
Antonio hated that it was impressive. He opened his mouth to ask Luka to spy on Barone, but Luka spoke first, in his stilted way.
“Giovanni said. Follow Lucchese.” His head tilted as he studied him.
“Right,” Antonio said, his fingers digging into his sides. He wasn’t the type to forget things, and yet here he was, one meeting with Barone’s attention on Vespa having shifted his focus. “It sounds like Giovanni already gave you the orders.” Antonio’s mind churned. There were other options besides sending Luka to Barone. He flashed his smile to give himself time to regroup. “You don’t need me hovering. Spying is another one of your skills.” The words came out dull instead of accusatory like he would usually say them. “I’m surprised you didn’t follow Lucchese directly after the meeting.”
“Did,” Luka said. “Stopped by the Irish.”
Hearing something he hadn’t considered, Antonio focused. “The Irish? You mean the O’Connells?” He didn’t need Luka’s nod of confirmation. The O’Connells had reached out to the Di Salvos for an alliance, which had been strange enough. The Irish didn’t normally want to align with Italians. Since Montrell was related to them, Giovanni had wanted his opinion, but now the O’Connells were meeting with the Luccheses instead? Antonio didn’t believe in coincidences. “Will you be able to watch them more this week?”
