Page 24 of Autumn Ritual

I gave him a little shove, slowing my steps to trail behind. Saverio scampered away, fidgeting with his glasses as he joined his wife and daughter with their cookies and lemonade at one of the round tables.

I took my position against the back wall, watching the good parish members socialize. I didn’t fixate on my prize, but Sara stayed in my peripheral.

This would work.

I would visit her at night, convincing her that our primal connection was solid. But a woman like Sara needed to be wooed by more than carnal activities. Her sharp mind would prove to be a powerful resistance. That was why every time she came to town, she needed to see Camillo Ravello as a civilized man.

I would give her the opportunity to fall for both sides of my personality.

Which meant I needed to keep my psycho in check during dinner and whatever opportunities presented themselves in the future.

That, however, was going to be fucking hard to do with pricks like Alfonso Gillepsie sauntering to the Caputos’ table. Alfonso shook hands with Saverio, smiled boyishly at Sancia, but then made the terrible mistake of leaning over the angel still munching on the cinnamon cookie shaped like a rusty maple leaf.

My vision turned red.

Alfonso teased her, reaching out to swipe a crumb off her chin.

I fisted my hands. The pressure on my molars was enough to crack the teeth. If I rushed forward, I would undo my resolve to show Sara I was capable of being a normal human.

Thankfully, I was spared removing the fool’s hand from his body with my pocketknife when Saverio launched forward. He shoved Alfonso, barking at him to get away.

Alfonso towered over the numbers nerd, but the father didn’t back down.

Relief rushed through me.

Lucian looked up from his table, assessed the scene, and cut a look to me.

With pleasure, boss.

I stepped forward.

As if she felt me, Sara swung around. Her gaze crashed into mine. A single word formed on her lips.

“Don’t.”

I hesitated, but the don’s stare was heavy on my back. What is it, angel? No killing in church?

I settled on a sharp bark of command. “No brawling in church.”

Alfonso, coward that he was, pointed a finger at Saverio. “He started it! I was just catching up with my high school friend.”

“You touched the lady without her permission,” I ground out.

Alfonso stammered, but Sara cut in. Her voice was crystal. Pure. Heavenly. “He won’t do it again.”

No…he would not.

But I would wait until later to remove his fingers.

“Get lost, Fonzy,” I clipped out.

Alfonso took three steps back, tripped, and then, after righting himself, fled.

“Thank you.” Saverio stuck out his hand. “Nice to know you have our backs.”

There was an unspoken question to his statement. I clasped his hand and shook.

“Always.”