Page 114 of Corrado

“Right,” Andino drawled, “well, there isn’t much to tell, and if he keeps anyone in New York that would know who Ginevra Calabrese is away from her, then none of us will have to worry about any trouble coming his way. Certainly not The League, regardless of what happens. They arranged my marriage to Ginevra but as I didn’t plan on following through, she needed to go away for a while—hence, Corrado watching her. I doubt anyone in Canada knows that woman I sent him off with. Most people here didn’t know who she was, and her face is a dime a dozen in New York. Canada doesn’t mix very much business with the Marcellos, so I assume she is essentially a ghost there with him. Something pretty on his arm, I would say.”

Alessio blinked.

What?

“Excuse me?” he asked, his voice a murmur.

Andino arched a brow. “Did I not speak slow enough for you?”

“He’s looking after … a woman.”

It wasn’t even a question.

Just … a statement.

Why wouldn’t Corrado tell him that?

They had rules for a reason—those rules between them kept the men honest, and their relationship open and safe. Telling each other everything was more than just showing their trust but offering their loyalty.

It didn’t make sense that Corrado wouldn’t explain that detail. He could have simply said there was a woman with him, and at the same time, keep the rest from Alessio if it might mess with this favor he owed to Andino.

Except he didn’t.

He kept her a secret.

Why?

How long would Corrado keep that information from Alessio?

How long would he lie?

Alessio wet the corner of his lip with his tongue. “Ginevra, you said?”

“That’s her. If you wouldn’t mind, I need that info kept quiet because she needs to stay out of sight for the time being. We have a situation here in New York, a little war, nothing big … and I would prefer if she wasn’t brought back before I kill her useless brothers, and all.”

“That seems like a strong reaction to an almost marriage.”

“No, strong would have been blowing up the church with everyone inside when they thought they could marry me to her without giving me a choice. That’s a strong reaction. Instead, I figured out another way. And all I have gotten for it is grief, and since I don’t know who the fuck you are, or why you give a shit, I won’t be taking any of that grief from you for it, too.”

“Huh.”

Andino nodded at the door and lifted his hand to gesture along with it. “And if that’s all, you can get the fuck out. Do be sure to leave Pink alone on your way out—I can’t stand his attitude when someone pisses him off.”

Right.

Sure.

The last thing Alessio gave a fuck about right now was Andino’s enforcer. He had other things to consider, now.

Thwack.

Ginevra’s eyes flew wide open at the loud sound. It came again less than three seconds later, letting her know that no, she was not dreaming, and someone was making way too much noise at … she rolled over in the bed, and blinked at the digital alarm clock on the nightstand.

Five-thirty?

In the morning?

What the fuck was wrong with people?