“Fine, thanks. I was just,” I scrambled for something to say, “taking pictures.”
“She’s got an eye for photography.” Francesco beamed at me. “She’s making a book about the people in the town and all the beautiful places here.”
“Is that so?” Piero held up a finger to the man behind him then took the grocery bag from my arms and handed it to him. The other men who surrounded us looked like they were on edge. It made me anxious and unsure of my surroundings. “Well, then, let’s not let an opportunity such as this be wasted on only a pleasant conversation. It is obvious to me that my Francesco has a good eye for a beautiful woman. Let’s see what your camera can capture.” He snapped his fingers at one of his men, who took my beloved camera from my arm then waved at me to stand next to Francesco. Then he joined us in the shot, the underboss of one of the scariest syndicates there was. I couldn’t help but notice his men created a protective horseshoe around us as the cars went by. “Smile.” I swallowed but played my part well. I knew Francesco would never let anything happen to me. The shutter went off a few times, and then my bag was handed back to me and so was my camera. “It was lovely meeting you, E.” Piero smiled absently then stepped a few feet back as his man once again was in his ear. I could tell his mind was already in another place.
Francesco’s eyes widened as they moved over my shoulder, and I knew what was about to happen.
No, please not now.
“Sweetheart, what is going on?” My mama glared at Piero as she and my father approached. Thank goodness he didn’t seem to notice her expression as his bodyguard was still whispering in his ear about something.
“Papa.” I paused, curbing my nervousness. This was not how I wanted them to meet Francesco. “Mama, this is Francesco, my boyfriend.” I lowered my voice at the last part.
Both of their faces dropped, and Mama became pale as she soaked up Francesco’s appearance and clear connection to Piero. It didn’t help that Francesco’s gun was visible under his open jacket.
“Nice to meet you both.” He tried to smile, but it fizzled out quickly. We both knew there was nothing in the moment to smile about.
“No.” Papa’s stern voice left no argument, and I flushed. “No way. This is over right now. I forbid it.”
I didn’t get to say anything before I was yanked by my parents down the street, leaving the rest of them behind.
My mind came back to the present for a moment, and I thought about Francesco and me and our lives after that. We had managed to date in secret after that awful meeting—for a while, anyway—but I wouldn’t see Piero Capri until many years later. Once again, I slipped away into a memory of the other photo and how it came to be.
Francesco hadn’t returned my calls, and I was going crazy wondering if something happened to him. I hadn’t had an update on Sienna for nearly two months, and I needed to know they were both all right.
“Ms. Elenora?” Oscar held up an invitation to a party that was being held in the city for a visiting artist. “I checked the guest list as you asked, and he’ll be there.”
“Excellent, then I will go after all.” I plucked the card from his hand and headed to my room to get ready. I knew I should stay hidden. After all, I had spotted Mikey at the art exhibit when I went to spy on my father. I was still unsure if Mikey knew it was me or not. I pushed that thought out of my head with a bigger agenda in mind. The party theme was Midsummer Night, so I made sure I dressed accordingly, using lots of white powder and sparkle to create a stunning eye mask.
When we arrived, Oscar escorted me inside. He was dressed to play his part as well. To the average person, we looked like a couple that was anticipating a night of expensive champagne and rubbing elbows with the artsy crowd.
“Right corner,” he whispered in my ear, and I scanned the crowd until I spotted Francesco next to Piero, who had his arm around a stunning woman. Slowly, I made my way over and did a double take at a boy that looked to be Piero’s twin. It must be his son.
I softly cleared my throat as I stepped up to the table and turned to look at Francesco straight in the eyes. His face blanched as he took me in, and his mouth dropped like he’d seen a ghost.
“So, you can attend a party, but not return my phone calls?”
“You can’t be here.” He glanced around nervously.
“You think I wanted to risk everything by coming here with these snakes?” I hissed. “You promised me you’d check in about Sienna, and you didn’t.”
“I’m sorry.” He closed his eyes. “There’s just been so much going on. There have been threats to the family, and we’re trying to get to the bottom of them. We are only here to see who we can flush out.”
“It takes two seconds to pick up the phone and leave a message.”
“You’re right.” He shook his head. “I’m sorry. I assure you, she’s fine, and I’m fine, and you have my word that I will call you tomorrow and fill you in on everything.”
That was all I wanted.
“All right.” I took a breath and let myself calm down a little.
His gaze raked down my dress, and he let out a long breath.
“God, you’re still as gorgeous as the last time I saw you.”
I smiled, falling for his charm. I was hopelessly in love with a man I could never have because he chose to be with my enemy.
“Francesco.” Piero was suddenly next to us, and I stood straight, feeling the hate smother my soul. “Oh, hello, excuse me.” He smiled. Clearly, he didn’t recognize me, but why would he? It had been at least eighteen years since we’d met, and I was wearing a heap of makeup.