“Vinni, take Wyatt to the party and we’ll join you shortly.”
“Elio,” Wyatt stepped in my way, “with all due respect, I’d rather stay with Sienna, if that’s all right.”
“You’ll be leaving me alone, Elio, so I’d prefer Wyatt be with me.” She reached for his arm, and I knew it was for the best.
“Fine, but you know what this moment means.”
“I do, and I’ve remembered everything you’ve said.”
I took her hand and led them both through the back corridors of the castle, up the winding staircase, and through another door that led to a maid’s room.
“Right through there,” I pointed to the door, “that’s where we’ll enter from.”
“Okay.”
I looked at the time again, hating to leave her alone at such a dangerous time. But if I was late, people would start wondering what was going on. We didn’t need that tonight.
“Anything happens, call me.”
“Of course.” She leaned up and kissed me.
With one last glance, I headed out the door and over to the balcony that overlooked the party that was being held in the courtyard. The crowd below contained some of the most prestigious guests in all our land. Not to mention the top reporters, TV crews, and, of course, our close family and friends. I scanned the faces and listened to the buzz on theories of what was going to be announced tonight. We’d purposely kept the details vague about tonight’s events. I knew that would draw even more hype and excitement to the evening. Everyone loved gossip, and tonight I fully expected to feed them all well.
“Elio.” Niccola, who was stationed to keep out of the crowd tonight due to his injury, motioned for me to look at the far end of the courtyard.
There in the shadows, trying to blend in, was my nonna and Abramo. It was hard to blend in when you were one of the last remaining elders of a powerful syndicate.
Here we go.
I headed down the stairs and tried to be polite as I made my way through the sea of people. The whole time, I kept my eye on her. I had to smile as I thought about the last time I’d tried to keep my eye on a woman in a crowd. I ended up getting my life back.
“Nonna,” I leaned in when I reached her and kissed her cheeks, “I’m very pleased you were able to make it.”
“As was I. I won’t lie, I’m very confused on what all the fuss is about.”
“I’m here to make you proud.”
A smile turned up the corners of her mouth like clockwork. The same smile that appeared during my youth when she was pleased with me because I’d behaved.
“You seem to be in a good mood.”
“I am.” I glanced at Abramo. “Thank you for bringing her home so quickly.”
I knew Nonna loved it when I treated Abramo with respect. I knew respect was earned, and he never made any attempt to earn it. He thought he had some sort of authority within our family when, really, we only tolerated him. No one ever saw him as much more than Nonna’s lapdog.
“Come,” I put my arm through hers, “I have a surprise for you.”
“For me?” She raised a curious eyebrow and looked back at Abramo, who quickly stepped in and followed us.
As we climbed the stairs, I caught sight of Vinni ahead of us. He dashed off the way I’d originally come in.
“The last time I was here, I think I was in my forties,” Nonna prattled while I focused on moving her forward. “Things were different then, rules were always followed, and no one dared step out of line.” I licked the inside of my mouth, trying not to snap at her. “I know you’ve been through a lot, Elio, with the loss of that manipulative woman, but you’ll see it was all for the best. No one needs an enemy in the henhouse.” She chuckled.
“Things have become much better, Nonna.” I turned the handle to the door ahead of us and pushed it open.
Her gasp echoed along the stone walls as she took in Sienna. She sat up straight in her sexy green dress in a high-backed chair. Her legs were crossed, and her arms were draped over the armrests.
“What? Will you ever die?” she hissed and looked over at Abramo, but as he went to make a move, Vinni stepped into the room and shook his head.