Chapter twenty-two
Vincenzo's arm wraps firmly around my waist, his touch deliberate but affectionate—a gesture meant to uphold appearances and soothe my anxiety. His presence is commanding as we stand in the grand entrance hall, awaiting our guests.
The towering chandelier above us casts a soft golden glow over the polished marble floors, reflecting against the dark wood panelling that lines the walls. Outside, the hum of approaching cars fills the cool evening air, growing louder as they pull up in front of the estate.
I swallow, my fingers discreetly gripping the side of Vincenzo's suit jacket. "I'm nervous. Is everything ready?" I murmur, just low enough for him to hear.
His posture remains relaxed, but I catch the flicker of amusement in his dark eyes. "Everything is fine," he assures me, voice smooth as silk. Then, in a lower, more serious tone, he adds, "Stay by my side tonight. The mayor's son has a reputation for being a man-whore."
I arch a brow, glancing up at him. "Isn't he bringing his girlfriend?"
"Yes, but I don't know how serious they are." His lips twitch slightly, but then his expression hardens. "Now smile—they're here."
A sleek black car rolls to a stop outside. The doors open, and I inhale sharply, straightening my posture. Anna, one of the housemaids, rushes forward just as the heavy knock echoes through the grand hall.
The door swings open, and immediately, three suited bodyguards step inside, scanning the room with practised ease before making way for the true guests of honour.
The mayor strides in first, exuding authority with every step. His wife follows close behind, an elegant woman who looks at least a decade younger than him, with a beauty that seems almost too polished—like something sculpted rather than natural.
Then, trailing behind them, is their son.
And beside him—hand-in-hand with the notorious man-whore—is a woman who nearly makes my heart stop.
A gasp escapes my lips before I can stop it.
It's my cousin.
Elisa.
Of course, she's in one of her disguises. Tonight, she's a vision—long, glossy purple hair cascading over her shoulders, her striking features accentuated by subtle yet meticulous makeup. But there's no mistaking those sharp eyes, filled with mischief and knowing.
Vincenzo's fingers press gently into my side—a subtle warning to compose myself. Quickly, I mask my shock with a polite smile.
"Welcome to our home," Vincenzo greets smoothly. "This is my wife, Alexandria. Brunch will be served shortly—please, follow me to the dining room."
The mayor's wife doesn't immediately move. Her eyes flick over Vincenzo's body, lingering far longer than necessary. Then, with a slow blink of her lashes, she looks back up at his face, her smile just a little too warm.
My hands twitch at my sides.
I don't care who she is or what power she holds. If she makes a move on my husband, I will personally ensure she doesn't live to regret it.
Vincenzo gently tugs me forward, but I resist ever so slightly, subtly gesturing toward Elisa. He follows my gaze, but his expression remains unreadable.
I can tell he doesn't understand.
Still, he nods and lets me go.
As Elisa walks past me, I reach out and grab her arm, pulling her back just before we step into the dining room. The moment the doors close behind us, I throw my arms around her in a fierce hug.
She lets out a soft giggle, hugging me back tightly.
"Dio, I've missed you," she murmurs. "You do know you're my favourite cousin, right? But don't tell Nico or the twins." She smirks as she pulls back slightly, mischief dancing in her eyes.
I grip her shoulders. "Are you in danger?" I whisper urgently. "That's the only explanation for why you're here—with him. I thought you were the one with good taste in men. Also, love the purple wig."
She rolls her eyes. "I'm fine," she assures me. "There's a hit on evil stepmother in there. I was bored, and the money was very convincing, so I figured—why not? But she's never alone. It's proving... inconvenient."
My stomach tightens.
Elisa is a ghost. A trained assassin so elusive that only the most powerful and desperate can ever hope to hire her. She picks her own jobs. She works for no one.
She is known as The Phantom.
Her disguises? Courtesy of Addilyn, the official "disguise master," as she calls herself. Together, they've built an entire arsenal of identities—wigs, lenses, makeup, anything to ensure Elisa remains untraceable.
I exhale slowly. "Okay," I mutter, still studying her face. "Just making sure my baby cousin is safe."
She playfully shoves me. "I could put you on your ass right now."
"Yeah, yeah, we all know you're basically a female version of the boys—just ten times crazier," I smirk. "Come on, we should get back before someone notices how long we're taking."
"Just say you were showing me the bathroom." She shrugs, then adds, "Your lover boy didn't recognize me, by the way. You'll have to explain later."
Before I can respond, she pushes open the door and glides effortlessly back to her seat beside Stefano.
I slip into my chair beside Vincenzo, who sits at the head of the table. Across from me, the mayor's wife is practically oozing flirtation, her gaze flicking between my husband and the deep red wine in her glass.
The mayor, on the other hand, seems oblivious, speaking only when the topic is business.
Vincenzo places his hand over mine, his thumb grazing my skin absentmindedly. "Alexandria is a great asset to my team," he says, smoothly deflecting a question about our company's success. "Because of her, my business has improved drastically."
The mayor's wife narrows her eyes at me. "What is it you do, Alexandria?" she asks, her tone sickly sweet. "You look far too young to be involved in real business."
I smile politely, but my voice is cool. "I come from an influential family in New York. Before I left, we finalized a series of mutually beneficial business agreements. I also just finished my medical degree."
The mayor nods thoughtfully. Elisa raises a brow at me across the table. I shake my head subtly, sipping my cranberry juice.
I'm not allowed alcohol anymore—not after that incident with Vincenzo's men. So while the others sip on wine, I'm left with cranberry juice, the closest thing I could find to red wine in the fridge.
Brunch drags on. The mayor's wife grows bolder, throwing blatant flirtations Vincenzo's way. Each time, Elisa and I exchange glares. The men, however, ignore her entirely.
I don't understand it.
How does the mayor sit there and allow his wife to flirt with another man?
If I so much as glanced at another man for too long, Vincenzo would be planning someone's funeral.
By the time our guests finally stand to leave, it's three in the afternoon and I am exhausted.
I hold onto Elisa for just a moment longer, whispering for her to visit soon. She smirks, whispers back something about causing more trouble next time, and disappears out the door.
As the last car pulls away, Vincenzo sighs, rubbing his temples.
"Well," he murmurs, "that was entertaining."
I scoff. "I don't know if I'm more exhausted from brunch or from resisting the urge to kill that woman."
Vincenzo chuckles, looping an arm around my waist again. This time, it's not just for show.
"Relax, cara mia," he murmurs against my temple. "I only have eyes for one woman."
My heart stumbles, but I roll my eyes. "Good."
Because if he ever did look at another woman the way he looks at me, I wouldn't just kill her.
I'd kill him too.