Sweet Temptation(58)

We settled on the sofa where I’d had Sybil set up cake, sandwiches, and cookies as well as coffee. “The kid lost his mother. Of course he’s traumatized.”

“I know, but it’s more than that. He’s avoiding Cassio.”

“Maybe you should let the past rest, Giulia.” The way he spoke it was more a warning than advice, and his worried expression only affirmed my suspicion.

I set Simona down on the floor when her squirming got too much. She crawled off at once, heading for her blanket with her toys. “What do you know that you’re not telling me?”

Christian’s mouth thinned. “I know that Cassio doesn’t want people to rummage in his past, especially where Gaia is concerned, and I think you should respect his wish.”

“To protect him or me?”

Christian took a cookie and bit it, obviously biding his time. “Both… and those kids too.” He motioned at Simona, who squeezed a stuffed unicorn that laughed shrilly every time she did, causing her to giggle too. Her eyes flashed with joy as she gazed at me.

“How can I help Daniele if I don’t know what happened?”

“The boy will come around. He’s going to be Underboss one day. His mother’s death won’t be the last trauma he suffers.” My stomach tightened at my brother’s cold assessment.

“You’re worried Cassio will hurt me if I try to find out what happened to Gaia.”

Christian picked up his coffee cup and took a sip, contemplating his next words if his expression was an indication.

“I don’t think you need to worry. Cassio has been good to me so far, and he’s good to his children.”

Christian touched my hand, looking at me the same way Cassio sometimes did—as if I was a na?ve child. “Let me tell you something about men like Cassio that I know because I’m that kind of man. Like him, I’ll be Underboss. Like him, I’ve survived and done horrible things to make me strong enough for that task. To get in a position of power in the mafia, you need a dark side. The stronger that dark side is, the more likely you’ll get into a position of power and stay there. Nobody threatens Cassio’s power.”

“I know you all have a dark side. You, Dad, Cassio, but none of you have ever hurt me nor do I think you will.”

Christian laughed bitterly. “Sometimes the dark comes out when it shouldn’t.”

Elia appeared in the doorway. “Everything all right?”

My brows snapped together. “Sure.” I glanced at the clock. It was almost five. “Why don’t you leave early? You’ve been working long hours these last few weeks. Christian will stay and protect me.”

Elia peered at my brother. I couldn’t read the look in his expression, but it definitely held a hint of suspicion. “Cassio ordered me to keep an eye on you.”

The way he said it sounded less like protection and more like surveillance. Did I need to have another talk about trust with Cassio?

Christian narrowed his eyes. “I can protect my sister, don’t worry.”

“Leave,” I ordered.

Elia nodded, but it was obvious that he didn’t like the idea. Still, he turned and left. After a moment, the front door opened then closed. Would he report back to Cassio again?

Christian shook his head. “Cassio keeps you on a short leash.”

I couldn’t talk about my marriage with him. It would only prove Cassio right that he had trouble trusting me.

“How’s Mom in her new role as rising star in our circles?”

Christian scoffed, but he took me up on my offer for a topic change. “She sees it endangered now that they had to take in Kiara.”

“Our cousin did nothing wrong. Her father is the traitor, not her.”

“You know how it is. She’ll suffer for his sins anyway. The children always do for the sins of their fathers.”

Was he referring to Dad’s mediocre reputation, which led many people to believe that Christian, too, wouldn’t be a good Underboss one day? Or was he referring to Cassio and Daniele?

“I’m going to call today and talk to Kiara. I wanted to give her a few days to recover from what happened.”

“I doubt you can recover from seeing your mother being killed by your own father.”

“Are we still talking about our uncle, or are you trying to hint at something else? If you’re trying to subtly tell me something, it’s not working.”

Christian took another cookie. “I don’t know what you mean.”

“Of course you do. I thought you didn’t know what happened to Gaia? Was that a lie?”

“No. I just think it’s strange that Daniele avoids Cassio and doesn’t talk. That kind of trauma usually requires a strong catalyst.”

“Losing your mother in any way at that age is a strong catalyst.”

Christian gave a tense smile. “At least, Dad’s still happy about your bond with Cassio.” After that, we only talked about Dad, who was already reaping the fruits of my marriage to Cassio. Fewer people talked about him behind his back, too scared of my husband. I doubted Cassio would come to Dad’s help, though, unless I asked him to perhaps.

Simona scrunched up her face.

I sighed. “That expression means I need to change her diaper. Do you want to stay down here?”