He didn’t know that I’d seen the man before. I think though it was more about what they were doing, as in the significance of it. Kruv’ omertà. I know what it translates to but not what it means.
“I’m sorry Bellezza.”
I want to know what it all means. I’ve never been able to ask anyone.
“Kruv’ omertà. Cu è surdu, orbu e taci, campa cent'anni 'mpaci. He who is deaf, blind and silent will live a hundred years in peace. Kruv’ omertà,” I say and Tristan’s hand stills on mine. His skin goes pale and I realize I’ve said something of importance.
“Isabella where did you hear that?” he asks.
“It was a secret meeting I shouldn’t have seen. I dreamt about it. It happened ten years ago. The same man was there with my father and Nikoli. Does Kruv’ omertà have some significant meaning. I know Kruv’ is blood in Russian. Omerta’ refers to the Italian code of silence. But I’ve never hear the two words together except for that night. I remember the man because it was the second time I’d seen him after my mother’s death.”
“Oh my God. Oh my… God. Do you know who he is?”
“No, he’s Italian. That’s all I know.” Which is nothing. Tristan is Italian.
“Did you ever see him again?”
I shake my head. “No, never.”
“But you could recognize him?”
“Yes. I would. I would definitely recognize him if I saw him.”
We stare at each other. I notice the shift in his mood.
“What’s happening? Who do you think he is?”
“Someone who’s part of the plot to destroy us all. Kruv’ omertà is a secret blood oath the Bratva and Italian mafia take. It’s a rare thing. Thank you for telling me about your dream.”
“I dream about him almost every night. It’s like my mind is screaming to me to remember the past. I’m scared of what could happen next.”
“I’ll take care of you,” he promises. “I will take care of you.”
He brings my hands up to his lips to kiss and I fall for him even more than I should.
Chapter Thirty-Three
Tristan
Dominic stares back at me in shock and runs a hand through his hair.
I just told him what happened with Isabella and he’s as stunned as I am.
I decided to head down to his room when Isabella went back to sleep. It’s morning now. The sun has just risen and it seems like we have pieces of the puzzle fitting together to form something.
“She didn’t know who he was?” Dominic asks.
“No. She would have first seen him when she was ten,” I explain. “Then again when she was twelve. She hasn’t seen him since and has no idea who he is. Kruv’ omertà. It has to be our guy Dominic. Don’t you think?”
I can’t believe the coincidence.
“I think it’s one hell of a lead, especially if she can identify him. Bearing mind we’re talking about ten years ago from when she last saw him. It’s a lead though. Did she say anything else?”
“No. It was all part of the nightmares she’s been having.” I say that without thinking first so I should expect the cautious look he gives me.
“I noticed you’ve been spending a lot of time with her, so I guess you’d know.” he states.
I decide to do the sensible thing and think about my next words carefully since now I’m beginning to sense that it was him who saw me and Isabella in the garden.
I’m aware I wasn’t supposed to cross the line with her, but I don’t want to hide whatever I have. It’s temporary. At least that’s what I’m telling myself. I know when this is over it’s the end, so I won’t upset anybody because I couldn’t keep my dick in my pants.
“It’s something I noticed,” I answer and he gives me a look of disbelief.
“Right. Guess you see a lot.”
I’m not in the mood for shit or to argue with my brother like we’re squabbling infants. Now isn’t the time to be poking at each other but if he wants to poke at me I can do the fucking same to him. I’ve been holding off to keep the peace, but it hasn’t meant I stopped worrying.
“Yeah I guess I do see a lot, like when I saw you sniffing that shit,” I throw back. “I haven’t dropped it Dominic. I’ve just been taking my time with you.”
“Fuck you. Mind your damn business and stop accusing me of bull shit.”
“Stop denying it. I saw you. Stop keeping secrets from me that