Marabella?”
“Not even Marabella.”
“But they’re on lockdown, too?”
“Yes, and this isn’t their first rodeo, as you Americans say. They’ve done this several times.”
My hands settle on my knees. “Does this mean we can expect an attack?”
“It means Kayden doesn’t take chances with what’s important to him, and neither do I, and that means you.”
“In other words, we’re safe while Kayden is on his way to meet with the head of the Italian mafia, who might kill him.”
“Kayden thinks Niccolo killed Elizabeth and Kevin. If anyone is going to die today, it will be Niccolo.”
If he means to comfort me by reminding me just how volatile the relationship between Niccolo and Kayden is, he fails.
eighteen
For the next hour Adriel and I work in silence but for the sound of country music and his occasional grumbles about country music, until he finally says, “That’s it,” and grabs the phone, turning off the music.
“My turn now,” he declares, using his phone to tune into a succession of songs from Imagine Dragons that remind me of something Kayden once told me. “I hear you forced Kayden into going to one of their concerts.”
He arches a brow. “Forced? Is that the story he told you?”
I laugh and fit a wooden piece into the floor. “Tell me your version.”
From that point on there’s conversation, laughter, and lots of scowling over Giada’s behavior by both of us, but I notice that his voice always softens a bit when he’s talking about her. His love for his sister is obvious and powerful, and with each story he shares about her, I grow even more committed to helping them find a middle ground I’m certain they once had.
Three hours later, the floor is done, and we stand up to inspect the finished product. “It’s perfection,” I say, but I can’t revel in the gift of the room when Kayden’s silence is deafening.
Adriel clearly notices. “How about we raid the kitchen and watch football?”
“He’s been gone forever, Adriel,” I say, ignoring his attempt to distract me. “Shouldn’t we check on him?”
“He went to Niccolo’s country estate, a good two-hour drive.”
My eyes go wide. “What? That’s got to mean secluded and dangerous.”
“Evil Eye, Ella, remember? He’s protected. He’s fine. And Niccolo is known for long negotiations that include a meal or two. He draws things out to make people nervous, hoping they’ll make mistakes. But most people are not Kayden.”
“No,” I agree, “Kayden is not most people.” My eyes meet his. “And I do believe in him, if you’re thinking I don’t. But we’re all human.”
“Some of us less than most, and pretend that he’s not.”
“And get sideswiped when he’s hurt?”
“Find a place to put it. You have to, or this won’t work for either of you.”
“You’re right. I’m failing at that right now, but I’ll find a way to handle it.”
“I told you how.” He indicates his T-shirt, which I now realize has an Italian logo on it. “Football. And food. Those two things are miracle drugs.”
“Fine,” I say. “Food and football, but it’s Sunday. That also means American football. If I watch Italian football, we have to find some American football, too. And I need to get my phone in case Kayden calls me.” My eyes widen. “What if he already called and I missed it? How did I not think about this?”
I start for the door and he grabs my arm. “He didn’t call and he won’t. So get your phone, but don’t go working yourself up again staring at the screen.” He releases me. “Calling isn’t his way. He focuses on what he’s doing, which is why he stays alive.”
This time, he’s managed to say something comforting. Kayden’s focused. He’s staying alive. As I head toward the stairs Adriel calls out, “I’ll meet you in the kitchen.” I waste no time heading down the steps and entering our bedroom, snatching my phone from the nightstand just as it rings. Hopeful that it’s Kayden, I glance at the caller ID and frown at the unfamiliar number. Not sure what to expect, afraid it’s Niccolo, or somehow related to Niccolo, I press the “answer” button and will myself to sound calm. “Hello?”
“Eleana, it’s Chief Donati.”
“Chief,” I greet him cautiously, assuming Gallo gave him my number, and considering I’m now worried he’s calling to tell me something is wrong with Kayden, I somehow manage a cool, “This is a surprise.”
“Why don’t you tell me why Kayden is at Niccolo’s country estate?”
Alarm bells go off in my head, and I choose my