‘It is when your insides burn every moment that Estrattore lover walks Vista Mare. Remember, we may share a name, but it’s the blood of Katina’s direct line that taints all Maggiore and I will do whatever it takes to clear that as soon as I can.’
‘Even support Elder Nicolotti?’
‘In that, I have no choice. I’m Bonded. But our purpose is the same … for now. When the time is right, I can both mend the past and shore up the future – for all of us.’
‘Sì,’ laughed Santo, relieved that Stefano sounded more like his old self. ‘Nicolotti has great plans for the Bond Riders.’
‘And if you play this right, Santo,’ Stefano said, stepping closer to his lover and grabbing the hair on the back of his head, pulling him in, ‘Obbligare Doppio or no, Elder Nicolotti will be in our debt. And that bodes well for our future. So don’t ruin this, all right?’
Before Santo could protest, Stefano kissed him roughly.
Drawing away, Stefano untangled his fingers from Santo’s hair. ‘Once she leads you to the Estrattore, there’s nothing to stop you, to stop us. You grab her and you bring her to me. I’ll be ready. I doubt there’ll be a problem. Katina won’t last long as it is.’ His lips became a thin line as he grew introspective.
Santo smiled. ‘Tallow eluded me once – never again. Not now we have the one thing she can’t resist. Your girlfriend was right about that.’
‘Don’t call her that. It’s been a long time since she was that.’
‘Not long enough for my liking.’
‘No,’ said Stefano with a sigh. ‘You’ll only be happy when she’s dead.’
‘Vero.’
Stefano laughed harshly. ‘Me too.’
They both shared a look. Stefano was the first to break away.
‘Go,’ he said, waving towards the cave mouth. ‘Follow. And make sure you don’t fall back into old habits this time.’ Stefano gave him a none-too-gentle slap on the cheek and shoved him in the direction of the exit.
A look of fury swept over Santo’s face and he angrily pushed Stefano’s hand away. ‘Its not me that has old habits to worry about, Stefano.’
Stefano gave a raw laugh. ‘Is that right? Katina’s nothing to me, Santo. I don’t have to prove anything in that regard, whereas you, you have everything. So, prove it to me, Santo. Prove to me that you can do this on your own. For me, for all of us.’
Santo chewed his lips, swallowing the words he wanted to say but knew he’d later regret. ‘I will. Farewell,’ he said huskily. ‘See you on the other side,’ and without another word, stalked out of the cave.
‘The other side,’ said Stefano quietly, his arms folded, his doubts quashed beneath them.
SIGNOR TEDESCHI FUSSED OVER ME like a moth teasing a candle. I wanted to bat him away as he pinned, poked, and pulled me in all directions. I watched him from behind my mask, standing atop a small box while he knelt, working on the hem of my new gown. His mouth was full of pins, a tape measure was flung over his shoulder, ribbons stuck to his doublet, a piece of chalk almost slipping from a pocket. He did not care about how he looked; his focus was on my dress and me. Just as I took pride in my candlemaking, so this little man took great satisfaction in his craft and, as such, would not be happy with anything less than perfection.
Instead of complaining, I sighed and remained as still as I’d been requested and gazed around the room. For the past few days, Signor Tedeschi had come each morning, preparing the dress I was to wear at my first public function. I still didn’t know what that was, but from the elegance of the gown, and the jewels provided to adorn the sleeves and bodice, I guessed it was a major event. Giaconda had not left us for a second. She sat in a chair and watched proceedings, occasionally offering an opinion or demanding a change when she felt the result was in question.
Hafeza would dart in and out, bringing cafe and sweet breads – none of which, while the fabric was being fitted, I was allowed to sample.
I sighed again, drawing a disapproving noise from Signor Tedeschi. ‘Patience, Signorina! I’m almost finished. What should take weeks has taken me a matter of days. If anyone should be sighing, it’s me.’ I glanced at him in surprise.