one indicating the Sacred Sect would be blown wide open.”
“I already told you that was a possibility. What did they want?”
“To lay out their cards.”
Sighing, Christian hesitated. “Does that include anything about the past?”
I thought about the call again. I’d been prepared for indications that the secret regarding Father McGivney would be mentioned. There’d been so such indication. “None.”
“Do you have any idea who the hell called you?”
“There is no way of knowing. The voice was unrecognizable, disguised.”
Christian hissed. “That’s not something the Taglionis would do.”
“No, they don’t bother making threats. They simply dictate actions.”
“Then it’s the senator.”
I rubbed my jaw, watching as she darted from one shop to another. I wanted nothing more than to be with her, enjoying the beautiful afternoon, but there were too many things to think about, plans that had to be made. “No. While Senator Bellows has an itch to scratch, including taking Capodanno Enterprises to task, I don’t think he has the brains to carry off what the asshole indicated.”
“He’s well connected, plus, he has some indication that Father McGivney was... troublesome. Brother, need I remind you that there is no proof of the father’s claim.”
“Not that we are aware of. That doesn’t mean there isn’t any.”
“Fine. I don’t think you should fixate on that. What would it matter that you are...” Christian stopped short before saying the words, forever worried the phones were bugged.
“That is a good question and my guess one you can find the answer to.” I’d always believed there was more hiding in the Council’s sacred chambers than Christian had told me about. Unless he’d been kept in the dark.
He snorted. “What the fuck are you trying to say to me?”
“Nothing that I haven’t said to you before,” I stated flatly.
“If his accusations were proven to be true, would that create some difficulties within the sect? Absolutely. Some would fear your power. Is that what you want to hear?”
Yes. The firstborn son of the father himself. Maybe that meant I could have the ultimate power. I laughed at the thought. There were still too many secrets being kept within the hallowed grounds of the Council.
“What I want to hear is the truth. However, I wouldn’t place all the cards on the good senator’s total involvement. I have enough on him that his world wouldn’t be able to recover, no matter if he takes us down or not. Keep in mind, the person or people behind this have no idea what kind of information we keep.” I inhaled as Winter left one of the stores, a package in her hand, still chatting with the owner of the shop. I couldn’t get out of my mind why this pairing was so damn important. “I think we should go at this another way.”
“The truth is complex as you well know but I’m listening. What are you suggesting?” he asked, the lilt in his voice changing.
“Playing hardball.” As I explained what I was thinking, I could hear almost glee in his voice. When I was finished, he burst into laughter.
“Brother, I think that’s an excellent plan, although we have to be careful.”
“That I’m aware of,” I answered.
“I’ll get started from this end.”
As I ended the call, she finally walked toward me, her eyes finding and locking onto mine. Soon, I would have to tell her the truth.
Or risk losing the woman I loved.
She sauntered closer, giving me a sly smile, swinging the bag in front of her like a prize.
“Should I not have given you a wad of cash?”
“You didn’t know I can be a dangerous shopper. Did you?” Winter laughed, her face finally falling. “Did I give you enough privacy to make whatever call you needed to make? And did it alleviate your fears?”
I couldn’t help but smile. She was prepared to launch into another group of questions. “I think that whatever you purchased you believe gives you power. Need I remind you that I am the one in charge?”
She rolled her eyes. “Not tonight.”
“Oh, really?”
“Yes. Let’s go. We have one more stop to make before we return to our glorious abode.”
I cocked my head, studying her. The night before had been far too amazing, the simple task of having dinner more powerful than almost anything that had occurred between us. Almost. Warmth spread through me, settling into my stomach. I grabbed her hand, pulling her against me even though I continued to scan the perimeter. While I honestly didn’t believe anyone had followed or found us, I refused to take any