Chapter 97
“Of course, of course.” Inferi tucked the money away quickly. He turned toward Veronica, forcing a smirk back onto his face now that he felt safe. “No hard feelings, uhn Scalese. Its just business p>
Luca stepped forward and patted Inferi lightly on the shoulder.
Inferi stiffened under the touch. He nodded once, then motioned to his men. They filed out quickly.
The bell above the door chimed again as it closed.
Silence flooded the shop.
For a long moment, Luca did not move as he watched Inferi as his men through the glass doors.
Then his smile vanished.
The warmth drained from his face. His eyes shifted from the door to Veronica.
Valentina instinctively moved aside.
Luca crouched in front of Veronica. Up close, she could see the tightness in his jaw, the muscle ticking near his temple.
When his fingers finally brushed her cheek, they were impossibly gentle.
His thumb traced the swelling bruise. Then the cut at her throat. His breathing changed. He reached into the inner pocket of his jacket again for a pristine white handkerchief. He unfolded it and leaned closer, his fingers steady as he pressed the fabric gently to the thin line of blood sliding down Veronica’s neck. He dabbed slowly, absorbing the red before it could travel further.
“You didn’t walk into a door last week, did you?” he asked.
Anyone standing across the room would have believed he was making polite conversation. But Veronica was close enough to see the truth. His blue eyes had gone distant. Like a man standing at the edge of a cliff, calculating how far he was willing to fall.
“I asked you a question,” he said quietly. “You didn’t walk into a door, did you p>
Veronica swallowed. “No,” she admitted.
Luca held her gaze. The handkerchief remained at her neck, his fingers brushing the hollow of her throat.
“All that act this morning was for him, wasn’t it p>
She knew exactly what he meant. The way she had pressed herself close to him outside the bodega. The kiss under Inferi’s watchful eye. She had wanted to send a message. To make Inferi believe she was protected by someone bigger.
Vee nodded.
“Use your words, Bambola,” Luca said.
“Yes.” She had used him.
He removed the handkerchief from her neck and folded it carefully, now stained red.
Then he stood.
The shift in height changed the entire dynamic. He seemed larger now, broader. The softness that had existed only for her vanished.
He turned to Marco.
“Take her home. Have Nonnina take care of her. I’ll take an Uber back p>
Marco nodded once, already stepping forward. “Of course, Luca p>
“And Marco?” Luca added.
Marco paused.
“Do I need to explain to you what to do next p>
“No p>
Veronica’s stomach dropped.
Luca adjusted his cuffs, then finally let his gaze settle on her one last time.
He walked toward the door with the same controlled stride he had entered with.
Luca pulled his phone from his pocket as he stepped onto the sidewalk. Anyone passing by would see a well dressed man blending into city life.
They would not see the storm coiling beneath his calm.
Valentina slid her arm carefully around Veronica’s waist and helped her to her feet. Pain shot through her ribs, forcing a low hiss past her lips. Her legs felt unreliable. The shop around her looked distant, blurred at the edges.
She reached for Marco. Her fingers clutched the sleeve of his coat. “What is he going to do?” she asked.
“Nothing,” he said.
The lie was smooth.
“Marco!” Vee snapped.
The effort of raising her voice sent another stab through her side. She winced, swallowing back the sound.
“I have to take you home,” he replied evenly.
“Marco, you have to tell him, he cannot do anything,” she insisted, her fingers tightening on his arm. “It will most definitely cause a riot p>
She knew this neighborhood.
Marco’s jaw flexed. “Don’t worry yourself about anything,” he said quietly. “Come.” It was already in motion. Whatever Luca intended had been decided the moment he saw blood on her skin.
Veronica shifted her weight and nearly collapsed again. Her ribs protested viciously. Each breath felt shallow. The kick had landed harder than she first realized.
“Come on, hold on to me,” Marco instructed. He slid his arm securely around her shoulders, careful not to press too hard against her side.
Vee turned her head toward Valentina, who stood pale and shaken, clutching her own trembling hands.
“Go get your things,” Vee ordered through clenched teeth. “Marco will drop you off on the way. Hurry. Get my bag too p>
Valentina nodded quickly and disappeared toward the back, returning moments later with their bags, her eyes glossy but determined.
Veronica looked toward Tony and Rosa. They stood amid the wreckage of overturned chairs, already beginning to gather what could be salvaged.
“Go,” Rosa said firmly. “We will take care of everything here p>
Tony nodded. “We’ve got it p>
“Thank you,” Vee said softly.
Outside, Marco helped her into the back seat, one hand steady at her elbow. Valentina slid into the front passenger seat.
The car pulled away from the curb.
“Marco,” Vee tried again once they were moving. “Whatever he plans, it isn’t worth it p>
Marco’s eyes remained fixed on the road.
Soon, the car turned onto the street where the Scalese home stood.
The car stopped.
Valentina exhaled shakily and stepped out first. Marco followed immediately, scanning the street before walking her up the short path to the door.
He escorted her to the front door and waited while she unlocked it.
When Marco was satisfied it was safe, he turned toward the waiting car.
“Marco?” Valentina’s voice stopped him mid step.
He turned back to her.
“Yeah?” he asked.
“Do you think you could come by later? I would like to talk to you.” She stepped closer to the doorway as she spoke.
“Of course,” Marco replied. “Are you alright? Did Inferi touch you p>
“No,” she said quickly. “I was hiding the whole time p>
“Good,” Marco said.