Page 103 of Enduring Caine

Leonardo pulled three small cups from a cupboard and poured the coffee into them. He pushed one across the counter to me. “I was under consideration to lead the security team five years ago, but they were still angry over you leaving. They hired someone else, now look where we are.”

We both took a slow sip, savoring the thick, rich flavor. Almost as good as Mario’s coffee.

“Leo, there have been many things I’ve wanted to say to you over the years.”

He grunted. “Same.”

“But I think the most important is that I’m sorry.” I’d taken some slight he’d made toward me—which I couldn’t even remember—and thrown our lives into chaos for it. I’d broken up his relationship and ended up shot when his jealousy erupted at the jeweler’s shop. “And I forgive you.”

I’d expected him to throw the coffee in my face for having the gall to forgive him, but he put the cup down and went about rinsing the moka pot.

When he turned off the water, he faced me again. “After our chat last night, I asked around. Apparently, she’s on her third husband.”

I nearly spit out my coffee.

He frowned and picked up his cup, raising it to me. “So thankyou.”

Cristian sauntered into the room, eyes lighting up when he grabbed his cup, inhaling deeply. “Not killing each other, I see. This is progress.”

Chapter 44

Samantha

VincenzoandIhurrieddown the hallway toward the tower and the wine cellar. The estate was quiet in the middle of the night, no guards to be seen.

“Sam?” came a small voice behind us.

We turned and were met by Cesca’s wide eyes.

“What are you two—”

“Cesca. What are you doing up at this hour?” I walked over to her and put a hand on her arm. “And wandering all by yourself? Didn’t Leo tell you to stay—”

“Sometimes I go—when I can’t sleep—” Her chin trembled. “Why are you with him? In your pajamas?”

Of course. She had a crush on Vin and thought I was sneaking around with him.

“I was hungry and wanted a snack. Antonio’s still awake somewhere in the house with Cristian, and Vin was posted in the tower.” I rubbed her arm, trying to soothe her. “That’s all. You know I’m not allowed out by myself.”

“Then you should have asked him to get something for you.” She sniffled and yanked her arm away, her cheeks flushing crimson.

Guilt churned in my stomach. The photo I’d sent Elliot would lead to big changes around here. Changes that would hurt Cesca.But Giovanni lied about everything, Sam. Don’t forget that.

“Sam,” hissed Vin.

I leaned down to look her in the eyes. If she didn’t trust me, she’d run straight to someone and tell them about this. “We’re going down to the wine cellar first to grab a bottle of wine. Do you want to come with us? Then we can walk you back to your room?”

She shook her head. “No.”

What was I going to do now? Vin didn’t need me anymore. He could take the painting to his handler and be done with it. I could walk Cesca back to her room and no one would know I was involved in any of this.

“Vin, you go ahead. I’ll see Cesca to her room.” I turned my body to the side, to sneak the tube out of its hiding spot under my pants, and Cesca tore off down the hallway.

Vin grabbed me when I started after her. “Leave her.”

“But she could alert someone.” I stared after her, the sounds of her crying ringing in my ears.

“It’s a perfect cover.”