Page 195 of Caterina
I realize it too late.
Caterina is still laughing, unaware for the moment.
Teresa is not.
Of course.
Her eyes are on me from across the table.
She catches my gaze and lifts one brow. Knowing.
I pick up my glass of water and drink.
A normal action, just a man taking a drink.
A brilliant cover, if the person watching me were not Teresa.
Her eyebrow remains raised.
I set the glass down and look toward the camera feed because that is safer than looking at her.
I know that look.
She is going to corner me at the first opportunity. She is too smart, too intuitive, and too invested in things that arenone of her business.
Now is an excellent time to check security.
I set my napkin beside my plate and start to push back. “I’m going to step out for a perimeter update.”
Caterina turns to me immediately.
Damn it.
Teresa smiles pleasantly. “Why don’t you just send a message?”
I pause.
She takes a sip of wine, eyes calm, expression innocent.
“I really should—"
“I’m sure they can handle it without you until dinner’s over,” she adds.
Vito’s mouth twitches, clearly recognizing the signs of being maneuvered by Dr. Teresa Donato.
Caterina places one hand lightly on my forearm. “She’s right. Send a message.”
Her touch is gentle, her eyes are not.
She knows I am looking for an exit. She does not know why. Or maybe she does, which is worse.
I sit back.
“Fine.”
Teresa looks satisfied.
I hate psychologists.
