Page 103 of Power
“Later today, Luciano, Teddy, and Gabriel—who’s in from Italy—are coming over. Elsa will probably be cooking up a storm when we get home.”
It was almost noon.
As Slash pulled into the garage, Simone shot off a text.
Any chance you’ll be home this afternoon? I was hoping to swing by
No dots appeared.
She and Slash went inside and laughter snagged her attention. Into the kitchen they went. Simone recognized Teddy Santini. He was with Luciano the night of Burke’s party. The other man had olive skin, dark brown hair that fell to his shoulders, deep brown eyes, and a toothy smile.
Another handsome Santini.
“Hey, I recognize you,” Teddy said. “You’re the one tailing Lulu.”
Silence while everyone stared at her.
“We kissed and made up, so it’s all good,” Simone replied.
Laughter erupted from the group.
“Haven’t we met?” Teddy asked.
He remembers me from Burke and Morticia’s.
“This is my good friend, Simone Redding,” Slash said. “She’s staying with us for a few days.”
“Ciao, bella signora.” Gabriel stepped right into her space, collected her hand in his, and kissed the backs of her fingers.
“That’s Gabriel,” Carrera said. “He’s a lady-eater.”
More laughter from the family.
Gabriel chomped his teeth together and winked at her before regarding Elsa. “G’ma, are you ready?”
“All ready,” Elsa replied. “Teddy, are you driving?”
Teddy opened the fridge. “I’m gonna hang here and chow down. Gabriel can take my truck.” He tossed his brother the keys.
Gabriel put his arm around Elsa. “Al mercato, mia nonna.”
“Sì,” Elsa replied.
“Grocery store,” Slash translated.
Simone’s phone buzzed and she read the text.
“I’ve gotta take off,” Simone said.
“È un piacere, bella signora,” Gabriel said.
Simone glanced around for help.
“It’s a pleasure, beautiful lady,” Gabriel translated.
“He’s like a shark circling,” Teddy said, and the family cracked up.
She excused herself, hurried upstairs to the guest room. After showering, she dressed in a tailored white shirt, form-fitting black pants, and black stilettos. After playing around with her hair, she pulled it into a French twist, but left strands framing her face. A little blush, a layer of mascara, and her favorite maroon lipstick.
