Page 43 of Vicious Secrets
“Thanks, Fabi.”
Making my way back toward the dining room, I weave through the people mingling in the foyer. Counting as I go, I see at least thirteen men are free of the meeting. Both doors are open, but a punch of anxiety keeps me from crossing the threshold. Siro’s spot at the table is empty, and the chair is pushed in.
With several tiny steps, I sneak into the room just enough to peek in. Siro speaks with a man with dazzling blue eyes, thick shoulder-length hair, and broad shoulders matching Cirilla’s description of her brother.
“My ability to be your Consigliere is not what worries me,” Alic huffs, his eyes alight with fury. “My sister’s autonomy under your rule does, Siro.”
“Again, Alic. I apologize for my jab at you earlier. It doesn’t matter that I didn’t know the depth of the situation in Denver.” Siro’s voice is soft but not weak. He’s not pleading. He’s genuinely empathetic.
“I keep the details private for Cirilla’s sake. She understands. But she’s heartbroken, and I’m… I’m at a fucking loss.” Alic rubs the base of his neck, averting his gaze to the floor.
“If our suspicions are right, Vegas doesn’t work as a throughway for the Bratva. Cirilla will be safe here. No gilded cage needed.”
Alic’s shoulders lower, but don’t droop. It looks like this is as close to relaxation as he gets. There’s a shift in his overall demeanor. “It’s an honor, Boss. One I accept gratefully.”
Siro and Alic shake hands. Neither of them looks particularly happy.
My mind runs wild with possibilities. It’s hard for me to get a read of the situation. What does Siro have to do with Cirilla’s freedom? Is Alic just an insanely overprotective big brother?
Not liking the tension shift in the room, I step in. My presence holds a lot of power over made men. Whenever I’m at Siro’s side, he’s protected from everything but his family.
Clacking my heels on the floor with heavier than usual steps to make myself known. The weight of their stares stops me before I’ve made it ten feet into the room.
“Sorry,” I say with a soft smile. I clasp my hands at my front and gaze at the floor as I turn to leave.
“You’re not interrupting anything, Robyn. Join us.” Siro’s voice sends a tingle over my skin. The tone is warm and inviting. It’s not one I’d expect him to use in front of others.
As I continue forward, Siro’s eyes run over me like he hasn’t seen me in months.
When I’m at my husband’s side, Alic introduces himself as the future Consigliere and shakes my hand. A second later, Siro tucks me against him with an arm around my back. Clutching my upper arm, his thumb strokes over my skin. I place a hand on Siro’s back and rub small circles into the stiff muscles.
Alic eyes us like he’s never seen either of us before. “I’ll be in touch with moving dates. Don’t hesitate to call if I’m needed earlier. Until then, enjoy the rest of your evening.”
“I look forward to showing Cirilla the shark reef aquarium. Goodnight, Alic.” I smile and nod.
One of his eyebrows raises along with the corner of his mouth. Alic bows shallowly before strolling away.
“Was I not supposed to talk?” I ask as I turn in Siro’s embrace to stand in front of him. My hands find their favorite place on his chest, with my outer fingers under the lapels of his coat.
“No, I think you impressed him. Cirilla rarely talks, and you got something positive out of her.”
My brows knit together. “I didn’t get that impression from her. But I do think she’ll love Vegas.”
Siro rubs his chin with his free hand and scans the empty room.
“Ready to go home?” I ask.
“Was the smile real?”
I blink slowly. “What smile?”
“When you closed the doors after the oath. Was that real or an act?” His gaze lands on my face.
Siro wants honesty, but I’m not sure how he’ll react to the truth after an evening of pent-up nerves.
I lick my lips and tilt my head. “Real.”
His chin dips as if I pulled it with a string. The mask of neutrality melts away. His brows push together, and he pales as he searches my face for answers with a yearning look in his eyes.
