Sweet Temptation by Cora Reilly

shouldn’t.”
Elia appeared in the doorway. “Everything all right?”
My brows snapped together. “Sure.” I glanced at the clock. It was almost
five. “Why don’t you leave early? You’ve been working long hours these last
few weeks. Christian will stay and protect me.”
Elia peered at my brother. I couldn’t read the look in his expression, but it
definitely held a hint of suspicion. “Cassio ordered me to keep an eye on you.”
The way he said it sounded less like protection and more like surveillance.
Did I need to have another talk about trust with Cassio?
Christian narrowed his eyes. “I can protect my sister, don’t worry.”
“Leave,” I ordered.
Elia nodded, but it was obvious that he didn’t like the idea. Still, he turned
and left. After a moment, the front door opened then closed. Would he report
back to Cassio again?
Christian shook his head. “Cassio keeps you on a short leash.”
I couldn’t talk about my marriage with him. It would only prove Cassio right
that he had trouble trusting me.
“How’s Mom in her new role as rising star in our circles?”
Christian scoffed, but he took me up on my offer for a topic change. “She
sees it endangered now that they had to take in Kiara.”
“Our cousin did nothing wrong. Her father is the traitor, not her.”
“You know how it is. She’ll suffer for his sins anyway. The children always
do for the sins of their fathers.”
Was he referring to Dad’s mediocre reputation, which led many people to
believe that Christian, too, wouldn’t be a good Underboss one day? Or was he
referring to Cassio and Daniele?
“I’m going to call today and talk to Kiara. I wanted to give her a few days to
recover from what happened.”
“I doubt you can recover from seeing your mother being killed by your own
father.”
“Are we still talking about our uncle, or are you trying to hint at something
else? If you’re trying to subtly tell me something, it’s not working.”
Christian took another cookie. “I don’t know what you mean.”
“Of course you do. I thought you didn’t know what happened to Gaia? Was
that a lie?”
“No. I just think it’s strange that Daniele avoids Cassio and doesn’t talk. That
kind of trauma usually requires a strong catalyst.”
“Losing your mother in any way at that age is a strong catalyst.”
Christian gave a tense smile. “At least, Dad’s still happy about your bond
with Cassio.” After that, we only talked about Dad, who was already reaping the
fruits of my marriage to Cassio. Fewer people talked about him behind his back,
too scared of my husband. I doubted Cassio would come to Dad’s help, though,
unless I asked him to perhaps.
Simona scrunched up her face.