Ruthless Heart

Was the man raised in a barn?

Nope, just the mean streets of the New York underworld.

Quickly, I move between them. “Tell Nina I’d love to catch up,” I say with a big smile, trying to cover Nero’s faux pas. “It was so good to see you!”

“Likewise,” Bitsy says slowly, looking back and forth between Nero and me. She’s clearly wondering what the hell I’m doing here with a guy like that.

I wonder what she’d say if she knew the truth.

I steer Nero away before he can insult her anymore. “What is wrong with you?” I whisper, as soon as we’re a safe distance away. “I thought you wanted to schmooze with these people.”

“And make bullshit small talk?” Nero asks, looking grim. “No thanks. Get me close to McKenna, so we can get the fuck out of here.”

I fight to hide my frustration. “You’ve already tried a direct approach, and it failed, so this time, you need an introduction from someone he respects. So, you blend, you mingle, you make bullshit small-talk, and then—only then—do we get someone to take us to McKenna. You brought me here for a reason,” I add. “So trust me on this, OK?”

Nero doesn’t look happy, but he drains his whiskey, and gives a sharp nod. “Fine. But I draw the fucking line at air-kisses.”

“The women of the Upper East Side will weep,” I remark dryly, and tow him back into the fray.

This time, at least, he doesn’t laugh in anyone’s face. Nero doesn’t say much as we stop and chat with various people, but I compensate for it by bringing all my charm, cooing over dresses, and summer house plans, and a darling new exhibit at the Met. But I know what I’m doing, and soon enough, I maneuver us into a conversation with a couple who are big on the political scene, discussing various charity efforts.

When the chat lulls, I look around. “Is that Ian McKenna?” I ask, pretending to be surprised.

The wife turns. “Oh yes, he’s so generous with his time for a good cause.”

“I’m a big admirer,” I say, “His proposals for dealing with homelessness are so smart.”

“Then I must introduce you!” she exclaims. “Ian, darling, come meet my new friends.” She beckons him over, and she must have donated generously to his campaign, because Ian comes right away, greeting us with a smile.

“Any friend of Susie’s is a friend of mine,” he says. “A pleasure to meet you…?”

“Lily Fordham,” I smile, feeling victorious.

“It’s nice to meet you Miss Fordham,” he says. He’s tall and good-looking in a preppy way, his smile showing off perfectly straight, white teeth. It’s the kind of smile that will look good on a banner next to the words McKenna for Congress. “This is my wife, Fiona.”

“Lovely to meet you.” I say. She’s beautiful in a polished sort of way, with flawless hair and makeup, and a kind expression as she greets us.

I’m about to introduce Nero when he speaks up.

“I’m Nero Barretti. I’ve been trying to schedule a meeting with you, but your people won’t allow it to happen.”

The aggressive tone of his voice makes me flinch. Has he not listened to a single word I’ve said all night?

McKenna’s polite smile doesn’t even falter. “Ah, well, I’m sorry to hear that we haven’t been able to arrange it. My schedule is hard to manage, and I’m just thankful that I have others to do it for me. Fiona will tell you, I can’t keep the days of the week straight!”

Everyone laughs along—except Nero.

“If you have time for a party, then you can have a conversation with me,” Nero says, and I can tell by the coldness in his voice that he’s trying to intimidate McKenna.

Fuck. I squeeze his arm, trying to signal him to back off. He’s ruining everything.

This is a different world than the one he’s used to. The rules that make him a king don’t apply here.

McKenna’s smile slips. “As I said, my schedule is full, Mr. Barretti.”

“Full, with all your important work,” I blurt loudly. “So we won’t keep you. Thank you for your time.” I pull on Nero’s arm. “Let’s grab another drink before they start the speeches.” I look at McKenna’s wife and roll my eyes even as a smile stretches across my face. “They love to drag out the speeches, don’t they?”

She laughs politely. “That’s a good point, this one can listen to himself talk all night.”