Cruel Saints

Dante is old enough to be Elena’s father. A violent man who takes joy in killing. Even someone as hard as me pities Elena if that’s truly her fate.

“The birdies say she wasn’t kept hidden for her safety,” Madame Keller continues. Our eyes meet as she whispers, “She was held captive. Everyone who has met Dante Capone knows he’s a depraved man. If you ask me, he doesn’t have a soul.” Madame Keller stops herself from saying more as she takes a sip of her wine.

Mother of Christ.

I’ve done my fair share of killing, but I certainly don’t have a taste for holding someone captive. Especially a woman. Dante is sadistic, and the knowledge only makes new questions rear their ugly head.

What has Elena endured?

As Madame Keller sets the glass down, she murmurs, “I don’t think Miss Lucas is here to spy on you.”

Still, it doesn’t make sense.

“Then why did her father send her here? If she was held captive, why would they let her go now?”

Madame Keller takes a deep breath as she reaches for her wine again. “There’s underground chatter of a new threat. My source hasn’t confirmed it, though.”

“To the Mafia?” I ask as I pull my phone from my pocket so I can call my father.

“Yes,” Madame Keller whispers darkly.

A server brings our meals, and while Madame Keller instructs him to take Elena’s food to her suite, I get up and leave the dining room so I’ll have privacy to make the call. I press dial on my father’s number.

“Son,” he answers almost immediately.

“I have news,” I murmur softly, not wanting my voice to carry. “Tino has a daughter. Elena Lucas is at St. Monarch’s. I don’t know what their plan is. Madame Keller also informed me of a new threat, but I have no details yet.”

“It was brought to my attention. I was just waiting for more information before calling you,” Father tells me. “It’s not Valentino. Someone stole Valentino’s and our inbound shipments. It’s an attack on the Mafia, not just one family.”

“Christ,” I mutter. “I should join you.”

“No, stay at St. Monarch’s. We can’t be together until we know what we’re dealing with.”

I let out a breath, then ask, “And Elena?”

“Tino sent her there to keep her safe while we deal with the threat. Right now, they’re our allies.”

“So you knew about her?” I ask.

“She’s nothing to worry about,” My father explains.

I nod. “Keep me up to date if you learn anything more about the threat.”

“I will. While you’re there, see if the Bratva or Cartels have any information for us,” Father instructs.

“Will do.”

“Keep your head low and your guard up,” he warns me.

“Don’t worry about me,” I try to reassure him.

“Impossible,” he grumbles, and it draws a chuckle from me.

We end the call, and I return to the table. Meeting Madame Keller’s gaze, I say, “Let me know the instant you learn anything new.”

“For a price, of course,” she replies, the corner of her mouth lifting.

“Of course,” I mutter. Information is valuable in our world, and I don’t expect her to give it away for free.

Lowering my eyes to my meal, my thoughts are inundated with the looming threat and Elena’s surprise arrival.

One thing’s for sure, life just got interesting.

Chapter 6

ELENA

After I enjoy my dinner, I draw myself a bubble bath. I soak in the balmy water for an hour without prying eyes roving over every inch of my exposed skin. It also helps my nerves settle from the altercation with Lucian Cotroni.

The man is as intense as a thousand suns, blinding and dangerous. I’m not going to lie, he is easily the most attractive man I’ve ever laid eyes on, but that means nothing to me. Lucian Cotroni will rule the very world I’m trying to escape from.

I actually contemplate leaving St. Monarch’s, but not having any identification documents or money to buy fake ones, the idea vanishes quickly.

I’ll just have to do my best to avoid Lucian.

I get dressed in a soft pair of jeans and a black cashmere sweater. Pulling on my sneakers, I’m hoping the dark clothes will make me blend in with the night when I’m outside.

Opening the door, I peek up and down the hallway before I sneak out. I quickly lock the door behind me and then rush down toward the stairs, hoping I won’t run into anyone.

The guards only spare me a glance as I pass by them, and when I walk through the side doors, a smile begins to tug at my lips. Lightfooted, I take the stairs down to the path, and I glance up at the starry sky as I enjoy the silence of the night wrapping around me.

I’ll just keep to myself. Hopefully, that will be enough to show Lucian Cotroni I’m not here for him, nor am I a threat.