LILY

Something changedbetween me and Nero at the lodge. Or maybe it just went back to the way things were when I was first brought to him, when he was so cold and angry, vengeance burning in his eyes.

I thought maybe we’d started to move past that. I wouldn’t have said we were friends, but begrudging partners at the very least.

Now, it’s all icy silence in the apartment. He won’t talk to me unless he absolutely has to, and even then, it’s clipped and confrontational.

It’s probably stupid of me to be surprised by that, but I can’t lie to myself. After things heated up out in the country, a small part of me hoped that was going to happen again. That we could at least find common ground in this chemistry between us.

Scratch the itch that’s driving me crazy, just being around the man.

But that would be a monumental mistake. So maybe it’s better that he’s radiating disdain and fury every time we pass each other by in the hall. But as the week passes, my restlessness grows. I’m trapped here with him, and the tension is only building. There’s no ignoring his presence in this apartment, which leaves me plagued with desire that has no outlet. And with nothing on the McKenna’s social calendar that I can find, it leaves me with nothing on my mind but Nero.

His body. His business.

The FBI.

When my phone rings on Friday, I’m so desperate for a distraction, that I snatch it up, despite the unknown number.

“Lily? Hi! It’s Juliet.”

Juliet?I scour my brain for a face to go with the name. Then, it hits me. The woman from the ballet, the one that Nero was actually nice to.

His sister-in-law, technically.

“Oh, hi,” I say, not sure how to react to this unexpected development.

“I was wondering if you’d like to have lunch with me today.” Juliet says, friendly. “Just a casual bite, Francine’s, around noon?”

“Yes!” I blurt. Anything to get out of here for a few hours. And get away from him. “I mean, that sounds great,” I add, more casual. “See you there.”

I hang up, wondering how she got my number. And why she would want to get to know someone on Nero’s arm. They seemed friendly, but still, the Barretti name is usually radioactive, and the Sterlings… Well, they’re about as high society as they come.

Either way, it’ll be a distraction from my captivity, so I happily dress and let my stony-faced driver-slash-prison guard, Kyle, take me to the restaurant.

When I walk in, Juliet’s already at the best table. She bobs up and greets me with genuine enthusiasm.

Which only makes my curiosity grow.

“I have to ask,” I say, when we’ve settled in and placed our orders. “How did you get my number?”

“I asked Nero,” Juliet says with a smile.

I blink. “So, you guys are… Friends?” I ask, confused. Because there’s nothing about this that makes sense. Juliet is sweet and smart, and doesn’t seem like the kind of woman to be palling around with a violent mob boss.

“I wouldn’t say that,” she gives a wry grin. “But we’ve reached an… Understanding. After all, we are family.”

“Family?” I repeat, even more confused.

Juliet’s eyes widen. “He didn’t tell you?”

My expression clearly answers for me.

“Maybe I shouldn’t say anything…” she backs off. “But, since you guys are engaged… Nero and my husband, Caleb, are brothers,” she confides. “Half-brothers, through Nero’s father.”

“Roman.” I say, my mind blown.

“They only found out recently,” Juliet adds. “And it’s kind of a touchy subject. They’re not exactly on the best terms. Yet.” She says, sounding determined. “But I’m working on it.”

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