Chapter 4

Moving into my new penthouse was the best thing that had happened to me all month.

Renzo sent flowers, expensive champagne, and a handwritten note promising he'd visit soon.

He didn't.

Apparently, Sienna needed him more.

According to Paige, my little sister had been spending almost every evening at the Vieri estate.

Mom was thrilled.

“She's making wonderful connections,” she told me over the phone. “You should be happy for her.”

“I'm delighted.”

“Don't use that tone with me.”

I hung up.

Two days later, Renzo finally called.

“Baby, my father's hosting dinner tomorrow. I want you there.”

“Are you sure? You've been pretty busy.”

“I know. I'll make it up to you.”

I almost said no.

Then he mentioned Sienna would be there.

Well, that changed things.

The Vieri estate looked like something out of a gangster movie.

Iron gates, armed guards, and enough security cameras to make me wonder what Renzo's family was hiding.

Dinner was surprisingly pleasant.

Renzo's father, Don Vittorio Vieri, barely acknowledged Sienna, who sat beside his son looking painfully innocent in a white dress.

Renzo kept checking on her.

More wine? Another appetizer? Was she cold?

I concentrated on my steak.

Halfway through dessert, a man entered and whispered something to Vittorio.

The old Don's expression darkened.

“Bring him downstairs.”

Renzo immediately stood.

“I'll handle it.”

His father gave him a sharp look.

“Don't do anything stupid.”

Renzo smiled.

“Relax, Dad.”

Ten minutes later, Sienna excused herself.

I watched her follow Renzo into the hallway.

Naturally, I went looking for the bathroom.

I found them near the basement stairs instead.

A man was kneeling on the floor between two armed guards.

His face was bloody.

Renzo stood over him, sleeves rolled up.

“You've been talking to the wrong people, Frankie.”

The man shook his head frantically.

“I swear, boss. I didn't tell them anything!”

One guard struck him across the mouth.

Sienna gasped.

“Renzo! Stop!”

Everyone turned.

She hurried forward, tears already filling her eyes.

“He's hurt! You can't just keep hitting him!”

“Go upstairs, sweetheart,” Renzo said.

“But he has a family!”

Frankie immediately nodded.

“Two kids, miss. Please.”

Sienna stepped between him and the guards.

“Please let him go. Whatever he did, he deserves another chance.”

Renzo hesitated.

Then he looked at his men.

“Take the cuffs off.”

One guard frowned.

“Your father specifically ordered us to hold him.”

“I said take them off.”

The guards obeyed.

Frankie practically fell over himself thanking Sienna.

She gave Renzo a trembling smile.

“I knew you weren't cruel.”

He touched her cheek.

“For you, sweetheart.”

I backed away before they noticed me.

I'd heard enough.

Back upstairs, I found Vittorio speaking angrily into his phone.

“What do you mean he released Frankie?”

He listened, then slammed his glass onto the table.

“That idiot.”

I quietly collected my purse.

Whatever Frankie had done, Vittorio clearly hadn't wanted him free.

And Renzo had just ignored a direct order from the Don.

All because my sister cried.

As I reached the front door, I heard Vittorio shouting from his study.

“Find Frankie before somebody else does!”

I glanced back toward the basement stairs.

Sienna had no idea what she'd just gotten herself into.

Then again, neither did Renzo.