"Vee." He found his shirt — she didn't even remember him picking it up — and he held it in one hand. "You fail to understand one fundamental fact about me. I don't want disloyal people around me. You better be willing to give your blood when you work for me — because goddamnit, I will take it." He pulled the shirt on. "This rule does not excuse Ricardo just because he is engaged to your sister."
Veronica dropped. She went down to her knees. She had run out of words that worked standing up and her body had made its own decision about what came next.
"Luca." She was a woman who loved him asking him for the one thing she needed most in this moment. "Please. Just this once." Her hands found his legs, holding on with desperation. "Just this once, please."
He looked down at her.
"Think of Nonnina." She pressed. "Please. She is his Zia. Think how much you will hurt her." "Luca. Luca. I beg you." Her head dropped to his feet.
