58. Cloak of vulnerability

Antonio

I stepped into the elevator with her in my arms. Her small arm was draped around my shoulder and after her initial stiffness, she pressed her cheek to my chest and I heard her let out a long sigh as she relaxed in my hold.

Elijah stepped after us and I said, “Let Ephraim know we’re staying at the hotel.”

“Certo, Capo.” As he made the phone call, I pressed the button for the private penthouse where I usually stay when I was in the city. If Ephraim had questions he would ask me in the morning or perhaps he’d come back because he never leaves my side. Until now it was always because he took his job of protecting me pretty seriously, but now after seeing him with Erica, it makes me wonder if he’d come back for her or me.

As the elevator descended, I could feel her eyes on me but I didn’t look down at her. I just didn’t want to. The look on her face, of fear and utter panic got to me. It was the same look that I used to find on Caterina’s face when she’d hide in the attic or under