CHAPTER NINETEEN

Ella

I bowed my head slightly, crossing my legs in curtsey as I saw Vincenzo step into the dining hall about the same time I stepped into the hall. I stood back, gripping the railing by the staircase as I did. He acknowledged my greetings with not more than an impassive nod of the head. Did he ever show emotions?

He had to be the most stoic, phlegmatic person I'd ever known.

"We've been waiting for you all evening, Vincenzo. Where did your wanderings lead you?"

Lila asked as she started to arrange items on the table that did not need arranging.

"In the woods? In the cave? On the borders of another pack? In a woman's arms? Which do you think?"

"Come on, sit," Lila said as she looked in my direction.

"Is that supposed to be you trying to taunt anyone? I thought you were a reformed rake?"

"And who says I'm not?"

"You just said__"

"Lil, you should listen to understand."

"You know I do not think of you as a totally changed man and you taunt me with the question? Well, you'd want to hear