"Of course, of course." Inferi tucked the money away quickly. He turned toward Veronica, forcing a smirk back onto his face now that he felt safe. "No hard feelings, uhn Scalese. Its just business."
Luca stepped forward and patted Inferi lightly on the shoulder.
Inferi stiffened under the touch. He nodded once, then motioned to his men. They filed out quickly.
The bell above the door chimed again as it closed.
Silence flooded the shop.
For a long moment, Luca did not move as he watched Inferi as his men through the glass doors.
Then his smile vanished.
The warmth drained from his face. His eyes shifted from the door to Veronica.
Valentina instinctively moved aside.
Luca crouched in front of Veronica. Up close, she could see the tightness in his jaw, the muscle ticking near his temple.
When his fingers finally brushed her cheek, they were impossibly gentle.
