Daniele spoke over the rim of his wine glass. “Slow down, Tor. Is she even old enough to drink?”

The statement hung in the air. It was meant to embarrass us both. But Ettore didn’t appear embarrassed when he stopped pouring and replied easily, “Only just.”

Daniele was clearly annoyed his shot missed its target. I kept a discreet eye of him and from the way he was looking at me, it was obvious that he and I would have beef until the day one of us was dead in the cold ground. So, I suppose I was stunned when Giada took my plate with a smile, but was stopped by Daniele.

“Here,” he said. “Let me.”

The deed drew Ettore’s attention too, and when he sat up at full height, alert and ready for action, I found myself tensing by his side. Daniele took his time, loading up my plate with pasta, roasted meat and salads. When there was no more room on the plate, he rounded the table, but instead of handing it to me, he kept going. My spine straightened and I knew it was going to be bad when he passed the table, keeping his glacial eyes on me. I felt Ettore’s body twist, his gaze following every step his brother took.

Meanwhile, I didn’t dare.

My heartbeat quickened.

The conversation at the table stopped and then, Daniele had the attention of everyone in the room. Without a moment’s hesitation, he opened the sliding door, lifted the plate and tossed it into the backyard. It landed with a crash that startled me. Seeming all too pleased with himself, Daniele slunk back around the table, took his seat, looked me dead in the eye and uttered frostily, “Dogs don’t eat in the house.”

Blood rushed through my ears as the silence stole the air around us.

My father-in-law turned to his son, shaking his head. It was clear he was ashamed by his youngest’s actions. Everyone else sat uncomfortably wordless. Something told me it took a lot, but even Sandro had lost his smile. When Giada stood to retrieve another plate, Ettore stood and everybody stilled.

I lowered my head to hide my flushed face.

Ettore moved slowly, leaning over the table. Daniele’s hard gaze met that of his brothers and all we could do was watch as Ettore took Daniele’s plate and gently placed it in the empty space mine had been in. Giada rushed over to fill my new plate and then everyone took their places and began eating.

Everyone except Daniele.

9. A cold-blooded killer

Chapter 9

A cold-blooded killer

Vittoria

“Open it.” Giada smiled widely as I blinked down at the large square box in my hands.