Carina watches them, but she isn’t engaging anymore. After I found her talking to Falco in the hall, she seemed to have retreated inside herself. The conversation died quickly, thankfully, and Antonio called the get-together to a close.

When Falco finally oozes out the door, Angelica and Bianca rush to Carina while Antonio shoots the Butcher and me a look.

I want to go to Carina, to ask her what the hell passed between her and Falco that spooked her so badly, but I can’t do that with Angelica and Bianca hovering. It’ll have to wait. She’s in good hands with the other women. They’ve already formed a bond, a strong one, and I have no doubt they’d protect each other with their lives. Not that we’d ever let it come to that.

Antonio and Butcher stride out, and I’m duty-bound to follow even though I’m desperate to speak to Carina. Something about her change in demeanor has unsettled me. It’s almost as if she’s … afraid? If that douchebag frightened her, I’ll–

“You all right?” Antonio asks as he closes his office door.

“I’m good. Just tired of these greased-up children pretending to be men.”

Antonio snorts a laugh and sits on one of his leather sofas. “Can’t disagree with you there, but I think a few of them showed promise, and Carina didn’t seem to mark anyone off her list.”

“Who showed promise?” I cross my arms and lean against the doorframe.

“That Falco kid.” Antonio keeps his gaze on me. “Well-spoken, polite, from a good family. The match would give Carina a life of ease and access to all the luxuries she could ever want.”

I do my best to keep my face neutral. But inside I’m going up in fucking flames. That kid is a verified piece of shit, and I want to stomp the life out of him. Maybe I will. Maybe I’ll leave this meeting, grab my keys, and go on a fucking suicide mission if it means that twat never sets a finger on my Carina.

“She talked to him.” The Butcher grunts out his answer. “More than others.”

“Because he forced himself into her conversations every time he got the chance,” I shoot back.

“He’s headstrong. I was too at that age.” Antonio shrugs. “Angelica would say I still am.”

“You can’t be serious. That kid is nowhere near good enough for Carina.” I realize I’m overstepping my place, but I can’t help it. It’s like the raging lava pit in my gut is erupting higher and higher ever since I saw that worried look on Carina’s face.