He stared down at her another minute and then let her go. Siena forced herself not to rub at the finger marks on her arm. She knew she would have bruises and she was tempted to march in to her grandfather and show him what Paolo had done to her. The only thing was—she was beginning to think he wouldn’t do anything other than ask her why she would upset such a good man. In his eyes, Paolo could do no wrong. As she’d gotten older, her beloved grandfather had gone from doting to watchful as well. She didn’t know what they were all waiting for, but the longer they waited, the more upset everyone got.

“The wine’s in your car,” Paolo said. He caught her chin in a firm grip. “You be careful, Siena.”

She blinked rapidly, trying not to show fear. Or anger. Or any other emotion. She felt as if her life was turning upside down and she didn’t even know why. His eyes searched hers.

“Did I hurt you?” His voice was gentle. “I’m worried for you, and sometimes my temper gets the better of me. Your nonno and I disagree about some of the things he asks you to do. I don’t ever like the idea that you could be in danger.”

“Paolo, I’m just delivering his wine. He’s asked me to do it each time I’ve come home on a break, and I have. It’s the least I can do after all the things he does for me. It’s no big deal, honestly. I don’t mind. And I’ll be careful. It’s possible Lospostos isn’t home and I’ll leave the wine and a note.”

Siena knew she was placating him, but she did it anyway. She didn’t understand the dynamics of her household anymore. Maybe she’d just been gone away so much she never really knew what they were.

Her parents had died in a car bombing. Siena understood why her grandfather was so protective of her. He’d never really gotten over his son’s death. When she was little, she had her grandmother, who doted on her. When her grandmother passed away, she was immediately sent to a very private and exclusive boarding school. She’d been six and terrified, but no amount of tears would convince her grandfather to keep her at home.

Of course she was home every holiday, and he spoiled her rotten. She sat with him, laughed with him, played games until all hours, and he seemed to delight in her company. His men were always close, always watchful, and when she asked, he told her that there were bad people out there who didn’t like that he’d been so successful with his wine making and vineyards. He needed to make certain she was protected, so he had bodyguards watching her.