46. Friend or Foe?

"I must say you're looking extremely fabulous tonight," He gives me a once over.

I managed a polite courtesy. "Good evening Mr. D'Errico. It's good to see you again"

He nods, that wolfish gaze sliding over to settle on Giovanni with a hint of sly amusement playing about his lips. "I'm glad you finally agreed to bring her along. What's a family gathering without her, hmm" He says.

A tremor of unease went through me at his words.

But I schooled my features into a neutral smile as Russo continued speaking.

"Julia, unfortunately, is unable to come, she sends her regrets for this evening," he stated, almost as an afterthought.

Thank heavens for that!

I grimace at the remembrance of the words she said to me the first time we met. That's one less pair of scornful eyes to endure.

"A pity. My warmest greetings to her," I replied smoothly, unconsciously straightening my posture under the subtle weight of Russo's sharp gaze.

"I see you've met Gabriel, you two looked like you were about to st