The thick tension in the basement dissipated the moment Giovanni shifted his stance. Instead of the cold-blooded Don who had just presided over a brutal interrogation, he smoothly dismissed the entire horrific scene as if nothing had actually happened. A faint, almost charming smile touched his lips as he stretched his hand forth toward her.

"Come," Giovanni said softly, his voice completely steady.

Rosa stared at his outstretched palm, her heart still hammering against her ribs, but she found herself stepping forward anyway.

Giovanni closed his fingers gently around hers, guiding her away from the shadows and toward the stairs. "You really shouldn't be wandering around the house, Rosa. First,...