MATTEO’s POV

My pen scratched across the paper, the sound echoing through the silence. I was aware of Charles's eyes on me, but I refused to acknowledge him. 

 Not yet.

 I could feel it pulsing through my veins, a reminder of the secrets we kept, the lies we told. Finally, Charles spoke, his voice like a rusty gate. "Matteo, we need to talk."

 I set my pen down, my eyes still fixed on the papers in front of me. "What is it?" I asked, my voice controlled, but my mind was racing wondering what he wanted.

 His cigar flared to life, the sweet scent of tobacco filling the air. He...