The Prototype

66. Forgiveness

I forced a smile, the weight of my reputation settling back into place like a mask as Joseph extended his hand.

"Joseph," I greeted, grasping his hand in a firm shake. "Glad to see you again."

"Of course, likewise. You know I don't miss these events." Joseph chuckled as our handshake ended.

"And the lovely Tempest," he said smoothly, turning his attention to her. "Pleasure to see you again."

Tempest smiled politely, her expression flawless as she leaned in for a greeting hug. "Hello, Joseph. And likewise."

He placed a respectful air kiss on both sides of her cheeks, and though I knew it meant nothing, my grip on her waist remained locked in place, keeping her tethered to me.

"It's always great to see you both. You two look great," Joseph said as they pulled apart.

Tempest naturally settled back into my grasp. My arm curled around her waist. "Thank you, Joseph."

Joseph's eyes shifted to me, a knowing smile playing at his lips. "Glad to see you took my advice."

A subtle chuckle left me. If only he knew what really unraveled the night of my birthday and what led to now.

"I'm never closed off from taking advice from those who are wiser than me and have lived a full life ahead of me," I replied smoothly.

"Joseph chuckled, nodding in approval. "This is why I respect you so highly and made sure I showed that tonight with my contribution."

I let out another quiet chuckle, though my mind was elsewhere—still locked on the heat of Tempest's body, still battling the chaos she just unleashed in me. I could still feel her words slithering through my veins, coiling tight around my self-control, daring me to snap.

"Well, I do appreciate that, and the feeling is always mutual," I said, keeping my expression controlled, my voice even.

A chuckle from Vincenzo cut through the air, sharp, calculated. "I feel like I haven't been to one of your events in a while. Feels like it's been a long time from Nino's event to this one. I'm definitely happy I got the chance to return."

The innocence in his tone was as fraudulent as the smile on his face.

I forced a subtle smile in return. "Well, I'm happy you could make it," the words rolling off my tongue with empty civility.

The air shifted. I felt it before he even spoke again.

"Do you mind if I talk to you privately?"

Instantly, my patience thinned.

My jaw flexed, but I kept my face unreadable. "Not at all," my voice edged with the slightest warning. Before stepping away, my eyes flicked to Tempest, standing so effortlessly at my side, her presence searing through me even now.

"I'm going to be right back."

Joseph interjected. "Don't worry about her, Marcellus. You know she's in good hands with me standing here."

It wasn't enough. Not when she was surrounded by men who looked too long.

Tempest politely smiled, nodding her head at me.

With reluctance, I uncurled my fingers from her waist, the loss of her warmth instantly irritating as I stepped aside with Vincenzo.

I slid my hands into my pockets, composing myself. Every movement deliberate. Controlled.

Vincenzo turned to face me, his expression composed but his energy pressing.

"I just want to let you know that I'll be back home in Sicily this week. So I'm open to scheduling our meeting whenever you're going to be in town soon"