Vicious Minds (Children of Vice 4)

“Look at you. Under those layers of ice and stone is such a sweetheart,” I teased, knowing it would annoy him. He rolled his eyes and flexed the bandage on his hand. “Don’t you dare.”

I taunted him and he tried to think of something sly to say back, but I wasn’t having it.

“You can dish it but can’t handle it?”

“Nothing to handle, I’m absolutely perfect. Haven’t you noticed?”

He shook his head, not even bothering to fight me on it and he looked down the hall to where Giovanna was sleeping.

“Was she in a lot of pain?”

“She was,” I admitted. There was no point in lying, he had to have realized it. “She cried a lot, but after her medicine and a hug, she was fine. She’s going to be all right.”

“That’s why you called last night…and I was—”

“Pimping yourself out?” I asked.

One eyebrow raised, and the corner of his lip turned up. “Yes. But now I feel like I’ve admitted to being a whore.”

“Your words, not mine.” I closed the first aid kit. “I was emotional, she was in pain, and when I knew what was going to happen, I reacted out of anger and jealousy. I won’t apologize, but I’ll be more mindful in the future.”

“We are very odd people.”

“It’s a trait that comes with power,” I reminded him, turning and leaning against the sink. “My grandfather used to say no one wants to be normal; they want to be us, but they can’t so they label us odd.”

“I think he stole that from my mother,” he replied, and I rolled my eyes.

“Or your mother stole it from him, jeez. Has anyone ever told you have one hell of a mother complex?”

He crossed his arms, turning to me. “Oh, do go on.”

“You love and hate her. Just like your sister. I think Wyatt is the only one who doesn’t hold the same grudge against her.” I went back to the food I was preparing.

“Wyatt doesn’t know they’re alive, of course he doesn’t have a grudge…he doesn’t know he should yet.”

“No, I don’t think he’ll have one even if he found out. He’s not the type and you know it.” I sliced the tomatoes quickly. He took one and ate it, ignoring my comment. So I went on. “Donatella, she loves her but hates the pressure of living up to her. You? You know she’s alive. And now you—we—are dedicated to finding her and your father. You want revenge, but at the same time, you admire her…it’s why you have a thing for brunettes.”

He grimaced like he was kid who just found out his parents had sex and it made me laugh. “Obviously, you don’t think of her like that. But despite your anger, your rage, you still regard her as what a woman should be.”

“If so, how do you think you measure up against her?” He reached for another slice, but I spun the knife and stabbed into the wooden chopping board right before his fingers reached it, so close I sliced the tip of his index finger. His wide eyes shifted to me and I faced him.

“It is very easy to forget who I am and what I can do while I’m waiting in your shadow. It is even easier now that we have a daughter and I’m in the kitchen cooking like a good little wife. But I’d advise you to very careful and not ask me such a stupid question. I don’t waste my time on foolish things. Wondering whether I live up to your mother or not is foolish. She didn’t give birth to me. She’s never saved me. I owe her nothing. I am not Melody Callahan. I am Calliope Orsini. When I become Calliope Callahan, people will abide by my way and if they don’t, they will learn the painful consequences. I didn’t come all this way to hear anyone else’s fucking opinions on anything.”

“You—”

“That applies to you too.” I cut him off. “I will do things my way. That may go against how your mother did things. I don’t fucking care and unless I ask, I don’t want to fucking know. What I want, what I demand, is what I have given you: undying, unwavering support. You are on my side and no one else’s. Not even your fucking mother’s. I will not compete for what I deserve. Am I clear?”

“Understood…Mrs. Callahan.” He licked the blood from the small cut I’d given him.

“Move.” I pushed him back, tossing the knife in the sink, washing it and my hands before taking another one from the block.

He stood behind me and kissed the side of my neck.

“Your daughter needs food.” I reminded him. He exhaled and remained at my back for a moment before stepping away. “You should get back to your…work friend. I’ll call you and update you on Giovanna.”

“How about you call just to talk to me?”

I smirked. “No point risking it, don’t you think?”