For eight years, finding out the truth about what happened has consumed my life. Not a single day goes by where I don’t think about what happened, or what I could’ve done differently. I don’t sleep because of the nightmares, which place me right back there, reliving the moment. I’ll make sure someone pays for what they did, if it’s the last thing I do on this earth. But I can’t do it alone. The Mafia is shrouded in secrecy, and the worst thing any member can do is break the code of silence. Finding information on my father was impossible.
“I wish I could help you, Pietro. I really do. But you know as much as I do.” His cold, dark eyes meet mine. “You need to drop this. You’ve been obsessed with vengeance against your parents’ killers for years, but digging up the past is only going to land you in trouble. Trust me, Pietro. Let it go.”
I nod, and rise from my chair, disappointed but not surprised I’m no closer to the truth. I hadn’t expected him to tell me anything, but it still hurts because I know he knows something. I head for the door, the clicking of my shoes the only sound in the room.
“Pietro?” I turn around. Giovanni is staring hard at the floor. “Just keep an eye on her. Please.”
I nod and continue out of his office, closing the door behind me.
I always look out for her.
—
“Luce?” I ask, knocking softly on her door. “Dinner is ready.”
“Come in,” she calls out. I push open the door. She’s lying across her bed, her face lighting up into a smile when she sees me. My breath catches in my chest as I take in her beauty. God, what I wouldn’t do to kiss those sweet, plump lips…
“I’m not hungry, but sit down. I want to tell you something.” She pulls herself up and pats the bed next to her. I push the door open and walk over to the bed, sitting down on the edge.
She hesitates. “If I tell you something, can you keep it to yourself? I mean, not tell my father?”
“Sure,” I say with a chuckle. “I haven’t told him the hundred other things you’ve told me, have I?”
If Giovanni knew some of the things I was aware his daughter got up to, I would be kicked out of the family. Hell, if Lucy knew how much I knew about her, she’d probably never speak to me again.
She laughs. “I guess not. I went to New York today.” Her cheeks glow and right away, I know this has to be about dancing. It’s the only thing that makes her this happy. “I auditioned for one of the biggest ballet companies in the whole country.” She sighs and throws herself back on the bed. “It was amazing.”
“Wow,” I murmur. Knowing that Giovanni tracks her phone, I’m secretly impressed that she tried to pull this off. “And what happens if you get in? Your dad isn’t going to let you go.”
“I doubt I’ll be accepted. But”—she pauses, her blue eyes growing serious—“if I am, I can’t pass up this opportunity. If my father can’t understand that, then—” She shrugs, her words hanging in the air.
“You’ll convince him until he does understand,” I finish for her. “This is your life, Luce. I love your dad, but he has to let you grow up sooner or later. If you lose out on chances like this because of what he thinks, you’ll both end up resenting each other.”
God, if Giovanni could hear me now he’d skin me alive. I just can’t stand her missing out on her life because he can’t let her go.
“Maybe you should talk to him,” she jokes. “You know, if I get in.”
“If they don’t take you, then they’re the ones missing out. You’re an amazing dancer. And I’m not just saying that because I have to. You have this ability to make everything around you seem unimportant.” I want to cringe. I sound like a stalker. But she’s smiling at me, and I know my words mean something to her. “Besides,” I add. “I know how insane you’ll be to live with if you don’t get this. I don’t think I can handle too much more of your craziness.”
She laughs and nudges me, her touch sending chills down my spine. I reach for her hand and kiss it, because that’s the only affection I can show her without it being creepy.
“Now, come and eat. Unless you want your dad to worry.” I arch an eyebrow until she sighs and gets to her feet.
“Fine,” she grumbles.
She throws on a sweater and walks to the door, flinging it open. I watch her, suddenly nervous. The thought of her moving away makes me feel empty inside. I’d never even considered that she might leave Chicago, her home—her father. Anyone else would lack the courage to stand up to Giovanni for what they believe in, but Lucy is different. She’s her father’s daughter and like him in so many ways. More than that, Lucy is the only person I’ve ever seen bring Giovanni to his knees. He’d do anything for her, but would he let her leave?
“Wow,” I mumble as we leave her room. “This is big. I know how much dancing means to you, Lucy. I really do hope you’re accepted.”
“Me too.” She grins.
Chapter 3
Lucy
Three weeks have passed since my audition and I’ve heard nothing, so arriving home and finding the mail sorted and on the dining table, I’m not expecting anything. When I first spot the large white envelope, my heart skips a beat.
No, it’s probably just the latest Vixen magazine, I try to convince myself. Which has never come in an envelope before, the voice in my head fires back. I pick it up and run my fingers over the smooth, white surface.