Code of Honor (Spontagio Family 1)

The only thing written on it is my name and address. No return details or indication of who it is from. Shaking, I tuck it inside my bag and retreat to my room. I’ve barely closed the door when I begin tearing into the envelope. I pull out a thick stack of papers and scan the letter, words like congratulations and New York Ballet jumping out at me.

Holy shit. I’m in. I’m in. I did it.

Dropping the letter, I pick up my phone and call Bella.

“I’m in,” I gasp, still in shock. I run a hand through my long dark hair and sink to the floor.

“In where?” she asks, confused.

“The ballet. I was accepted. They actually accepted me,” I squeal. My heart pounds as I try to process all of this.

“Really? That’s amazing news, Luce! When do you start?”

“I don’t know. I saw that I was in and called you.” I giggle, shuffling through the papers. “Oh, here it is. Two weeks. Holy shit, I have to be there and ready in two freaking weeks.”

“Plenty of time,” Bella says, dismissing my concerns. “I’ll help you. Do you need to find an apartment or do they take care of that?”

“I don’t know,” I mumble. I feel overwhelmed at how underprepared I am for all of this. I have so much to do, and right at the top of that list is the thing I’m dreading most. Telling my father.

“What are you going to do about your dad?” Bella asks, reading my mind.

“I’m not sure.” I groan. “It’s something I don’t even want to think about right now.”

“Anyway,” Bella cuts in. “Enough about you, let’s talk about me.” She pauses before announcing dramatically, “I had the best sex last night.”

“With Ben?” I ask, laughing helplessly.

“Ben?” she gasps. “God no. Keep up, Luce. Ben was three guys ago. I met this guy Ryan a few day

s ago while getting my morning coffee. He is absolutely dreamy.”

“I can’t keep up with you,” I say, giggling. “I’m afraid to meet any of your guys in case I use the wrong name.”

“Oh, don’t worry, I’m scared I’ll do that myself,” she jokes. “But Ryan is different. I don’t know, I think I can actually see a future with him.”

“By future, you mean longer than a week, right?” I joke.

“You’re hilarious, Spontagio,” Bella says, her tone sour. “How about you talk to me once you’ve actually had sex?”

“That was harsh!” I laugh.

“But true.” Bella giggles. “Anyway, I gotta run. Let me know how it goes telling your dad, okay?”

“I’ll text you. But I can tell you now it’s not going to go well.”

After I finish talking to Bella, I head downstairs. How am I going to tell my father? I’ll need a pretty damn good argument if I’m going to convince him to let me go. I wasn’t kidding when I told Bella I’d be going anyway, but I’d prefer it be with his blessing.

I walk into the kitchen and sit down at the counter. A freshly baked cake sits in front of me, its heavenly smell taunting me. After a few moments of torture I give in and cut myself a slice. I shove half the piece in my mouth, savoring the flavor just as Pietro walks in. He raises his eyebrows and smirks at me.

“You know Alsia made that especially for a meeting your father has tonight, right?” he says, referring to our housekeeper.

Shit. My eyes widen as I consider putting the slice back and trying to patch up the icing. Or maybe I should eat the whole thing and whip up another one. They’ll never know, right? Pietro starts laughing uncontrollably, clutching the edge of the counter for support. I narrow my eyes at him.

“You lying little shit,” I gasp, my mouth falling open and a few crumbs escaping.

“You should’ve seen your face just then. Seriously, Luce, it was gold,” he sputters. Leaning over, he cuts himself his own slice. Winking at me, he takes a bite. “This is good.”

“I can’t believe you did that to me,” I mutter. But I’m beginning to see the funny side to it and I can’t help but laugh. “Anyway, I’m celebrating.”