Code of Honor (Spontagio Family 1)

“Me too,” she admits. “I better go. I’m so boring these days. It’s barely nine and I’m ready for bed.”

“What do you mean these days?” I tease.

“Hey,” she replies, laughing. “I take offense to that.”

“Night, Luce. Sleep well.”

“Night.”

No sooner than I’ve placed my phone down, I’m on my laptop checking my email. A reply from Lucca is waiting for me. Taking a deep breath, I click on it.

I’ll see what I can find out. Please keep this confidential, Pietro. You’re asking me to look into what we both know was a Mafia hit. I’m sure I don’t need to tell you that if this got out, things wouldn’t look too good for either of us.

I’ll be in touch, and I’ve also attached my bank details for payment.

Lucca

Pushing aside my computer, I get up and pace the room. Why the fuck didn’t I think of this earlier? Because I was sure nobody would be interested in helping me find out the truth. Excitement surges through me and I shiver. I’m confused, because I don’t know what to feel. On one hand, I’m treading in dangerous waters and one wrong move and everything will be over. I know these people don’t mess around. If they realize I’m sniffing for answers, they won’t hesitate to take me down. But God, I’ve waited all my life for this and I refuse to give up now.

I’m so fucking close I can taste it.

Chapter 10

Lucy

I throw my bag on the floor, strip off my clothes, and walk into the bathroom. My days are so long and strenuous that all I ever want to do when I get home is relax. I turn on the shower and wait until the stream of water is steaming hot before I step in.

Sighing, I close my eyes and tilt my head back as the water runs down over my forehead. This isn’t what I thought it would be like. I don’t know what I expected, but to be told I need to go through this intense training and that only a few of us would get through is disheartening.

“You will get in, Luce. You know you can do this,” I mutter. My little pep talk actually works. I’m already feeling better.

Dancing is my life. I’ve never wanted anything else, and I’m not going to rest until I’m on that stage, dancing my little heart out in front of thousands of people.

I step out of the shower and wrap a towel around myself. Walking into the kitchen I take a frozen meal out of the freezer and throw it in the microwave, trying not to think of what Pietro would say if he could see me now. Tomorrow I’ll look into having some decent food delivered, but for tonight, it’s me and cannelloni for one. While I’m waiting, I pick up my phone and text Bell.

Me: Are you around to talk? X

I get no response from Bell, which is pretty usual these days. I’m glad things are going so well for her and Ryan, but I miss my friend.

I take my piping-hot meal out of the microwave and transfer it into a plate, nearly scalding myself in the process. I pour myself some apple juice, take my dinner over to the living room, and make myself comfortable on the sofa. I turn on the TV, not really watching. I’m more focused on wishing Bell would get back to me. My phone buzzes, making me jump. I mop up the apple juice that spilled down my top with my hand and reach for the phone.

Bell: Sorry lovely, I’m out with Ryan. Can I call you tomorrow? X

Me: Sure. It’s not important. Have a good night. Miss you. X

Maybe I do need to make an effort to make more friends. I can’t deny how lonely I feel. Maybe what I need to do is take out an ad on Craigslist advertising for some friends. No. On second thought, maybe not. I’d probably end up buried in some guy’s backyard.

After dinner, I reluctantly answer a call from my father on my other phone. He’s the last person I feel like talking to. I’ve managed to avoid his calls for the last few days, but if I don’t answer now he’ll probably be on my doorstep tomorrow.

“How’s my little girl settling in?” he asks. I’m surprised by how warm and relaxed he sounds, and it instantly makes me suspicious.

“I’m good,” I say. “You sound happy.”

“I’m speaking to my daughter. How could I not be happy?” he asks with a chuckle. “So tell me, is this school living up to your expectations?”

“It’s not a school, Dad,” I say, rolling my eyes. “It’s one of the best companies in the world.”

“One of, or the best?” he asks.