Tuscany would be hot, too, but not humid, not like Philadelphia.
Sofia glanced back to wave to her sister, but her smile faltered upon seeing her grandfather. I wondered how much her sister knew. She knew we’d be married. But had Sofia confided the details of this unholy union?
Had Sofia read what I’d given her, or had she’d buried her head in the sand, unable or unwilling to face and understand the reasons for her fate?
The ceremony commenced, and the hum of conversation quieted, leaving me to observe. I didn’t bother to take a seat, choosing to lean against a tree behind the last row of chairs instead. Speeches were made, people applauding at the appropriate time. All very dull, quite frankly. Sofia shifted in her seat, uncomfortable, or more likely, nervous. The students stood one row at a time as names were called.
Sofia’s turn approached, and I straightened once she stood and glanced back. This time, her gaze met mine. Even from this distance, I saw the strange, pale caramel-colored eyes widen, the delicate skin around them puffy and pink. She’d been crying.
She stumbled when the girl behind her moved faster than she did, but righted herself, looking straight ahead as she made her way to the platform. At the stairs, she stole one more glance. When they called her name, she slowly made her way across the stage, her legs seeming heavy as she took those last steps in freedom to shake the principal’s hand and take her diploma. The families clapped and cheered, and Sofia held her head high, refusing to meet anyone’s gaze, unable or unwilling to smile as she, instead of resuming her seat, walked toward me.
This was a surprise. I expected a meek, spineless, submissive girl.
I cocked my head to the side.
When she reached me, she took off her cap.
“Congratulations?” I said with a smile.
“Fuck you.”
My smile widened. Not meek at all. I should have seen the fire burning in those usually soft amber eyes.
“Is that what you walked over here to tell me? If it’s because you think I forgot your birthday—”
“You think what you gave me changes anything?”
I shrugged a shoulder “Not for me,” I said more casually than she probably liked.
“You think it makes any difference at all?”
“I don’t care, honestly. Like I said when I gave it to you, it’s truth.” I don’t think she heard me at all.
“Do you think I even believe your lies?”
“Again, I don’t much care.”
“Know that I will fight you every step of the way.”
“I hope so.”
“Sofia?”
Her sister approached us. Marcus Guardia stood in the distance, conversing with one of the nuns but watching us. His face revealed nothing, the smile false. He was, after all, an upstanding citizen. A philanthropist who gave generously to St. Sebastian and many other institutions.
If only they fucking knew.
My hands fisted at my sides. I wanted to kill the motherfucker.
“I will never make this easy for you.”
Sofia drew my attention back to her.
“I hope you won’t.”
Lina’s cautious gaze fell on me. Even if this was the first time I’d seen them together, I would have known them to be sisters. Apart from eye color—Lina’s were a mossy green—and Lina’s dark hair, the similarity of their features was striking.
“Sofia.”
This time, Lina physically turned her sister toward her. Sofia dragged her angry gaze from mine and wiped the backs of her hands across her eyes.
Good. At least she knew what to expect. Today’s tears would be the first of many. I had years of hate to work through, and she’d be my whipping girl. Literally, if she wasn’t careful.
“Hey.” Lina took her sister’s face in her hands and held her forehead against Sofia’s.
I watched them, curious. My brothers and I weren’t close. Damon being my twin, we had a special bond, even now, even through all the hatred and anger, but we weren’t like them.
I snorted, shaking my head.
“Okay?” Lina asked.
Sofia nodded. “I have to go.”
“I know.” Lina released her and stepped back, reaching around her own neck to unclasp the necklace she wore.
Sofia shook her head. “Mama gave that to you.”
“Shh.”
I noticed they each had tears glistening in their eyes. She wrapped the necklace around Sofia’s throat and clasped it. Sofia touched the pendant.
“I changed the picture,” Lina said quietly.
“Christ, you act like you’ll never see each other again,” I said.
Both sisters turned to me.
I raised up both hands, palms up in mock apology.
“I don’t want you here,” Sofia said to me.
“That’s too bad.”
She fisted her hands and narrowed her eyes, and I knew it took all she had to say what she said next.
“Let me say good-bye to my sister.” She gritted her teeth. “Please.”
My eyebrows rose. “Wow. A please.”
She pursed her lips. “Just go to the car and give me one fucking minute.”
“Do the nuns allow that sort of language?” I taunted.