“Maybe,” I lie smoothly. “So what brings you to campus today? Meeting your student advisor again?”
“No, just needed to check out some books from the library.” She smiles but I can’t help noticing she’s carrying exactly zero books. Not in her hands, definitely not in her backpack, since she doesn’t have one on her. Before I can call her out on the lie, a man in a tracksuit walks directly toward us, eyes locked on me.
“Stella Romano?”
“Who wants to know?” I ask, already bracing myself to grab one of my daggers from my bag.
He hands me an envelope and pulls out a clipboard. “Please sign here, miss.”
“That’s not happening,” I say flatly. “Not until you tell me what I’m signing for.”
“Of course,” he nods quickly. “If you’ll just follow me.”
I don’t move.
“I’ll go with you,” Izzie declares, instantly looping her arm through mine. “This guy looks shady as hell but I’m sure you’re curious as to what he could possibly want with you.”
Despite myself, I’m grateful for the back-up since I know Izzie can handle herself in a fight. Even at my school, I can’t assume safety is guaranteed. Not when I’m the daughter of the most notorious mob boss in Chicago.
But when the man leads us into the parking lot and hands me a set of shiny keys to the brand-new, top-of-the-line convertible parked in the closest spot, I don’t need to ask any more questions.
I already know who’s behind this little gift.
“Oh wow!” Izzie gasps. “Is that your new car?”
I force a smile and nod. “Must be. Marcello probably got tired of driving me everywhere.”
It’s an easy lie. And judging by the way her face lights up, she buys it completely.
I sign the paperwork, and while Izzie keeps oohing and aahing over the car, I take a step back and open the envelope.
Don’t be mad.
I owed you a car since the last one got totaled because of me.
It’s cherry red. My new favorite color. Hope you like it.
—Kill
P.S. You’ll notice on your keychain there’s an extra key.
It’s to my lake house.
If you’re in the mood to give me a proper thank you, I’ll be there at five on the dot.
My home is your home, dusha moya.
I hope one day you’ll treat it as such.
Fuck.
I glance at my watch and see that it’s almost four o’clock.
I should definitely go home after class.
I should go home and study.
But I don’t.
