“You’re fidgeting,” he observes after a few moments of silence. “Is something bothering you?”
I set down my fork. “I’m fine,” I deflect, reaching for my wineglass.
The truth is that nothing is bothering me. I mean, not really. I’m just… overwhelmed. Yeah, I think that’s what this is.
When I first met Matteo, I was obviously insanely attracted to him. But in some ways, crossing paths with him has felt like… I don’t know. A cosmic fuck you, Raven Carter. Like all the times I’ve gotten away with theft finally caught up with me.
And I’d just gotten used to that thought, even talked myself into being okay with owing him a favor. Now, he’s pulled the rug from under me again by falling in love with me and now taking me on a date. That’s what this is, right? It has to be.
Matteo’s hand shoots out, fingers wrapping around my wrist before I can grab the glass. His touch is light but immovable, a gentle reminder of his strength. “Don’t lie to me, Raven.”
I sigh, twisting my hand until he releases me. “It’s nothing, really. Just… I just need time to get used to all of this,” I try to explain. “And I miss my family.”
Wait… where the hell did that come from?
“I get it,” he assures me, watching me with an unnerving intensity that makes me feel like he’s cataloging every micro-expression. “Tell me about them. Your family.”
The request feels weirdly sincere, and my mouth jumps in before my brain can veto it. “They’re a lot. My mom’s basically a one-woman natural disaster. Category fun and not fatal.”
That makes him snort. “And your dad?” Matteo asks softly as he takes another bite of his food that’s almost gone.
I push my plate away, no longer hungry, and instead pour more wine. “My dad’s a lot calmer. He balances her out.”
“Go on,” Matteo encourages, which I do after downing half my glass of wine.
“He’s super methodical and patient, but with this weird, dry sense of humor that sneaks up on you.” I smile fondly. “He taught us to pick locks when I was eight because he said it was a practical life skill.”
“Us? You and your mom?” he asks, sounding weirdly excited by that. Psycho.
I roll my eyes. “No, me and Leo.” I twirl a loose strand of hair around my finger. “We’re complete opposites. He’s the responsible one. An architect with a steady boyfriend. I’m the chaos twin.”
“I never would have guessed,” Matteo chuckles.
When our meals are cleared and dessert menus appear, Matteo orders something by pointing at his menu and whispering to the server. It doesn’t take long for a single tiramisu to arrive with two spoons.
“For sharing,” Matteo explains, sliding the plate to the center of the table.
I dip my spoon into the creamy layers, liking the intimacy of sharing dessert. “So, what’s your family like?” I ask before I can stop myself.
His expression shutters briefly. But instead of shutting down, he surprises me. “I lost my parents when I was twelve,” he says, voice even. “The Sicilians who used to control Cleveland, the Greco family, set fire to our house, and my mom and dad never made it out.”
Chapter 26
Raven
I’m aware I’m gawking, but I can’t stop it. He’s saying it so… casually. Like it’s nothing. “I’m sorry,” I mutter, unsure what else I can say. “That’s awful.”
He shrugs, but the casualness feels forced. “I was the only survivor. Dad pushed me out a window before the flames took him. My mom was already dead.”
The information hits me like a physical blow. I think about twelve-year-old Matteo, watching his home burn with his parents inside, and something in my chest aches.
“Is that how you got the scars?” I ask softly, gesturing vaguely toward the silvery marks visible on his neck.
“Some of them.” His finger traces an unconscious pattern on the tablecloth. “My uncle took me in after and made sure I had everything I needed for—”
“To grow up and live?” I ask, interrupting him.
“That, and to get my revenge,” he states simply.
