“You’re heartless,” I whisper, too distracted by the proximity of his body,his lips, to think of anything better.
“You’re—” He cuts himself off, smirks, and after a moment of staring at me, he releases his grip and brings his fingers to my cheek, brushing the damp strand of my hair back.
I can’t help the smile that forms on my face knowing I’ve caught him speechless. I want nothing more than to arch my body and connect with him, but I can’t risk him pulling away. So instead I use my free arm to push off his shoulder and free myself from his hold.
We train for an hour before Enzo shows up with water bottles, tossing one to me. “Dante wants you both in the dining room when you’re done.”
“Why?” I ask, chugging half the bottle.
He shrugs. “Something about your vetted friend.”
My heart stutters.
I rip off my wraps and throw them at Elijah’s face, which he catches as they fall to his chest, and I hear him mutter, “Nice, thanks,” but I don’t pay him any attention. Turning fast on my heels, I slip my shoes off, and I can’t stop smiling the whole way back inside.
My mind is spinning with possibilities. She’ll have glossy hair and secrets. We’ll sit in my room and talk for hours about everything I can’t say to Enzo or Elijah. Maybe she’ll know things about the outside world. Maybe she’ll tell me about real school, or boys who don’t carry knives.
* * *
The smell of espresso hits me halfway down the main hall, followed by warm bread and butter, and my stomach growls.
“Papa,” I screech, meeting my father’s eyes.
He’s at the head of the long dining table, reading the paper, dark hair silvering at the temples. His suit immaculate, his tie perfectly knotted, and his watch gleaming on his wrist.
“My girl,” he says gently when he sees me.
He pushes the paper aside, stands, and kisses my temple, his hand lingering on my cheek.
“You’re sweating,” he adds.
“I was training,” I say, smiling.
His mouth curves. “Good. Sit.”
I slide into the seat beside him, and Elijah and Enzo take spots across the table. A housekeeper sets a plate in front of me—toast, eggs, fruit.
Papa watches me eat for a moment before saying, “I’ve been doing some negotiation. And it’s time for your friend.”
I nearly choke on my toast. “Really?”
Birthdays never meant cake or candles here, but sixteen comes with a loophole. Papa made one arrangement in our brutal training regime: at sixteen, we’re allowed one vetted, pre-screened friend. Elijah was gifted to Enzo two years ago, and now that I’ve turned sixteen, I get my own.
He nods, sipping his coffee. “She’ll be vetted, of course. Her family understands our ways.”
“She?” I try not to sound too eager.
The first girl I will have ever spoken to or even seen with my own two eyes.
It’s kind of crazy when you think about it. I am sixteen, and there has never been a woman in the De Luca estate.
Papa’s eyes glint with amusement. “You’ve been patient, my girl. I think you’ve earned this.” He takes a bite of his breakfast, locking eyes with Enzo but keeping the conversation focused on me. “Aside from that, I have booked you in for my next meeting. You should wear the red dress and lipstick, but he has requested that you not speak this time.”
I beam, barely hearing the rest.
Chapter 6
Aurelia
