“Where do you go to school? Somewhere nearby?”
“Central! Takes forever to get there, but it’s totally worth it.”
“That’s one of the best in the nation. You must be pretty smart to have tested in there.”
“I got lucky.” Gem beams at him.
I quickly step forward and take my sister’s arm. “Alright, Gem, we don’t want to waste more of Mr. Corsetti’s time. And you have applications to do.”
“College? I’m sure you’re going to get in wherever you apply.”
“Thank you, Stellan, but it’s so competitive these days. You should see the other girls at school.”
“Okay, okay, come on, Gem, it’s getting late.” I practically shove her inside and slam the door behind me.
“Nice meeting you!” Stellan calls out, smirking at me.
I glare at him, steadying myself. “Don’t you ever talk to her again.”
“Your sister seems like a nice young lady.”
“I mean it. Leave her alone.”
“Don’t worry, Kira. I’m only interested in you.” He turns away. “Have a nice night. I’ll be seeing you soon.”
I linger in the hallway. Anger and confusion war through me. This man suddenly holds power over me, and I absolutely despise it. I’ve done nothing but fight to survive, and I’ve done a damn good job up to this point. Gem has everything she needs, and she’s thriving.
While I’ve been getting through the day. But that’s all I’ve needed. And we’re so close to being done.
Now Stellan’s here, ruining everything.
I storm into the apartment. Gem can tell something’s wrong but doesn’t push it. I have to skip the shower thanks to Stellan and throw my diner clothes on while still stinking like a dog. Hopefully, nobody can smell me over the stench of partially overcooked eggs.
This situation is bad. If Stellan really does raise my rent by double, I’m screwed.
So why not just have dinner with the guy? He’s attractive. Clearly, he’s rich. And he saved me from that asshole the other night.
But he’s dangerous. It doesn’t matter if I find him attractive. This is the kind of man I’ve been telling Gem to stay away from for years.
I can’t bring him into our life.
There’s just no room for him or anyone else.
Which means I need another solution to this problem or else I’m going to find myself homeless in just a few weeks.
STELLAN
Matteo Prati hunches over his big hunk of bleeding cow and devours it like a beast. I watch the old man eat and try to keep my disgust in check. A good whiskey keeps me from completely losing my shit. Matteo’s jowls wiggle as he chews, and gray hair sprouts from his nose like mushrooms. His suit’s expensive, but he somehow makes it look cheap.
“You’re not eating, kid.” Matteo gestures with his wineglass. “Why not get some fuckin’ vino and a steak? You look thin.”
I look healthy and in shape. That’s not something he’s accustomed to.
“I’m not hungry.” I study Matteo in silence. He shrugs, not really concerned, and goes back to eating. Since it’s on my tab, he’ll gorge himself silly. The man’s nearly as wealthy as I am, but he can’t help himself, the cheap bastard.
I’ve known this old turd all my life. He wasn’t always such a frog. Back in the day, Matteo Prati was a name to be feared. He was quick with a gun and solid in a fight. My father once told me hestole six cars in a single night just to win a bet. Matteo got to where he is now, at the heights of the Corsetti Mafia, through sheer force of will and steel balls.
Those days are long gone.
