It just sounded like a whole bunch of BS from someone who thought he walked on water. Ricco was nice enough, but the guy needed to get his head checked before Renzo Iannelli brainwashed him any further.
“That black eye you had, you’ll never have another one.”
I straightened, not sure exactly what he was saying, but I kept my focus on the kids, refusing to get sucked in by whatever he was selling.
“You’re not even a bit curious about what he said to your foster parents?”
“What?” He had my full attention now.
“He was real clear they weren’t to lay a hand on you or those kids again. Or else.”
“He threatened them?”
“Let’s just say, it was a warning they aren’t soon going to forget.”
I wasn’t sure how to process this. Now the last few weeks made sense. Marlene hadn’t raised a hand against any of us since the day Renzo confronted me about the black eye. Charlie also kept his distance, drinking himself half dead most nights. However, while the physical abuse was on pause, the verbal assaults got worse.
Now I was called a hussy at least three times a day, a good-for-nothing piece of meat, a bimbo not even worth a good mattress since the streets would do, a sellout for quick cash and a bad time…The list went on. Coming from Marlene, they were just words. I didn’t take them to heart. When someone never treated you right, how can you care about what they say?
My thumb aimlessly scratched at my lip before my hand swept over my face. I felt adrift, not sure which way to turn, to go, to be.
“If they do it again, he’ll make sure they stop.”
“Enough! Just stop.” I wouldn’t think of Renzo Iannelli as a decent person. I couldn’t. I needed to remember why I despised him, why he wasn’t worth any empathy.
“No matter what, you’re going to need to get over this hang-up you have.”
“Not likely.”
“Once the paperwork goes through—”
“What paperwork?”
Ricco’s eyes widened, his mouth clamping shut. I backhanded his shoulder.
“That hurt.”
“Wimp. What freaking paperwork?”
“I shouldn’t have said anything. You weren’t supposed to know yet.”
“Too late. What paperwork?” I might have been small compared to him, but the way his throat bobbed as I rose over him made me feel ten feet tall. It didn’t take long for him to cave and spill everything.
Then I picked up my phone and initiated contact with Renzo Iannelli.
Chapter 18
Like hell you’re adopting me.
I see the Nerin boy still needs to learn to keep his mouth shut.
You leave him alone.
I wasn’t joking. I don’t want to be adopted by you.
Good thing you get no choice.
I won’t make it easy on you if you do this.
