Berto steps to the side, back into my line of sight, and taps on his watch, rushing me along.
I focus back on the man talking to me. He’s cute, young looking for his age, nearly boyish. In a world where I could pick a partner for myself, this guy wouldn’t be in the running. Just... not my type. Luckily for him, it’s not personal.
I start delivering the tried and true rejection lines. “I’m sure you’re really nice, but I —”
“Move.” Berto positions himself to stand next to me, wrapping his arm around me.
The guy from the first row looks between us, jaw going slack. “Oh, I didn’t realize you had a boyfrie —”
“Don’t be gross. I’m her brother. Now beat it.” Berto opens up the side of his suit jacket, and I don’t need to look to know he’s flashing a look at the pearl handle of his gun in a chest holster.
To be polite, I give the well-intentioned guy a small wave and let Berto redirect me to the doors.
“Wait! Did you want to go get coffee?” Ashton calls, repeating the request from before. Maybe it’s her attempt to get me out of the brisk removal from campus.
“Sorry, he’s in a rush. I have to go, see you in class.” I can’t hear what she says as I get herded out into the vestibule first and then outside.
No students are milling around, only four of Dad’s best andmost loyal men. They stand shoulder to shoulder, blocking a clear path straight to the blacked-out SUV.
“What’s going on?” I seethe, looking between Berto and his darkly dressed henchmen.
I look like a beacon of brightness in the tan coat and fern-green scarf I chose this morning.
“It’s not for you to worry about,” Berto snaps.
He grabs hold of my wrist, and I’m led to the SUV waiting for us. My heels click on the pavement as I descend the four stairs to the street level.
The driver opens the door, and I’m pushed in first, climbing all the way across to let Berto in behind me.
“Berto, what’s going on?” I rub where Berto held my wrist and hope that in the enclosed space, he’ll be more forthcoming with answers.
“You need to be secured. Someone threatened your safety. That’s all you need to know,” Berto grumbles, tapping his phone screen furiously.
Of course it’s all I need to know. What’s new? Damn, I wish Antonella was here. He’d tell her.
For a while, it was easy to believe Antonella would be back. Maybe she’d work on Dad and Berto so that they’d tell me things. Slowly and single-handedly, she’d take down the misogynistic bullshit, and I’d get to know things and be more than a glorified pawn in this game. But no sooner had she gotten home and started with her life than she was ripped away from me again. Arranged marriage, family business, and I only know half the details because she told me.
I’m back to being in the dark, again, and alone.
Antonella calling the truce was what was best for the families but the worst thing for me.
I can’t believe it’s only been a week since she did, ending a billion-year-old war between the Cavanaghs and the D’Medicis. Our world moves so fast that she’s been married off and completely moved on with her new life.
Meanwhile, I’m stuck being told nothing, as usual, by my older brother. I’m carted around like an inconvenience. I know siblingsare supposed to have some tension between them, but honestly, I think Berto would prefer I not exist at all.
It feels like a crapshoot. But I pull my phone out and send a message.
Leticia:
Toni, if you’re getting this. Just know how much I love you and miss you.
4
LETICIA
MORE THAN THIS PROVINCIAL LIFE
“Leticia,I don’t know how many times I have to tell you it is not up to me what your father decides he wants for lunch.” Mom huffs as she tucks her scarf into her jacket.
