When we’re left alone, Gui says, “Well, that was really fucking weird.”
“Now you get what I’ve been saying,” Massi says.
“I don’t get good vibes from that man Ignazio,” I say.
“Neither do I,” Gui says.
“My parents just exited the room. I’m going to follow them,” Massi says. “You two stay here and keep an eye on Ignazio.”
Before Massi can leave, I slide my hand into his and pull him back. “Be careful, okay? If you need anything, call us.”
He smiles at me, leans down and gives me a kiss, then says, “I will” before taking off in the direction we last saw his parents.
I watch as he disappears into the sea of people, and silently pray that whatever it is his parents have been hiding isn’t as detrimental as they’ve made it out to seem.
43
MASSIMO
Iwalk out of the banquet room and follow my parents as they head down several hallways before making their way into a room.
I made sure to keep a safe distance behind them, and when my dad checked multiple times over his shoulder to see if anyone was following him, I knew something was up.
They stop in a corner office, and when they shut the door, I walk over, making sure to keep my steps as quiet as possible. The door is shut, but I can hear them mumbling inside.
“What’re we supposed to do now?” my mom says, concern lacing her voice.
“Do not worry about it. Ignazio will get rid of her.”
I furrow my brow, wondering who they could be talking about.
“This is too close, Andreas. Massimo, Guilherme,andLiana are here.”
My heart drops at the way my mom emphasizes Liana’s name.What the fuck does she have to do with this?
Fast approaching voices sound in the distance. My heart hammers in my chest as I search around for a place to hide.
I choose the room across the hallway, hurrying inside and closing the door so the smallest crack allows me to see what’s going on in the hallway.
“Ignazio, I don’t understand why you wouldn’t want me to be here? I helped plan this ball and have been by your side at every function before. Why do you suddenly not want me at this one?” a woman says.
They come into sight, standing outside of the door where my parents are. I don’t recognize the woman. She has long brown hair and is wearing a floor-length red dress and a black and red mask similar to Liana’s, with the black and red feathers arranged on one side of it.
“I do want you here, but?—”
The door swings open, and my dad is standing on the other side. He seems to let out a breath of relief when he sees Ignazio and the woman. “Oh, good, it’s just you too. I wasn’t sure if?—”
“Rosa isn’t feeling well,” Ignazio interjects, which has everyone’s eyes widening. He turns back to look at the woman he’s with. “I need you to leave because Rosa isn’t feeling well. I want to introduce Andreas to some people, and I didn’t want to send her back to the house on her own. Surely, you understand,tesoro mio.”
“Oh,” the woman says, then turns back to face my parents. She takes off her mask, and I wish she was facing my way. “Of course. I’m so sorry you’re not feeling well, Rosa. Is it your stomach?”
The woman’s tone is very maternal, so I know she easily bought into that fucking lie. But that begs some damn questions. Who is this woman, why is she being tricked into leaving the ball, and why would it affect me, Gui, or Liana?
My mom’s eyes widen briefly, and I know she’s about to tell a lie, but she falls into place just as quickly. I’ve never seen her be able to switch her emotions so fast.
“Yes, it’s my stomach,” she says, placing her hand over it. “It must’ve been something I ate at the bakery earlier. I’m starting to feel a bit lightheaded”
“You see,tesoro mio,” Ignazio says. “I would love to have you here, but I wouldn’t feel right about sending Rosa home by herself. You understand?”
