“How did you get into my house?” she finally asks.
Shrugging, I meet her gaze. “I memorized the code earlier.”
There’s no point in denying it. I guess, at this point, I should probably stop talking shit about my brothers, because I didexactlywhat they would have done.
“I’m sorry I got sick and ruined last night,” she says softly, peering up at me through her lashes like she expects me to be upset about it.
“Don’t apologize for something like that, angel. Ever.”
She reaches out and tucks one of her small hands in mine, her warmth soothing the monster within me.
“I want to ask you a question, angel, and I need you to remember the no-lying rule.”
Swallowing, her eyes move over my face. “Okay,” she says quietly. Nervously.
“What’s your full name?”
Her pink lips part, then close again, as she tries to cross her arms over her chest, but I don’t let her. I capture her wrists and lower them to her sides.
“No. You don’t get to guard yourself right now. I’ve been honest with you from the start, Ace. I might only be yourfriend, but I deserve that much in return.”
“Kian.”
“What’s your full name, Ace?”
CHAPTER 23
Ace
Closing my eyes,I take a deep breath in and slowly let it out, then look up to meet Kian’s dark gaze.
He knowsexactlywho I am, but he wants to hear it from me. I should have realized a man like him would look into who I am.
Once again, he knows I lied.
I came here for a fresh start, so I could stay unknown in a new city. So I could finally be the Lacey I want to be. Not the one who’s been kept under her mother’s thumb for the past twenty-five years.
I’m not ashamed of my name. If anything, I’m proud of it. My father wasn’t perfect, but he loved me, even though he wasn’t around a lot. And Luciano has been my rock ever since my dad was killed.
None of that matters, though, when I see a glint of hurt in Kian’s eyes.
“Lacey Katherine Ricci.”
His jaw flexes. “Born into the North American Italian mafia.”
I blink and nod.
“Are you running from something?”
My past life.
My mother.
The looks of pity from people in the dance industry.
“No. It’s nothing like that, Kian,” I answer, then glance toward the front door. It’s only a matter of time before Luciano thunders outside to demand I come in. “It’s complicated. I’m just trying to have a fresh start where no one knows me. Where I can be a normal person.”
After stepping closer to me, Kian lifts his hand to cup my chin, his hold firm and steady. “There’s nothing normal about you, Lacey Katherine Ricci. From what I read, and from what I’ve gotten to know, you’re pretty fucking extraordinary if you ask me.”
