Ferraro.
I shiver just thinking about the history between those names. I’m a Bianchi. A coveted omega daughter. The ultimate prize in my father’s world.
Yet I disappeared.
Not on purpose at first. But I just never went home.
I’m not naïve, though. I know why Gio made me promise to return when he requested it. He might be a good older brother, but he knows I’m valuable.
“Gio won’t auction me off, though. Not like my father probably would have, anyway.” The words are for me, not Luna. “Which means he has something else in mind.”
“Maybe a leadership role?” Luna suggests, not at all bothered by my wayward commentary. She’s used to my chaotic conversation style. I often change topic or discussion direction mid-sentence.
I snort. “That doesn’t happen in the infamous mafia trio. Omegas are kept and bred. That’s it.” I saw what my father and his two enforcers did to my mother. They treated her like a toy.
A very expensive, well-dressed, pampered toy. But a toy nonetheless.
“I mean, you could just… not go?” She utters the words slowly, phrasing them like a question. “What’s the worst that could happen?”
“Oh, I don’t know,” I drawl. “Best case? Gio sends some enforcers to retrieve me. Worst case? He comes himself. Either way, my secret is revealed, and I’ll probably be kicked out of Widows Peak for causing trouble.”
Luna gives me a stern look. “That would never happen and you know it.”
“Which part?” I ask, feigning innocence. “Gio coming to get me or my identity becoming town knowledge?”
“The Widows would never kick you out,” she tells me, referring to the six of us who founded Widows Peak. “We’re bonded in a way that’s impenetrable. And if you think you’re the only one here with secrets, think again.”
I study her, wondering if she’s referring to herself. Or maybe someone else has shared something in confidence.
Regardless of what it is, I don’t pry. If anyone can respect the right to privacy, it’s me.
I pick up my cinnamon roll again to take another bite, then use a napkin to wipe the icing off my hand.
Meanwhile, Luna uses a fork to eat hers.
I normally would, too. But today is not the day to care about manners.
We eat in silence for a few moments.
Then Luna gets up without a word to go grab some bottles of water from Emma. “On the house,” Luna tells me as she sets them down. “I guess Emma can tell it’s not a great day.”
I glance at the petite omega and force myself to give her a thankful smile.
Then I look back at Luna and say, “You know I have to go back.”
“Yeah,” she replies. “Yeah, you have to go back.”
I growl and pick up my coffee to finish it. “I was hoping you would be the voice of reason.”
“I tried that by suggesting you just stay here, and you turned me down.”
“Because Gio would just come get me.”
“Because Gio would just come get you,” she echoes. “Maybe he simply wants you to visit?” Her uncertain tone tells me she knows how ridiculous that sounds.
However, I huff a laugh at it anyway and mutter, “Anything’s possible, I guess.”
“Pigs could fly tomorrow,” she agrees.
