So, with those stupid morals, I skip the much-needed coffee and enter the building behind a stream of people. The day’s barely started, and my backpack, stuffed with my laptop and textbooks for this class and my next, pulls down on my shoulders as I ascend the stairs with a speed peoplereallyneed to adopt.
Finally, I reach the lecture hall, and everything from the past few months falls into place.
It has about two dozen rows, each one on a new level, putting the top row halfway between me and the ceiling. People are scattered everywhere in no particular pattern, and until determining if I prefer the back or front of the room, I take the stairs to the midway point, claiming the first seat of the row.
As I settle, Lev passes, his dark gaze emotionless and empty, leaving me to wonder what’s in his head, how much he’s about to regret being here.
He settles in the seat one row behind me. Without looking behind, his laptop flicks open. Whatever secretive shit he doesinside the dorm, I doubt he’ll be able to do it here. I’m curious how he’s about to play student.
Day one…
13
LEV
Annoying Twin
Happy first day! Get good grades and all that.
Me
Fuck off.
Annoying Twin
You know how tempted I am to let Papa know what his beloved soldier is doing right now? He’d DIE knowing you walked away from the Bratva—temporarily, sure—to attend SCHOOL with a Cosa Nostra daughter. If he’ll die, it’s worth telling him, actually. Hmm…
Me
1: Don’t even think about it. 2: I didn’t walk away from the Bratva. Consider this strengthening the alliance. 3: She’s not a Cosa Nostra daughter. Technically, yes. Biologically, no.
Annoying Twin
You and your lists… 1: Considering we’ve barely heard from him, hell no. 2: Stronger than an alliance of two people fucking? 3: Testy much. You know what I meant.
Me
1: Let the asshole rest in retirement and forget we’re his family. 2: You know what I mean. This shows real trust outside their relationship, that we’re willing to help. 3: Factual, not testy. The only reason I’m here is because she ISN’T what Vanessa was.
Annoying Twin
K, so 1…you know what? Fuck the lists. Tired of numbering everything. Besides, you must be in class. Can’t keep big bro distracted. What you’re doing is admirable, though I don’t know how you’re functioning. And I get it. She’s normal and all that.
In the middle of typing a response, a delayed second message comes from her:
Annoying Twin
She’s the lucky one.
Me
Because she was raised outside mob rules and regulations for women?
Annoying Twin
Because she has you.
Me
