Alessia debated for a couple of minutes before asking, “Do you know who my brother is?” She wanted to be transparent with Carina.
“Enzo Costa,” Carina spat out, as if the name alone was distasteful.
Cringing inside, Alessia understood that strong of a reaction had to result from something negative, dangerous, or both. She crossed her fingers under the table hoping Carina wouldn’t quit being her friend because of Enzo. “Yes. I’ve picked up from small bits of conversation that he’s caused a lot of problems for Nightfall,” Alessia said.
Carina rolled her eyes at that statement. “He’s an awful person. I can’t figure out how you two could be related. I mean other than the obvious when a man meets a woman….”
“Have you met him?” Alessia asked, guessing that something more serioushadhappened between Carina and Enzo.
“No. Just his men. They tried to abduct me. I was so scared, but Marcus rescued me. He keeps me safe.”
“Oh, no, Carina! That’s horrifying. I’m so sorry he did that. Did you get hurt?”
“I was banged up. I still get nightmares occasionally,” Carina confided.
Tears welled up in her eyes. Her brother had ruined so many things in her life. Alessia couldn’t see how anyone would want to be around her. “I’m so sorry. You must hate me. I should go.” Alessia stood, ready to flee.
Carina jumped to her feet and rushed to Alessia’s side. “Don’t go. I would never judge you by what your brother does. You’re not working with him, are you?”
“He doesn’t know I’m alive ninety percent of the time. He remembers I’m around when he wants to use me as a pawn.”
“Like when you came to Nightfall to scout out the club?” Carina asked.
Alessia didn’t lie. “Yes. I had to do what he wanted.”
“Thank goodness you’re with Titus now.”
“I never understood how much pressure I was under until Titus rescued me. A proverbial sword hung over my head. As soon as I stopped being of any value, Enzo didn’t need me to exist.”
“What an awful way to live,” Carina said, running her hands over Alessia’s arms. “I don’t blame you for Enzo’s actions. No one does.”
Relief flooded her mind. Carina really meant that. “Thanks, Carina. I’m so glad we’ve met.”
“Me, too. Now sit down and help me some more. I’ve got a question for you. Do you have a stuffie?”
“I do. Hopper,” Alessia answered as her face heated. “Doyouhave a stuffie?”
“Of course,” Carina answered, as if every self-respecting Little girl mated to a vampire had a stuffie. “Mine’s a raccoon. His name is Mischief.”
“That’s so cute! Would it be okay if we bring them to our next meeting? Maybe at my house…. Well, at Titus’s home next time.”
“It’s your home now. Titus won’t let you go anywhere. And I think that’s a great idea. Mischief needs friends too.”
“Speaking of mischief, does anyone wish to go swimming?” Marcus asked from the doorway.
“Do you like pools, Alessia?” Carina asked.
“I love them, but I don’t have a swimsuit.”
“I stock a variety of sizes in the cabana, Alessia. You’re welcome to wear one of those. Titus as well,” Marcus said.
“Let’s go, Little mate. That sounds like fun,” Titus encouraged her.
Alessia always considered herself to have fish genes. She’d loved to swim from the moment she’d first floated in the shallow end as a small child. “That sounds like a blast.” She hesitated for a minute and added five pieces to the puzzle in rapid succession.
“You held onto those so I wouldn’t feel like I was super slow, didn’t you?” Carina teased. “Daddy! Alessia is the puzzle champion of the world. She simply peeks at the picture and can pick out the right pieces.”
“Wow! That’s impressive. Thank goodness she sat on my side of the table. Look how far ahead I am,” Marcus celebrated, winking at Carina.
