Page 96 of Vicious Games

“Fuck you. Iamthe life,” I chuckle, trying to lighten the mood.

“No, Lucky. You’re not,” he deadpans. “I don’t think you have it in you to take a life. And even if you did, their faces would haunt you. I doubt you’d be able to sleep at night with blood on your hands.”

“How do you sleep then?” I throw back at him.

“Who says I do?” he returns, lifting his head, his pale eyes so full of sadness it feels like someone just sucker punched me in the gut.

“Marcello,” I start, desperate to understand why he’s so damn mercurial all the time, flipping from psycho to the sensitive brother I grew up with in the blink of an eye. It’s almost as if he can’t decide who he wants to be.

Before I can get another word out, the final bell rings, and a flood of kids in their navy uniforms spills through the main doors, shattering the moment.

Marcello stands, scanning the crowd like a hawk, searching for Anna. But it’s not our sister we see first. It’s my girl.

Yeah, I said it. Sue me. For all intents and purposes, Frankie ismine.At least for the foreseeable future, anyway.

Unfortunately, instead of flashing me one of her sassy smiles, there’s a scowl on her gorgeous face and it’s aimed straight at Marcello.

“Hi,” she says, reaching us, trying her best not to fidget in place. “You’re early for a change.” The last part’s meant for me, but her eyes are still locked on my brother, and I don’t know why the fuck it pisses me off so much, but it does.

I’m secure in what I bring to the table, but I know some girls prefer the dark, broody, tortured type over a cocky asshole like me.

Needing toremindher exactly who she came here for, I throw an arm around her waist, tugging her in close, and press a kiss on her cheek.

“There’s my girl,” I murmur. “You ready to bounce?” That finally snaps her out of it.

“Huh… I guess,” she says, blinking up at me like I’ve grown a second head. “Are you feeling okay?”

“Never better.” I flash her a smile.

“See ya, Mar,” I add, starting to lead Frankie away, only for my pain-in-the-ass brother to step in front of us, blocking the path.

“Before you go,” he says, his gaze fixed on my girl, “I just want to thank you for what you did for Anna the other day. It’s nice to know someone’s got her back at school.”

“Hey, what am I? Chopped liver?” I snark.

Marcello arches a brow at me. “Did you even know Anna was being bullied at school?”

Well, he’s got me there. Maybe Stella’s right when she says my head’s so far up my own ass that I don’t see what’s happening around me. Truth is, I never thought anyone would mess with Anna just because of her last name. Guess these assholes at Sacred Heart need a little reminder about who the fuck they’re dealing with.

“No. I didn’t,” I admit. “But that shit won’t happen again. Enzo and I will make sure the word gets out that she’s off-limits.Or else.”

Marcello’s tense shoulders relax at my promise, only for Frankie, in turn, to stiffen in my hold.

“I’ll keep an eye on her, too,” Frankie chimes in. “I don’t think she has many friends at school. I know how lonely that can be.”

Fuck. How come I didn’t know Anna was having such a hard time? Maybe I am a shitty brother.

Still, I don’t have time to add anything to that because Marcello decides to step closer to Frankie, gratitude softening his face, and says, “I know the feeling,” offering her a timid smile.

When Frankie smiles back, something inside me yells to cut their little fucking moment right in half.

“We’re late,” I say, my voice clipped, jealousy clinging to every word.

“You’re right. Nice seeing you again, Marcello,” she says politely.

“You too,” he smiles back. Still, before I’m able to get past him, he directs his gaze on my girl one more time. “Do you have any plans for Thanksgiving? I’m sure our mother would love it if you could spend the holiday with us.”

“I don’t know,” she hesitates, biting her lip. “I’d have to ask Mother Superior.”

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