Page 26 of Trick or Threat
“Please, don’t.” I whimper, knowing better men have died for much less.
“Your heart is too big, Chikita. It will not do you well in the Cosa Nostra. However, it is your birthday, so I will give you this boon.” I relax and take hold of the ice myself.
“Thank you, Papa.” He kisses my temple like a real father would.
I’ve never once doubted that this cruel old man loves me like the daughter I’m supposed to be and enough, though I know he would never hurt me himself, I know he’s capable of ordering someone else to if he thought for one moment I was no longer valuable to him.
In the Cosa Nostra, if you are a woman, the only value you have is your womb, and if I don’t start using mine soon with whoever he chooses, I may end up in the fancy ovens our meals are cooked in.
“How is school?” Such a normal topic with a mafia boss that looks like and smells like Santa Claus, but will gut you faster than any Grim Reaper.
“Very well. I’m maintaining my GPA, and I’ve earned an internship at a local law firm that I believe was on your approved list. The Benowitz group?” I nod at the maid who brings in our salads.
“That’s wonderful! Yes, that firm is acceptable. They’ve been helping our family for decades.” Great, just what any law student wants to hear.
“So graduation is set?” He takes a forkful of the leafy greens in his mouth and chews as he watches me fumble with my words.
I’ve never been able to lie to him.
“Yes, I’m on track to graduate this spring.” All the warmth in his eyes couldn’t hide the sinister grin that spread across his face.
“Wonderful, a spring wedding.” I swallow the bile that fills my mouth and nod.
It’s not like I ever had a choice in the matter anyway.
“Just run away,” I stare at my ceiling, lying in bed with my phone pinned to my ear.
“Really? How? I can’t outrun the dogs, and last I checked, bullets hurt. And, yes, I do believe all those cute guards would shoot me in the ass if I run.” Val chuckles at my pain.
“I can distract Johnie, but Bruno scares me.” I sigh and flip myself over, reaching for my nail polish.
“I’ll be back at the sorority house tomorrow. I wasn’t allowed to call a taxi tonight, and no drivers were available.” I roll my eyes, but my best friend gets super quiet.
“What?” I sit up and stop painting my nails.
“Just wondering what the top headlines will be tomorrow.” Oh fuck.
“Change the subject, please.” She clears her throat, and for once, my life has rendered her speechless.
Valentina Torelli is the closest thing to a normal relationship I have.
My cousin legally, but we’ve both known the truth since I was twelve. Leukemia almost killed me until my father’s assassin walked in with a life-saving bone marrow transplant. Papa told me the truth when I recovered.
Marco never forgave him, and they barely talk now unless it’s about business, which is never about me.
“What are you wearing to the Halloween party?” Christ, I’d rather talk about my daddy issues.
“Why are you forcing this on me?” Her laughter is by far my favorite sound in the world.
“Because you, princess, need to get laid before you’re sold off to the highest bidder.” I cap the nail polish and give up trying to be normal.
“Thanks for the reminder.” I can hear her rummaging in her closet.
“Nurse or Catwoman?” Ugh no.
“Neither. Nothing so fucking cliché.” I blow on my nails as she rattles off a few more suggestions.
“I got it! Just bring your cowboy boots.” I roll my eyes, but I can handle a cowgirl look more than a slutty schoolgirl.
