Page 17 of Wicked

“Teaching?” I ask.

Luca nods. “Yeah, I teach math at a mafia academy in Maine. It’s summer break, so I’m here with this asshole.” He nods his head at Leo.

I’m surprised to hear that Luca is a teacher. He comes across as far too immature. “Wow, I never would have guessed you’d be into teaching.”

Luca shrugs. “I’ve always been good at math.” He meets my gaze. “The principal needed a new teacher and asked me to fill in. It turned into a full-time thing.”

“Pathetic,” Leo says, shaking his head. “We’re meant to be mobsters, not teachers.”

I tilt my head. “You know what they say, those who can’t do, teach.”

Leo laughs and nudges me in the ribs. “You are not so bad, sis.” He winks.

Luca growls softly. “You two are idiots.”

I smile. “I’m only joking. I think it’s great you’re teaching. You’ve found what you like and aren’t being forced to do something you don’t want to.”

Luca’s expression softens. “Thanks, sis.”

Remy’s eyes are like lasers on me. “That’s the stupidest thing I’ve ever heard.”

I glare at him. “How is it stupid?”

“He’s my son. He should be working in the family business.” His attention moves to Luca. “It’s his responsibility.”

That’s fucked up. “Massimo is already taking the reins, so why does it matter what Luca does?” I can’t believe I’m defending my asshole of a stepbrother right now.

“Because he’s a Morrone and should act like one.”

“Which means acting like a fucking criminal?” I confirm. I still can’t get over the Morrone family being mobsters. My mom has forced me into the world I’ve spent half of my life loathing.

Remy’s eyes flash with dangerous rage. “Shut up,” he snaps, nostrils flaring. “You may know what we do, but we all follow one key rule. Our business is never discussed in public.”

My stomach churns, and I heat. “Well, if someone had told me the rules, then I’d know that wouldn’t I?”

Luca nods. “Right. You can’t blame her if you didn’t tell her.”

Remy cracks his knuckles. “It’s common fucking sense.” He glares at me. “Something your stepsister lacks.”

I hate how much his words wound me. Luca and Leo can spend all night attacking me, but one nasty comment from Remy and I can feel the tears threatening to claw their way out of my eyes. I’m pathetic.

“I didn’t think.”

“No, you didn’t. I’m not sure why you even suggested this dinner.”

I swallow hard, struggling to remember what possessed me to suggest it in the first place. Breaking the ice seemed like a good idea with a dinner while Mom was away. An attempt to get to know the people I’m living with and end their ceaseless teasing. “Neither am I. It was a mistake.”

Luca clears his throat. “You two need to cool it. I don’t care what Dad thinks about my teaching, and I don’t need my little stepsis to defend me.”

Remy doesn’t take his gaze away from me.

I glare at Luca. “I know what it’s like when people don’t support what you do.”

Luca’s expression softens, and he clears his throat.

Thankfully, the server brings our food, breaking the tension. An awkward silence settles between us as we eat. It’s the one time Luca isn’t messing about when he has food in front of him.

We all eat silently, and Remy’s intense gaze is off me for once. It’s a welcome reprieve.

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