“Isa.”
I placed my hands on my lap. “I just want to live a little,” I said. And that was a part of the truth. “You’re so lucky.”
He frowned. “How so?”
“You get to have all this freedom simply because you were born a boy. And I am expected to just be good, to do what’s expected of me because I’m… not a boy.”
His frown deepened. “Is this what it’s really about?”
I shrugged. I could have said yes, but I didn’t want to lie to Valentino more than I had to.
“That might be true, but there is a good reason for that.”
“Yeah,” I said, making a face. “I know it can be… dangerous for me. But who would target me? Most people out on the street don’t even know who I am.”
“Yes, most people don’t, but the wrong kind of people do. And that’s why I need you to be careful. What would I do if something happened to you?”
I closed my eyes, feeling like shit. He must have been worried when he realized I was missing last night. And while I was sure he called, I had my phone turned off, not wanting anyone to be able to track me. Which, in hindsight, was incredibly stupid on my part. I knew that.
I just had to get away from Dad and that house.
“I’m sorry.”
“Just… Just promise me it won’t happen again.”
I nodded, not saying anything.
“No, Isa. I need you to say it.”
I looked up at him. His face didn’t move, and I knew he wouldn’t let up unless I agreed. “I promise,” I said. Underneath the table, I had my fingers crossed.
He didn’t say anything for a moment, his eyes taking in my face as if he was looking for the lie. Then he nodded. “And I’ll make some time to take you out. I know you didn’t ask to be born into this family, and that it’s not fair that you’re a lot more restricted from everything than I am, but you know I am only doing this to make sure you’re safe. You know that, right?”
Now I felt like absolute shit—more so than I had when I woke up.
I nodded.
He pointed at the plate. “Eat your breakfast.”
I picked up the fork again. I was about halfway done with my meal when a thought occurred to me. “How did you know I wasn’t asleep in my bed last night?” I asked.
It was late when I snuck out of the house. Later than usual for Valentino to just show up and realize I was missing.
“You haven’t been by the apartment in a while. I was worried. But yesterday had been hell, and I didn’t get to leave until late. I was just going to drop in and check on you before I left. Imagine my surprise when I got to the house only to see Dad drunk on the couch and your bedroom empty.”
I winced. “I’m sorry.”
“I thought our enemies had gotten into the house and taken you,” he said, his voice low. I could see why he would have thought that. Valentino was high enough in rank that he probably made more enemies than the other men working under Massimo. “Does that happen often?”
“What? Me sneaking out?” I asked, trying hard not to look like a deer caught in the headlights.
I didn’t know if I had succeeded at that when he frowned a little, his eyes taking me in more intently.
“No, Dad getting drunk in the middle of the night. Does that happen often?”
So much.
I shrugged. “I don’t really pay attention to that. Sometimes.”
