“Think so,” replies Donatella. “Funny the places life takes you. Any news?”
Pietro shakes his head. “Nah. Tomasso is still there. No movement from the troops—not here, anyway. The place in Mexico is looking busier though. In the last hour, two big trucks arrived, and forty military-style men in black climbed out.”
“So he might make a move on both the Firenzes and the Romas at the same time?” I frown. “That seems reckless. It’s not like him to overextend himself.”
Pietro looks up at me and nods. “You’re right. I don’t get it either. Maybe he’s mad because Luca’s taken all his toys—you, Kurt, me. I’m hoping his anger is making him sloppy. And it gives us more to offer up to Vincenzo. This is proof that Tomasso is definitely looking to take on the Coscas.”
It is, he’s right—and although I’m no expert on how the power structures of the Coscas work, it could be that Vincenzo reaches out to the Romas, warns them, brings them into the alliance. I like the sound of that, and of us being in a position to crush Tomasso forever.
There’s a knock on the door, and Luca goes to open it. A young female vamp hovers outside with a trolley full of food and drinks and a couple bags of blood. All-inclusive catering. She stares in at us, obviously curious, but Luca thanks her and goes to shut the door. As he does, Freya slides her gaunt body between the few inches of space.
“Hey babe,” Matteo says, helping himself to a blood bag. “How’s Moonface?”
“Moonface is good,” Freya croons. “She’s the best, not a pest. She’s a queen, she’s not mean. She’s yummy, not crummy.”
“Yeah, I get that, Freya—but, like, where is she now, doll?”
“Oh. She’s in Minnie’s room. She’s cool, she has water and food and one of those big Kong toys that she’s not supposed to be able to destroy. I came to see you because I thought you might be going away. And if you do go away, I wanted to ask if you can take me with you. I can fit in your luggage or under your coat, or I can use my magic cap if you like. But if you two are leaving, I will be too sad to stay.”
Luca and Matteo exchange looks, and Luca says gently, “Freya, angel—what makes you think we might be leaving? What have you heard?”
“I hear all the things, you know that!” She pats him on the chest and giggles.
“I know you do, sweetie, I know you do. So what have you heard about us leaving?”
“Nothing. I heard Carlos saying something about getting ready for a big fight, and whenever there’s one of those, you guys go away, don’t you? And when you go away, I hate it here. It’s even worse than usual.Henever goes away.”
Her confirmation that the Don is getting ready for war releases the tension Luca has been holding onto.
Matteo pulls her in for a hug. “I know, Freya. It sucks. I’m not sure what’s gonna happen, okay, but we won’t forget about you, I promise. Now go check on Moonface and Minnie for me, all right? Tell her to stay in touch.”
She grins like a little girl, nods, and skips out of the door Luca holds open for her. He meets Matteo’s gaze and shakes his head. “I know that look, Matteo. This isn’t the time.”
“It’s never the goddamn time! He’s been at her since she was a kid. Whatever happens here next, promise me you’ll help her get away.”
“Who’s been at her since she was a kid?” Donna pipes up.
“Vincenzo,” Matteo spits out. “Twisted fuck.”
She pulls a face and sets down the apple she was about to snack on. “Jesus. No wonder she’s weird. I’ll get her out if I can, I promise. Like, if I’m still alive.”
I note the look of surprise and then gratitude on Matteo’s face, and Pietro registers it too. I can almost hear his thoughts: Vampires and Seers becoming allies and lovers, what the actual fuck.
He has a point.
“So,” I say, “sounds like Vincenzo is getting ready to take Tomasso on. Maybe he’s waiting for the info from Pietro and then we get to go on a Grand Ball Sack hunt. What do we do until then?”
“You learn how to show respect, Rosa,” Luca says solemnly. “Even if you don’t mean it, it might save your life.”
I nod, appearing to agree, but I know differently. Faking respect for a monster like Vincenzo might keep me breathing, but I don’t think I’d be able to live with myself.
CHAPTER 27
LUCA
Rosa on her knees is usually one of my favorite sights, but seeing her there in front of the Don’s throne makes me want to kill something. Preferably him.
She didn’t take too well to her etiquette lesson and will never be a natural at submitting—at least not outside the bedroom. And even there, she gives as good as she gets.
