Azzura chuckles. “Well done, my dear.”
We exchange knowing grins. I can tell his mother doesn’t take a man’s shit. I like her a lot.
I sink into a chair across from my brother. The chair beside me scrapes the tile floor.
“Princess, blood is dripping from your fangs.”
I smile to myself. I hate and love that he calls me princess sometimes. He places a glass of wine in front of me and a whiskey neat in front of himself.
Our parents stare at us.
“Come on, Dad, just one drink. We’re with family and friends, completely safe. Isn’t that right?”
He eases up. “Yes.”
I beam. “Thanks, Daddy.”
Nico catches his dad’s eye across the table and lifts his glass.
His father raises his own. “Great game, son.”
A broad smile spreads across Nico’s face.
Chatter picks up between our parents. My brother plays his handheld video game under the table.
“I understand you came to Luigis but didn’t enter. Why is that?”
I chuckle as I bring the glass of white wine to my lips. “You know why.”
He prepares my plate and his, which is unnecessary. I don’t want our families to think we’re friends or a couple.
I sit my glass down and take my plate from Nico.
“I want to hear you say it, Serenity.”
“If I were to come in, you and Chris would’ve gotten into a fight.”
He sips his whiskey before digging into his meal.
“Is that all?”
I glare at him. “It’s clear you want me to scare or hurt every woman who comes in contact with you.”
He stares down at my lips. “I get a massive hard on whenever you do.”
“Stop interfering with my relationship,” I warn.
Nico chuckles. “Careful Serenity, I’m not afraid to slit one’s throat.”
His cold, brown whiskey eyes tell me he’s not playing.
“I don’t want Gloria, and you know that.”
I roll my eyes. “Barbara.”
He shrugs. “I came to Creekwood to win a game and spend time with you.”
“We’re nothing,” I whisper.
