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I wonder where Matteo may be, but that’s squashed as I note the tense facial features of both men.
Vito’s blazer is thrown over the back of his seat, his shirt sleeves rolled to his elbows as his fingers are laced on the table. His jaw is tense and the lines around his eyes almost seem like he’s tryingnotto glare at me. Confusing.
Enzo, on the other hand, has his black blazer still on, although the top button of his shirt is undone and his tie is long forgotten. And even though his lips are parted, making it seem like he’s relaxed, his brows are knitted harshly.
I run my tongue over my lips as I gulp, but it’s Nonna who breaks the silence first. “Boys, nice to see you. I told you on the phone we’re about to have lunch. Do you want something too?” She turns her back to them, moving around the kitchen effortlessly as she fastens an apron in place before searching for the ingredients she needs.
“That can wait, Nonna. We have some important questions for Miss Dietrichson,” Enzo answers, his eyes remaining on the back of Nonna’s head instead of flicking to me.
That must be a purposeful move, just like the fact that I’m suddenly not Wren, or Ava, orBella,and justMiss Dietrichson.Clearly, something has changed since yesterday evening, and it leaves me a little uncertain. There’s something in the air, I can sense it.
“Well, you can wait until I’ve fed her. We’ve barely eaten at all today and it won’t take much time.” Nonna’s reply is much more tense as she turns to face them, spatula in hand as she raises her eyebrows.
“She can wait,” Vito grunts, leaning back in his seat as his hands remain on the table.
“No. She. Can’t.” My eyes widen as I glance at Nonna. Vito and Enzo are talking about me like I’m not even here, while Nonna is defending me in the same manner. What the actual fuck is going on?
“I’m not above starving her.” Vito’s shoulders bunch as he adjusts in his seat, and I don’t miss the way Enzo glances at his brother out of the corner of his eye with a hint of concern teasing the edge.
That’s my cue to interject before Nonna blows a blood vessel. She’s practically boiling, vibrating with anger as I step toward her. I place my hand on her shoulder for the briefest of moments, a silent thank you mixed with a hint of assurance, before I move toward the table where the brothers wait.
It’s not until I’m right near the chair facing Vito that I scoff, shaking my head dismissively as I pull it out to take a seat. “You think I haven’t been starved before?” My head tilts to the side, a mocking smile gracing my lips as I drop down onto the chair.
As I flick my gaze between the two of them, I notice Enzo likes to talk with his eyes because once again, I can see his emotions and the surprise flashing in his brown orbs at the statement I just made.
It takes a beat before Vito manages to muster up a response, but getting a read on him is far more difficult.
“That probably happened because of your lack of loyalty.”
Fuck. You.
My hands clench in my lap as my nostrils flare, the strength and willpower to not blurt those words out at him taking control. As much as I want to fire them at him, I don’t want him to know he’s getting under my skin like that.
Shaking my head dismissively, I keep a smile on my face as I stare directly into his eyes. “I did show loyalty, just not to you. It’s a decision I could regret down the line, but I made the right call for everyone involved.”
Vito purses his lips as Enzo leans forward in his seat, assessing me until I look in his direction. “What does that mean?”
“It means absolutely nothing to you.”
Enzo leans back in his seat, running his tongue over his teeth as he openly glares at me. He clearly doesn’t like my response, but I can sense it triggered a thought to run through his mind as he continues to eye me. “When we left the restaurant yesterday, you said something about redemption. Does that have something to do with it?”
His observation catches me off guard, but I keep my emotions in check. “My life as Wren Dietrichson didn’t begin yesterday when I revealed who I was. I hadn’t been playing the role of Ava my whole life, Enzo.” I scoff, shaking my head at him. “Have you ever lived under the rule of someone you didn’t have the same moral code as? Have you ever been forced to take actions that will forever haunt you?” I raise my eyebrows in question, looking between the two of them as neither attempt to answer. “My loyalty wasn’t connected to my redemption, my loyalty was connected to the fact that I gave my word. I have never, and will never, offer my word without meaning it. Redemption be damned.”
My chest is heaving with every breath, my emotions rattling in my veins as I clench my hands in my lap, wishing like hell that there was a glass of something strong in my palm instead.
“I think you’re forgetting that it’s us that should be asking the questions right now, Wren. Not you.” Matteo’s voice comes from behind me, but I don’t turn to look at him, especially not when I hear Nonna gasp.
Don’t let them see your emotions, Wren. Don’t let them see.
I repeat the words in my mind, even as Vito adds to his brother’s statement. “You’re our captive, Wren. Ours to decide what to do with, and your answers may determine the overall outcome of your life. You should be mindful of that.”
A bark of laughter bites my tongue as I shake my head at him again. This motherfucker. “I think you’re forgetting who my father was. I’vefeltthe repercussions of far worse threats in my life. It takes a little more than that to scare me.”
13
VITO
Idon’t know what the fuck is going on with me. My mind and body are at war with every word that tumbles out from her sweet, delectable mouth.
