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My eyes swung to the door when I caught sight of my little sister Tessie, her hand clenched tightly to my mother’s. She was all sunshine and smiles, her curly black hair a long, unruly mess that bounced with each excited step she took.
The minute she saw me, she took off in a sprint. She clambered clumsily over Uncle Vince and onto my lap as soon as she was within touching distance.
I wrapped an arm around her waist to steady her and let out a soft laugh, one I reserved strictly for her.
When she was a baby, she looked nothing like Gio and me. So much so that I questioned her paternity. After all, it wouldn't have been a stretch with the strained relationship Ma and Gio shared.
But as time passed, the hue of her irises had darkened, her hair had transformed from honey to dusk, and she had grown far taller than most kids her age.
Now, at eight years old, she was a Romano through and through—save for the fact that she spent most of her time living in Rossi territory.
If it were up to me, that would be rectified immediately.
I leaned down, captured the tip of Tessie’s ear between my teeth, and pretended to munch on it.
“My favorite little bear. Just in time for dinner,” I murmured softly into her ear.
She giggled, turning on my lap to face me, her lanky body barely fitting on top of mine. “People don't eat bears."
“You’d be surprised,” I muttered, eyeing Ma as she reached our table.
She took her place next to Gio, and his arm came around her so naturally, you’d think we were the fucking Brady Bunch.
“New haircut? It’s nice,” I said like the best fucking son ever.
I gave her the requisite compliment.
As far as I was concerned, I could check out for the rest of this family reunion. Maybe even take Tessie into my office, watch the security feed with her, and make fun of what people were doing.
People were idiots, which made people watching our favorite pastime.
Well, it was mine at least.
Tessie would learn.
“Thanks, Bastian." Ma touched the tips of her blonde hair, a faint smile on her lips and appreciation gleaming in her light blue eyes. "I cut nine inches off in September."
As in eight or so months ago.
Did I compare us to the Brady Bunch?
More like the fucking Lannisters.
Chapter
Nine
Duty doesn’t always fit comfortably.
SHANNON HALE
ARIANA DE LUCA
Screw this job.
Screw the FBI.
Screw L’Oscurità.
