Page 61 of Blue Moon

“I don’t know what happened to them.”

“Really? Her father was a massive asshole—I did meet him a few times—and her mom finally had enough of his temper and clubbed him to death with a Louisville Slugger.”

I gasped, hands over my mouth. “No way.”

“Alessia found the body in the morning. Her mom got arrested at Newark Airport.”

That poor, poor little girl. She’d seemed so bright, but now I realised that her mask was as good as mine. Maybe even better.

“Who takes care of her now?”

“Her grandparents and Romeo. Romeo has seriously cut down on his womanising in the past six months.” She jabbed Tulsa in the side with an elbow. “Right, T?”

“Fuck off.”

That’s what Tulsa said, but she was the one to leave. Dusk just laughed. “Don’t mind her. She gets a little touchy.”

Ryder watched her walk away. “She’s involved with Romeo Serafini?”

“Oh, not really. They don’t like each other or anything. Anyhow, good news about the dog.” Breaking glass tinkled on the other side of the room, and Dusk cursed liberally. “Dammit, Marcel!”

Did I have a dog now?

I crouched to pet the second-best thing to happen to me in a long while, and he licked my cheek.

“Tell me the mutt isn’t going to share the bed?” Ryder said.

“Maybe while you’re away? And he’s not a mutt, he’s a handsome, special boy. I should order a bigger couch.”

“Guess we’re going shopping for dog accessories tomorrow?”

“You, me, and the paparazzi. I hope Romeo likes dogs.”

“Can’t say I’ll be upset if he’s allergic.”

“Wait, are you jealous?”

“He tried to take you to dinner after you told him you had a boyfriend.”

“Well, I didn’t go.”

“Just be careful around him, that’s all.”

“I’m always careful around men now, you know that.”

Ryder’s expression softened. “Yeah, moon, I know.”

The receipt fluttering across the landing when we arrived home only made me more wary. When Ryder checked for dinner, he found that someone had taken the bag of food but torn off the love note that was stapled to the outside. A litterbug as well as a thief. It would have been Chinese again, and the message wasn’t quite as polite as usual.

My Dearest Cleopatra,

Tonight, as I eagerly anticipated seeing the golden bracelet adorning your wrist during the show, I couldn’t help but feel a twinge of disappointment. I had envisioned it complementing your captivating presence on stage, a symbol of my affection woven into the melody.

I chose that gift with care, hoping it would become a cherished part of your performance. In its absence, my spirit dimmed. I had hoped it would shine alongside you. Regardless, I trust you had your reasons and look forward to the day it finds its place in the spotlight.

Despite this, my love for you remains steadfast, and I hope the dinner I’ve sent brings a smile to your face.

Yours always,

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