Page 40 of Depths of Hunger

The tenderness he showed me last night is gone, replaced by the true vampire—the forceful, unyielding creature who refuses to be challenged.

I nod, swallowing my pride. “Understood.”

He leans down and kisses me, a possessive and fierce kiss meant to remind me that I am his. It’s not something I am likely to forget. And damn if the kiss doesn’t make my nipples harden.

I make my way downstairs, each step feeling heavier than the last. Nico and Luca are waiting at the bottom, dressed in dark suits, their expressions unreadable but ever watchful.How the hell did they get here so fast? Shit! Are they vampires, too? In this situation, it was a solid assumption that they were.

They flank me as we head out to the car, their presence a constant reminder of the chains I’m trying so desperately to break free from. If I had any doubts about running, this certainly kills them. I climb intothe car, Nico and Luca on either side of me, and my mind races with thoughts of escape.

I need to find a way to have a private conversation with Pippa, but how? Do vampires have enhanced hearing? Probably. I scan my surroundings, trying to think of a way to keep my words from reaching their ears. I’ll have to improvise when we get to the restaurant. I can’t let fear paralyze me. If I’m really going to run from Renzo, I need to, as they say, grow a pair. He’s not the kind of creature to just let me go.

The car pulls up to the restaurant, and Ralf opens the door. Luca steps out first and pauses in front of the door, blocking my exit. After a moment, he turns and extends his hand to help me. I slide out, with Nico’s presence looming behind me as he follows. Renzo wasn’t joking about his brothers keeping a close eye on me.

When we enter the restaurant, heads turn. It’s a beautiful spot on the waterfront, with a terrace that overlooks the shimmering bay and a light breeze carrying the salty sea air. Sadly, the clouds overhead are thick, and I think the terrace is closed because of the impending rain, but I glance around, hopeful that maybe I can snag a table, one where I might have a moment of privacy, anyway. But before I can say anything, Luca steps in, his hand resting on the back of a corner table, his decision made. The table is tucked away, not bad, but directly next to it is another where Luca and Nico will sit—six inches away, within earshot. I grit my teeth.

“Seriously?” I say, my voice laced with irritation. “Gentlemen, I would like some privacy with Pippa.”

Nico smirks, his eyes gleaming with amusement. “Well, that’s just too bad. Live with this setup, or we go home.”

Left with no choice, I walk over and sit in the corner, feeling the walls close in on me. Luca and Nico settle at the adjacent table, their gazes sweeping the room, never too far from me. A few minutes later, Pippa arrives, her pace quick. When she spots Luca and Nico her steps falter, her eyes wide with a mix of confusion and annoyance. She raises an eyebrow in silent question: What the hell is this?

“Hey, Mia,” Pippa greets, leaning down to kiss my cheek beforetaking her seat. Her presence is a welcome relief, the first real bit of light I’ve felt all day.

“Hey, Pippa. It’s good to see you.” I aim a genuine smile at my friend. Seeing her feels like I’ve been handed a lifeline.

“I know. It feels like it’s been forever,” she says, squeezing my hand. She tilts her head slightly towards Luca and Nico, lowering her voice. “With everything that’s happened, I’m glad you agreed to come out today.”

Pippa turns towards Luca and Nico, offering them a sweet but pointed smile. “Gentlemen, lovely to see you, but I’m about to discuss your brother’s sex life with my friend before he died and then I’m going to discuss his death and everything in between in great detail. I assume you don’t want to hear that, so perhaps you’d like to sit a little further away? There are plenty of empty tables.”

I bite back a laugh, grateful for Pippa’s boldness. She’s never been one to mince words, and today is no exception. Luca and Nico exchange a look, but they know she’s right. The entire section has been cleared for us, so there’s no immediate threat. Nico finally shrugs, and they move two tables away. It’s still close, but it’s better than before.

A waitress approaches cautiously, waiting for a nod from Luca before she takes our orders. She moves quickly, her eyes darting nervously between us, and then a second waitress flirts with Nico and Luca, drawing their attention. Perfect.

“Did you get it?” I ask Pippa, keeping my voice low.

“Yes,” she replies, her expression serious. “I have it with me.”

“How much do I owe you?” I ask, my nerves on edge.

Pippa waves me off. “Don’t worry about it. I’ve got it covered. What’s your plan?”

I raise my voice slightly, just in case Nico and Luca are still listening. “It’s been rough. Not just with Renzo’s death but with all the other family politics.”

Pippa nods, catching on. “I can just imagine.” She leans closer, grinning. “Did you really have Big Tony and Giuseppe’s pinkies cut off?”

The absurdity of it hits me, and despite everything, I start to laugh. The unexpected humor is foreign but liberating. “Yes, I know it was dramatic and crazy, but I had to make a point,” I admit, my laughter bubbling up uncontrollably.

Pippa chuckles, shaking her head. “Girl, I didn’t know you had it in you, but I’m not surprised. You’ve always been about business. You’re going to be an amazing head of the family.”

Our food arrives, and we fall into easy conversation about the usual gossip—who’s dating who, who’s pregnant… trivialities that offer a fleeting sense of normalcy. We eat slowly, prolonging the brunch, and I savor every second of it. Being with Pippa feels like waking up from a nightmare, like maybe, just maybe, I can reclaim some of my life.

Suddenly, a loud, raucous noise fills the restaurant—a large family enters, easily twenty people, laughing and celebrating an elderly man’s birthday. Luca and Nico stand, tense at first, but quickly relax when they realize it’s just a joyful gathering. I grin at Pippa, hopeful. This could be our chance.

“I don’t understand why you want to run. Renzo is gone. You’re free to do what you want,” Pippa whispers.

“It’s not what it looks like,” I murmur, barely moving my lips. “If it were, I’d stay, but I’m living in a nightmare.”

Pippa studies my face, searching for something, but I have nothing left to give. No words, no reassurances. If Renzo finds out what I’m planning, it’ll be over for both of us.

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