Page 4 of Depths of Hunger

“What does that mean? You have a plan?” Luna demands and then grins. “What am I saying? Of course, you have a plan. You always do. We wouldn’t have made it through boarding school without your plans. Hell, I’d have been expelled more than once if it wasn’t for you. I should never doubt you.” She gives me a quick hug. “What’s the plan?”

The truth is, for the first time I can remember, I don’t have a plan. I don’t have a fucking clue. Sweat breaks out between my breasts, but I’m Mia Giordano and possibly as tough as my mother. I bluff my way through the conversation. “I’m still working out the details, but I’m getting there.”

“Yes!” Luna says, doing a little dance. “I knew you wouldn’t let us down. You never do.”

I force a smile and grab the bottle for another large gulp.

“While you’re figuring it out, at least you get to screw Renzo,” Pippa says with a slow smile. “I hear he’s fucking amazing in bed. You’re going to have so much fun using the box of toys we gave you at your bachelorette party.”

My smile falters, and I collapse back onto the stool.

Pippa’s eyes widen. “Oh my God.”

“What?” Luna demands.

“You’re still a virgin?” Pippa asks, disbelief in her voice. “How could you still be a virgin? Holy shit. I thought you and Peter…”

I shake my head. “We tried. Peter couldn’t get it up. He blamed me. Said it was my fault.”

“Are you fucking kidding me?” Luna explodes. “You’re gorgeous! Just look at you. Dark, thick hair that curls so beautifully, huge dark eyes, and a figure that any woman would kill for. No way in hell was it your fault. Peter’s a loser.”

“Agreed,” Pippa says. “But that doesn’t solve the problem. I told you you should’ve slept with Oliver back in high school. He was hot.”

“Yeah, but if my family found out, they would’ve killed Oliver.” I close my eyes as the room spins slightly. “They would’ve killed Peter too come to think of it. Probably why he couldn’t get it up.”

“You’re not wrong,” Pippa agrees. “It’s hard enough being a capo’s daughter, but you—you’re a mob princess. That’s a whole different ballgame.”

“Pippa, you aren’t just a capo’s daughter. You’rethecapo’s daughter—my father’s right-hand man. How is your aunt by the way? I know Luigi isn’t here because of your Aunt Vittoria’s illness, or so I was told.”

“She’s not doing well. Uncle Luigi is beside himself.”

I glance at Luna. “Your father was already talking to mine about marriage for you. I overheard them. The fact that he runs the ‘import-export’ arm of the business between here and the US means he gets to pick from higher up the food chain when it comes to a husband for you. We’re all just screwed.”

“Except you haven’t been,” Pippa points out.

Luna shrugs. “Maybe Renzo will be pleased that you’re a virgin. You know…that whole ‘no one has ever been there before me’ thing. It could stroke his ego.”

I sit here stunned that we’re even having this conversation. But more so, I’m paralyzed by the fear that Renzo won’t want me. Or worse—what if Renzo can’t get it up when he sees me naked? I start to tip the bottle up, but Luna snatches it away.

“Not a good idea. Your parents will be seriously pissed if you get drunk at your own wedding. They’ll say you disgraced the family and brought shame on them. God knows what they’ll do then.” She makes a hasty sign of the cross.

Pippa pushes her dark hair back from her face. “Probably punish us to punish you. They always use us against you.”

“You’re probably right.” I stand, and the room tilts slightly. “Shit,” I mutter, reaching out to steady myself.

“You need food. You haven’t eaten anything,” Luna says, biting her lip. “Okay, here’s the plan. We’re taking you to Auntie Lina.”

“Zia Lina? No fucking way. She’ll lecture me on the duties of being a good wife and all that shit.” I hiccup.

“Yeah, but no one will disturb you two, and you can eat while she talks. You’ll be sober in no time—or at least not as drunk.”

I grimace. “Renzo says he’ll fuck me here if I get drunk tonight.” I slap a hand over my mouth. I can’t believe I just said that out loud.

Luna glances at Pippa, and they both look at me. “Zia Lina.”

I nod, and they each take an arm. We pass the rows of sleek coats, their soft textures brushing against my arms as they lead me out of the closet. They keep me on my feet and deliver me to a chair next to my Aunt Carmelina, my father’s sister, who immediately launches into a lecture about the virtues of being a good wife. Two minutes later, a large plate of food is thrust under my nose, and Luna sits down beside me, gesturing for me to eat. I force myself to take small bites, the food heavy and tasteless in my mouth. I’m not hungry, but slowly, the haze lifts, and I start to sober up. I should want to face my new life sober and ready for anything but all I want to do is run. Australia has a nice ring to it. Maybe, just maybe there’s a chance to escape.

Chapter

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