Page 106 of Merciless Queen

She scoffs. “Like I’d tell you.”

“When did you meet them?”

“Him. Around my birthday.”

“Your birthday,” I snap. Her birthday is in February, and a quick count tells me exactly how long it’s been. “That was six months ago. Definitely not someone you just ‘started’ talking to.”

She shrugs. “We’re taking it slow.”

Small mercies.“Does Madre know?”

Serafina glances away, pressing her lips together as she replies, “She knows I’ve been going out often with friends, which isn’t a complete lie. She doesn’t know it’s only one friend, and that he’s a guy.Only...” Defensive eyes pin me. “Because she’d rat me out to you, and you’d insist on meeting him or something stupid.”

“How else will I know if he’ll harm you?”

“By trusting me,” she says in a tone indicating how obvious the answer is. “As if you’ve done background checks on my entire friend group. He’s no different.”

Without missing a beat, I admit, “That’s exactly what I do. Every school year, I have the entire student body checked. If someone new is admitted, then I’m informed.” The school’spreside—principal—has beenverycooperative with the Cosa Nostra after learning who Serafina is. The Cosa Nostra’s power runs deep throughout all of Italy, and most organizations know not to fuck with us—educational institutions included. Besides, thepresidereceives a healthy donation each year for their hard work and collaboration.

“That’s a bit stalkerish, Z.”

“Yeah, well, it brings me to something I wanted to talk to you about.”

She watches me with narrowed eyes while I sip my steaming drink before piecing it together. “Madre mentioned my acceptance. That’s why you chose today to visit.”

“Why didn’t you tell me you applied to Sapienza University? It’s great, Sera.” I stretch a hand across the table, slipping a bit of brotherly support her way. Something in recent weeks, I haven’t done well enough.

She looks past my shoulder, down the cobblestone back road the café looks out onto. “’Cause you’d be annoying about it. You’d say no or something, and I didn’t want the disappointment.”

A stab to the gut would have hurt less than those words. Yes, I’m protective of her, but everything I’ve ever wanted for her was normality. Attending university is one form of normality for people her age.

“Sera, I’m thrilled about your acceptance. And before you fight it, Iwillrun checks on all your professors because I’d rather you’re safe.”

Her tongue skirts the inside of her upper lip. “Wow, I expected a huge argument.”

“I’ll admit, I was toying with the idea of sticking a bodyguard on you after recent events, but until you give me a reason to worry, I won’t. Which is why I need the name of whoever it is you’re talking to.”

“Ugh.” She sticks out her tongue. “Only you could bring this conversation back around like that.”

“Name or his number, then I’ll leave you alone.” As long as he checks out. “You think I’d risk your welfare all because of a stupid relationship? Your other schools were easy, but universities are open to anyone, so we don’t know for certain people won’t be undercover to get near you.”

“Yeah,” she scoffs. “’Cause which undercover agent gets a thrill out of math and language arts day in and day out. Besides, which ‘enemies’ even know I exist?”

None if I had it my way, but given the way she’s always on social media, I can only hide her so much. Once I contemplated sending her to a private school, but it was Madre who said being an average child means a regular, public school here in town so she can be seen with the local kids.

Plus, with Vanessa back in the wild, she could be clinging to hatred, and Serafina’s the easiest way to make me crumble.

Even thinking it feels wrong because deep down, I don’t think she’d use Serafina as leverage. Not after she’s the one insisting on ending the feud once and for all. But without any communication for the past month, and her being back home amidst her people, a person can change.

Serafina pulls her hand away, crossing her arms. “Your protectiveness has gone up a few notches since Vanessa left. It’s exhausting. Weekly visits, Z? It’s a bit much.”

It’s been almost four weeks to the day since the Bratva stormed my villa and rescued Vanessa. Four weeks without anycontact from her. Every day since, her lawyers have been in a legal battle with mine.

I haven’t admitted to Serafina or Madre about the contract standing between us. Last thing I need is my mother’s judgement and Serafina’s misplaced hope that it means something else.

Serafina’s still talking, and it takes me tuning back into her to hear what she’s saying. “…Also, I’m still mad at you for how you reacted.”

“I’m aware.” It took a few days after Vanessa left before Serafina would talk to me again, but she slowly thawed.

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