Page 85 of A Seed Of Peril

“I don’t know if Dom ever told you, but you can’t lie to save your fucking life.”

Staring up into Dino’s eyes, what he said was funny to me, but that humor wasn’t there. Only concern.

Sighing, I said, “I just miss my mom.” I looked down again, focusing this time on Dino’s hand, speaking softly. “I miss a lot of people.”

Dino put a hand behind my head and inched close enough to kiss near the crown of my head.

“All of us would play God if we could, Lil. Your folks might not be here, but we are. Yeah, we ain’t them, but we’ll try to be, or somethin’.”

To say I was thankful for my brothers was an understatement. I was blessed.

Monday, June 12, 2017

It wasa gloomy day in the Rosini household, and the sun seemed to mock us all by shining hotly and brightly. Grief hit Katrina hardest—harder than she probably even expected.

Today was Hector’s birthday.

Sitting on our couch in wait as Dominic wrapped up his shower, I sipped on my glass of milk, eyeing his half-eaten steak, prosciutto, and mozzarella sandwich. My stomach rumbled. My craving was too strong.

When Dominic opened the bathroom door, I froze, his sandwich halfway to my mouth.

“That was mine.”

I was caught red-handed. “Baby’s hungry,” I said on a whim and took my next bite.

Dominic laughed and tossed the towel on the bed, shaking his head.

After finishing my bite, I put the sandwich on the plate. “I promised Katrina I would help her bake Hector a cake, but I have no idea what she wants for him or what flavor or anything.”

Dominic zipped his slacks. “Which is why I handled it. Everything you’ll need is on the counter.” He turned to look at me, fixing his belt. “At least I can rest easy knowing that you won’t burn down the kitchen.” He winked.

I rolled my eyes, biting down slowly on the sandwich, dramatically tearing off a piece.

Sliding his arms into the sleeves of his dark red, button-down dress shirt, he walked over to me and snatched the final piece of sandwich out of my hand, stuffing it in his mouth.

If looks could kill, he would’ve been six feet under.

“I’ll make you one.”

My mood swung like a pendulum, a smile spreading across my face as he licked and kissed away the film of dried tomato juice from my chin. That harmless act of kindness sparked heat within me, but that kind of fun had to wait.

I buttoned his final couple of buttons for him. “Thank you for celebrating with us today. It means a lot to Katrina.”

He pulled away and stood upright, straightening out his sleeves. “She’s the only reason I’m giving a fuck about that asshole today.” He helped me to my feet.

I cupped his face and kissed the corner of his mouth. “I know.” I placed my palms on his chest. “And I’m proud of you for setting your hatred aside. Just promise me you’ll come find me before it becomes too much.”

Dominic held my hand and brought it to his lips, kissing my knuckles. His eyes met mine. “Prometto.”

* * *

Flour dusted my denim overalls,the floor, and the countertop. Katrina laughed when I tapped my flour coated finger to the tip of her nose. Laughter had rang in the kitchen all afternoon, and I was grateful. I was also grateful for this chair because my feet were screaming.

“Is it done yet, Lulu?”

Both of us and Bianca stared at the oven’s window, Katrina most anxious to get her hands on the triple chocolate cake.

Angling toward Bianca, I said with a pained laugh, “Can you check?” I refused to stand up any time soon.

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