Page 12 of Promise Never

“American.” Sofia squints at me. “Ales has neverbrought a woman home. Not even during the time we lived in Spain.”

Yikes. Where does he take them then?

“Tell me,” Sofia breaks my thoughts. “Who are youto him? Honestly?”

“I’m—”

“A friend!” Alessandro bellows from above.

Everyone looks at him.

He bustles down the stairs, expression tight withannoyance. “I told you to stay in the guesthouse.”

I suck my teeth and shift my weight to one side.“I’m hungry, and there’s no food over there. Should I starve while you catch upon beauty sleep?”

Sofia snorts, passing an amused glance between us.“Didn’t you want us to meet yet?”

“It’s not like that, Madre,” Alessandro grumblesand brushes over his hair, which looks damp. Why am I staring at his wetstrands and gawking at how fit he appears in his t-shirt and joggers?

“Excuse me,” I politely say to his mother andhurry out of there.

That was a terrible crack in composure where myhorniness briefly blinded me. No way will I allow any attraction to mount. He’saFattore.

Luca’sbrother.

I head back to the guesthouse. Another guard postsat the door, givingRunia break.

Alessandro enters while I’m wolfing down thecereal. “Which café did you meet Zeno? Was it in Messina?”

“Yes. Café Rosa. Do you think he’s hiding out inthat city?”

“I’m going to ask around.”

“Did you kill his father?” I ask when he turns toleave. “I take it that’s why he wants you dead.”

“Yes,” he admits, giving me a sidelong glance. “Ikilled Vito—his father. He attempted to kill us, referred to my mother as weak,and said Luca would have been a better leader for our family.”

“Pfft. I’d kill anyone who said such fuckery. Whendid that happen?”

“Over a year ago.”

I wrinkle my forehead. “Why did Zeno take so long?He doesn’t seem to lack resources. He clearly knows how to find you.”

“Because he was in prison,” Alessandro answers,shoving his hands in his pockets.

“Hm.” I purse my lips. “So, I assume I’ll be freeto leave once you return?”

He nods. “Only if I locate Zeno.”

I blink away from his unsettling dark blue gaze,staring at the cereal instead.

Alessandro rumbles and walks out the door.

I lift my head to watch him through the window ashe hops into the back of the car, leaving right away.

A restless fog swallows me not long afterfinishing the cereal, and I begin pacing the living room.

IhopeAlessandrofindsZeno.I’ve been here longenough, and my guilt is climbing.

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