Page 16 of Promise Never

“You’re still here,” she says to Tiana.

The fierce woman clicks her tongue and crosses herarms. “Your son failed.”

I curse under my breath.

My mother ignores it. “Join us for dinner.” Shestruts off before Tiana can protest.

I expect her to remain in place, but she stompsout of the guesthouse instead.

Miodio. She’s a rathercomplicated individual.

Yet, despite her loathing my family, somethingabout her is provoking a strange interest within.

I cannot allow it to grow.

7

Hunger is escalating my agitation, so refusingfood is plain stupid at this point.

“How is the pasta?” Sofia checks. “Would you likesomething else?”

I lift my head from the plate. “This is good. I’mnot picky.”

Her eyes glisten. She seems pleased.

“So, what was it you failed to do?” she questionsher son, reaching for her glass of wine.

I glance at Alessandro sitting at the end of thetable. His dark blue gaze flicks to me, and I look down again.

“I suppose there’s no use keeping it from youanymore.” He clears his throat. “Vito’s son sent Tiana after me. Zeno realizedshe hadn’t learned of Luca’s death and used her. Now he’s made her a target aswell.”

Sofia huffs. “I can see why you’re frustrated.”

That draws my focus.

“You’re dragged into something unfairly,” sheadds. “The family of the man who killed your sister is keeping you safe. Thatindeed must be difficult.”

I don’t respond.

“Perhaps it’d help if our men don’t follow youaround.”

“Mother,” Alessandro refutes. “She’ll try to leaveif no one keeps an eye on her.”

“Then move her over from the guesthouse,” Sofiasuggests. “We have plenty of rooms.”

“I’m sitting right here,” I clip. “I’d rather notsleep under the same roof as you two. And no. I won’t try to leave.”

Alessandro smirks as if I’m spewing bullshit. “Oh?What suddenly changed your mind? It was only just before dinner that youattempted to take my gun.”

I suck my teeth and drop my head to the plate,thinking back to Trinity’s journal.

She’d mentioned over and over how she alwayswanted me to have a better life, and she’d done things to ensure my safety.It’s only left me more guilty.

I should start over. Make her proud.

“Just handle ZenoCostantini,”I tell Alessandro. “There’s something I need to do after all.”

Following dinner, I shower and try to get somesleep. Hours tick by with me tossing and turning. My mind won’t settle.

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