Page 21 of Harley & Her Ferals

We both know what I mean.

Don’t intervene.

It doesn’t end well for Lionzio. Every. Single. Time.

When Dad grabs the paper rose that Feral made for me, my heart drops.

Stop touching it.

It’s mine.

Can’t I at least have that? It’s made out of discarded paper.Trash.Yet it’s priceless to me.

I should have known that Dad would notice it, however, because he doesn’t miss anything.

Dad lets go of my aching chin with a rough shove.

I look up and meet Lionzio’s gaze.

Lionzio is panting hard, clenching his hands like he’s struggling hard not to dive across the table.

When Dad notices, he looks amused. Then he sniffs the rose and glowers.

“Feral doesn’t get to mark my daughter.” He drops the delicate flower onto the floor, before grinding it under the heel of his boot.

I hide my shaking hands under my legs.

My eyes burn, but I won’t give Dad the satisfaction of seeing my tears fall.

Allegra is watching with a satisfied smile.

Fuck her.

When Dad slides his hands over my shoulders, I fight not to flinch. “Any reason that you’ve turned up to my table only half dressed, Lionzio?”

Lionzio looks confused, patting his waistcoat. “I’m wearing my suit.”

“Do you eat standing up now?”

Allegra titters.

Lionzio’s jaw clenches.

Wary, he perches on the edge of his seat.

When Dad raps his finger on my shoulder again, I know where his questions are leading.

My brother has given me his jacket to wear.

Hell, I’ve got him into trouble.

Frantically, I try to slip the jacket off. “Take it back, Lion.”

Lionzio pales, when he appears to realize what has set Dad off.

Dad is like a volcano.

He can appear quiet for months, even years. But anyone who knows him well enough in private knows that he’s never safe.

---