Page 121 of Seeking Shadows

I wait for them to share how everything happened between them, and surprisingly, it’s Pietro who tells the story.

His rich, detailed narration pulls me in even more, and from the looks of it, Laura is just as captivated, her eyes shining as if she’s hearing his side of the story for the first time.

“Audrey was brilliant,” I comment, amused when Pietro talks about her threatening him, but not to stay away from Laura—she wanted him to be with her.

I pass one of my cupcakes to Pietro, because he's literally entertaining me with one of the cutest love stories I’ve ever heard. He accepts it and continues.

“I’m so glad you guys are endgame. I mean, I don’t think Laura would let you go. But you two are cute. I’m glad my sister found you.”

“You’re the first of Laura’s relatives to have this reaction.”

“They have zero taste. I support it. You and my sister must be the most logical, calculating couple in history. Besides, Seth and Ceci are just stressed—they’ll warm up to you eventually. I believe that.”

“You’re weird, Mia,” Pietro says, taking a bite of his cupcake.

“I told you, Mia has this charm about her.”

“What am I, a manipulation queen?” I ask.

“No, Mia. You’re a good person. Some would say you’re innocent. But you’re not innocent. You know what’s good and what’s bad, but you choose to be good and kind regardless,” Laura explains.

“You wouldn’t say that if you knew how many people I’ve killed,” I mutter.

Pietro lets out a low chuckle, and when I look at Laura, I notice she’s watching him differently—non-analytical, not calculating, with love.

They’re trapped in their bubble again.

And for a moment—just a moment—my mind lights up with an absurd thought.

My sister, the queen of logic and precision, may not be as cold as she likes to pretend.

Not when she’s with Pietro.

And that makes me root for them. It also makes me miss Zane, because I can relate to that feeling of being so comfortable and connected with someone that they can bring out the essence of who you are.

“Being forced to kill people to survive doesn’t make you a bad person… it makes you a warrior,” Pietro says, bringing me back to the present, his eyes on Laura, as he takes another bite of his cupcake.

He stands, gives her a quick kiss, and leaves to answer a call.

Laura smiles, clearly excited, as if she can’t believe it.

“I’ve never seen Pietro talk so openly to anyone other than me, Julie, and Luigi. I think he sees you as…”

“Family?” I ask.

She nods, still sounding a little stunned.

“Yeah,” she says, as if she can’t quite believe her own words.

“Oh, he’s a nice guy. He’s just more into himself. You chose well.I’m used to mafia men and their stoic personalities, so I don’t take it personally."

I feel my eyes getting heavy.

Shit, I need Zane. I’m starting to get sleepy, and I don’t know how much longer I can hold out.

But why should I? It’s safe here.

And Laura looks at me, as if seeing the most bizarre thing in the world.

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