Page 34 of Blood Ties

Alessio dropped into the vacant chair next to me and across from my dad. “Matt,” he greeted.

My dad gave him a subtle chin lift. An unspoken conversation seemed to pass between them. My eyes flickered between the two of them as I frowned and my chewing slowed. When neither said anything, I resumed my meal, but kept darting glances their way.

The rest of the people filtered off a few at a time as they finished eating and took their dishes to the kitchen. They broke off in different directions, with several going outside. I heard multiple motorcycles start up and then drive off. After I took my last bite, I started to get up to wash my dishes.

“I’ve got it,” Willow offered as she took it from me. I didn’t miss the intense stare that she shared with Facet before her cheeks flushed and she hurried back to the kitchen. Facet watched her walk back with a heated gaze.

Finally, it was only me, Alessio, my dad, and Facet.

“Okay, spill. What the hell is going on?” I directed the question at the three of them, hopeful that one of them would answer me.

“I think things are handled. Just in case, I want you to stay here for a few more days. I’ll be sticking around as well. Once we know it’s safe, we’ll take you back to Chicago,” my dad vaguely explained.

“You think? So did you find out who chased me and Alessio?”

Again, there was an exchanged glance, but this time it included Facet as well.

“I’m pretty sure we took care of it,” my father said in a tone I hadn’t heard in several years until the last few weeks.

“Then I can go home?”

“Not quite yet. Like I said, give us a few days,” he repeated. Again, he didn’t elaborate.

“So that’s it? You said you would explain things after I ate,” I grumbled as I crossed my arms in frustration.

“And I did. Explaining things doesn’t necessarily mean giving details. You know what you need to know,” my dad sternly came back with.

“I’m so sick and tired of people thinking I’m too sensitive or sheltered to be told details. I’m not an idiot, and I’m tougher than I look—you made sure of that. You didn’t raise a wimp, Dad,” I groused before I stood up and stalked back to the room.

Firmly, I closed the door. Grumbling under my breath, I dug through the small bag we’d gone on the run with and pulled out my iPad. With a huff, I flopped on the bed and started to read. Halfway into the chapter I was reading, there was a knock on the door.

“Yes?” I called out, heart hammering and hoping it wasn’t my dad or Alessio. Maybe I’d acted childish, but if they wanted to treat me like a child, I guess they deserved that type of behavior from me. And I was pissed, so I just wanted to be mad for a little while.

When the door opened and Alessio walked in, I sighed.

“Hey,” he started as he tucked his hands in the front pockets of his jeans. His brow was furrowed as he studied me.

“Hey,” I replied in a flat tone.

“Look, everyone is doing the best they can to ensure you’re protected. Sometimes our methods suck, but believe me when I tell you that there are times when ignorance is bliss.”

When I simply blinked at him without responding, he ran a hand through his hair, leaving it standing up haphazardly. I hated to admit it was a sexy look for him.

My steam was fading, and my shoulders slumped. “I get it, Alessio, but you can’t keep me in the dark forever. I’m not stupid—”

“I never said you were,” he interrupted, but I held up a hand.

“Let me finish.”

He nodded.

“I’m fully aware of who your family is. I also understand that what my father used to do was probably much more dangerous than he led my mom and me to believe. But there is something here”—I waved my hand between him and me—“and it’s not just sex. Unless Iaman idiot and those feelings are totally one-sided. With who your family is, I would think you would want to keep me in the loop to keep me prepared. It would make more sense to ensure I’m vigilant and aware so I don’t get bombarded or someone doesn’t get a jump on me. Right?”

He dropped his head a second and he wet his lower lip. Then he met my gaze full-on. “I understand. And there are some things I need to tell you, but this isn’t the time.”

“Then when is the right time?” I demanded.

“Just give me—” He didn’t finish because my iPad dinged. I frowned as I glanced at it in confusion, forgetting I’d signed into the WiFi so I could check my emails.

---