Born in Blood Collection Volume 1 - Cora Reilly Page 0,379

head off if she catches us kissing out in the open like that again.”

“Probably not only your head,” I said with a wicked grin, cupping him through his pants.

Romero groaned, gripped my wrist and pulled my hand away. “Lily, stop torturing me.”

“I thought you like it when I torture you.”

Romero leaned down, his lips brushing my ear. “I do, when we are alone.”

“Then how about we head to my room?”

“There’s nothing I’d rather do, but we shouldn’t risk it during the day,” Romero said regretfully. “And I really need to call Luca and ask about the problem with the Russian underboss.”

I pouted playfully. “I hate it when you’re being reasonable. Tonight is too far away. I want you now.”

“Fuck,” Romero muttered. Then he gave me a dangerous grin. “Go ahead. I’ll come after you in a few minutes.”

I dashed off toward my room, already feeling my core tighten with anticipation.

* * *

The next day, Luca returned from New York. He was on edge, so our confession would have to wait. During dinner that evening, Aria, Romero, and I acted as if nothing had ever happened. I really hoped Aria would figure out a way to talk to Luca soon so we could all find a way to make a future for Romero and me possible.

Gianna kept chancing looks at Aria and me as if she could smell that something was going on. Gianna had always been drawn to trouble so it was really no surprise.

Halfway through the main course, Luca’s phone started buzzing. “What now?” he growled as he dropped his fork. Today definitely wasn’t the day to tell him about Romero and me. I hadn’t seen him in such a bad mood in a while. He got up, pulled the phone out of his pants pocket and answered it.

“Rocco, I didn’t expect your call,” he said.

We all turned toward the conversation.

Luca glanced in my direction. “Liliana is doing well.”

My father had only called once the entire summer to ask how I was. For some reason I worried about the true reasons for his check-in.

“Tomorrow? That’s short notice. Has something happened?”

I put my fork down, my stomach tightening with anxiety.

“Of course. She’ll be there,” Luca said with a frown. He hung up and returned to the table, lowering his large frame into the chair.

“What’s going on?” Aria asked before I could even utter a word. She looked as worried as I felt. Did she think Father had found out something about Romero and me? If that were the case, the call wouldn’t have gone over so peacefully, that much was sure. And who should have told them? Nobody in this house would.

“Your father wants Liliana to come home tomorrow,” Luca said, lips tight with concern.

“What?” I said, shocked. Romero didn’t quite manage to hide his surprise either. I had to force myself to tear my gaze away from him quickly before Luca got suspicious. “So soon?”

Matteo laughed. “You’ve been here for three months.”

Gianna rammed her elbow into his side and he rubbed the spot with a smirk.

“I was joking, damn it. Why do you have to be so violent?” he asked.

I wasn’t in the mood for jokes. I felt like the rug had been pulled out from under my feet. I’d always known I’d have to return eventually but now that I was being faced with my father’s order, I felt heartbroken.

“He wants you on the earliest flight. He booked the ticket already,” Luca continued as if his brother and Gianna weren’t still bickering.

“Did he say why?” I asked.

“He said something about social responsibilities. Apparently there are a few parties he wants you to attend, but he wasn’t very forthcoming with information.”

My eyes darted to Romero again, but then I focused on Luca. “Did he say how long I had to stay in Chicago?”

Luca narrowed his eyes. “No. Chicago is your home, so I had no right to ask.”

“Lily is of age, she could simply refuse to return,” Gianna said snidely. Matteo had his arm wrapped around her shoulder. As usual their fighting hadn’t lasted very long. They’d probably soon go to their room to make up.

Luca glowered. “Then I’d drag her onto that plane if necessary. If her father wants her to come home, she’ll go. I won’t risk a conflict over something as ridiculous as this.”

I bit my lip. “It’s okay. I’ll go. I’ll survive a few parties, and I’m excited about seeing Fabi again. I missed him. I’ll plead Father to let me return to New York