VICTORIA I settled into bed with my phone feeling more secure about the message and with a new tingling sensation, something more than excitement. Gabe Russo is like every girl's dream. I've known about him for years, but of course, I never thought I stood a chance. His family is like mega-rich, while ours isn't too shabby, but we're nowhere near their level. Not to mention almost every female on campus has been trying to catch his attention since middle school. He's that guy everyone talks about—the sophisticated, standoffish type who somehow always seems light years ahead of everyone else. Not only is he rich, but he's also one of the smartest, if not the smartest, boy at school. Going by his sisters, their family only mingles with those on their level, families of similar wealth, or at least that's how it seems. Then again, Gabe only hangs out with that idiot Lance, who doesn't even belong if you ask me. His family isn't wealthy, and as far as I know, he's only going to

DRACO Shit! She's noticed. I've been wary of that very thing happening, have done everything in my power to keep two very volatile situations from clashing without either party realizing that I know. My wife is asleep on my chest, her soft breathing still affording me the same peace and comfort it always has since the beginning. But I worry for my son. I doubt she had any idea what her divulging the truth to him would do to him, my softhearted girl. I kissed her hair and felt a bit of sadness at the situation. For the past few years, I've been keeping an eye on the situation. I didn't know right away, of course, but over time I started to notice the strange changes in Gabe. Not to mention the fact that he suddenly had a very pointed interest in 'the life,' going around me to the old man to ask questions. At first, the old man didn't realize what brought it on. I never shared Sophia's past with him or anyone else. But since he knew I was trying to take our family business legit an

GIANNA Their words made me nervous and excited all at once. Nervous because even as I sit here with them, I can't help thinking about what awaited me at home and excited because they were the first people since mom died who'd wanted just me as a friend. I'm not sure what Victoria did to piss them off, but I couldn't help being secretly pleased that someone at least had seen through her bullshit. Add the fact the Russo twins are like royalty in our community, and that just makes it all the sweeter and that much more terrifying. Then a sudden thought struck, taking some of the gleam from the afternoon. "Wait, is this a joke?" From their surprised looks, I doubted that it was, but it never hurt to ask. This way, when it turns out that I am, in fact, right, there'd be less egg on my face. "A joke? What do you mean?" I think it was Anna who spoke, but I'm not sure since I can't tell them apart. "Yeah, like a prank." "Of course not. Why would you think that?" The other twin spoke u

GABRIEL "Her name is Gia. So how come you call her Gianna?" "Because…just drop it. And that's a poor imitation of me if that's what you were going for." At least he'd waited until we were alone before starting his shit. The girls were walking ahead of us back to the house, and I guess he'd held it in for as long as he could. "Where's Uncle Marvin?" "He went ahead inside, probably lecturing unc about something or another." No doubt! Either that or they're debating something that they won't ever see eye to eye on. That's usually the way when those two get together: the Anglican priest and the catholic scholar. "Hey, what's for dinner?" His freaking mind flits around more than a two-year-old on meds. "How the hell should I know? Do I look like the cook?" "Hmm, let me guess since I'm Aunt Sophie's favorite nephew…" "You're her only nephew." "Semantics, don't interrupt. Now let me see since she invited us, and she knows my favorite food, I'm thinking chicken

GABRIEL "Are you meditating? We don't have time for that; we need to leave earlier than usual today, no?" I finished my breathing exercise before opening my eyes. My gaze fell on the vast expanse of manicured lawn and the garden in the distance before turning to look at them in the doorway. "Sorry, were you done?" Anna was hopping from one leg to the next, which meant she was chomping at the bit about something or the other. "Good morning. What brings you two here?" My voice was in direct contrast to her overly excited one. "And why are you two dressed so early?" From the position of the sun, I knew they were at least an hour ahead of schedule. Every other morning they'd still be figuring out what to wear or how to do their hair at this time. "Aren't we picking Gia up for school?" "I wasn't planning on it." Yeah, I was but heck if I'm owning up to that. "Well, change of plans, brother. By the way, we've already spoken to dad about this weekend; he promised to take care of i