I feel like this is a test.

My gaze shifts to Franco, who’s also watching me.

Sergio clears his throat. “I’m sure Natalie will have no problem finding a job on her own,” he says, wrapping his hand around the back of my neck. He did it earlier too, when I first met Dominic. “If she needs anything, I’ll take care of it.”

He’ll take care of it. He takes care of everything.

“I’m sure you will. Just want her to know her options, if she’s becoming part of the family, I mean.”

Mrs. Benedetti gives him a sideways glance and Dominic looks back innocently, raising his eyebrows, grinning, shoving more pasta into his big mouth.

Franco, who’s now leaning in his seat, drops his fork on his plate and rings the bell. Servers return to the dining room and clear the table, pour a different wine into a second glass, even though mine is still full. Although a drink would calm my nerves, I feel like I should stay alert.

“Ignore him,” Sergio says.

“Dominic, thought you were bringing a girlfriend,” Salvatore goads his brother.

Dominic’s face hardens. “We can’t all be as lucky as Sergio, can we, Salvatore?”

The rivalry between the brothers is palpable.

Franco says something in Italian. Whatever it is has Dominic snort and Sergio tense. When Roman picks up the conversation, Sergio clears his throat. “Natalie doesn’t understand Italian. Why don’t we keep to English tonight?”

“It’s rude, Franco,” Mrs. Benedetti admonishes in a whisper.

I wish Sergio hadn’t said anything because it feels like everyone is staring at me.

The awkward silence drags on until I clear my throat and speak.

“So that wallpaper is interesting,” I say. It’s strange, actually. Alice in Wonderland. Not a version you’d find in a child’s room either. It’s too dark for that.

Mrs. Benedetti glances behind her then she and Franco look at each other. “Franco had that done for me. And he absolutely hates it.” She pats his back. He smiles and for the first time, there’s a glimmer of tenderness in his eyes.

But I don’t dwell on that because the smell of what the servers bring out next has me holding my breath. It’s fish. Salmon. I love salmon, but tonight, I feel like I’m going to be sick.

“You okay?” Sergio whispers. “You’re a little pale.”

The server comes to my side then, and the large serving dish is practically under my nose. “Oh, just a little. Please.” I don’t think I can refuse it. I’ll have to force it down.

“Hey,” Sergio presses.