“She’s fine,” Gio says. He’s the oldest and probably the biggest asshole. Although, when he looks at me, his face softens ever so slightly and he doesn’t seem so uptight anymore. I can see why these men are married. They’re not hard on the eyes. In a non-incest kind of way.

“So, what’s next? Christmases together? Easter?” I ask.

“Whatever you want,” Gio says. “We want to get to know you, Esther. You’re our sister. That’s not something we’re just going to forget.”

“Okay, so does this mean I get in on family secrets? Like, the actual family business?” I try my luck.

“We own a distillery. I’d be happy to take you out there and show you around,” Gabe offers.

“Sure. Do I get to do a tasting?”

“No,” my dad and Gio say at the same time.

“You know I’m gonna be eighteen soon.”

“But you’re not there yet,” Dad tells me.

“I can’t wait. I’m going to party so hard and no one will be able to stop me.” I grin.

“Yeah? Let me know how that works out for you, Esther.” Dad shakes his head.

“I’ll take you out,” Daisy offers. “On your birthday. We can make it a girls’ night.”

“No,” Gabe says.

“Did you really just say no to me?” Daisy raises her brows at her husband. My brother. Yeah, that’s never not going to be weird.

“Babe…” Gabe groans.

“Don’t babe me. And just because you said no, I’m going to wear the sluttiest dress I can find when I take your little sister out.” She smirks at him.

My mum gasps from beside me. I look over at her. “You okay?” I ask, keeping my voice low.

She nods. “We should get Esther home. Thank you for dinner. It was a lovely evening and a pleasure to meet all of you.” Mum stands from the table.

Guess we’re going home. Fucking finally.

Chapter Twenty-One

Two weeks later

She’s late. Esther was supposed to meet me here, at the coffee shop she picked out. For the last two weeks, one of us five has met with her every day. Getting to know her. Today it was my turn.

I hate waiting. But it’s not like I can threaten my little sister. So, instead, I’m sitting here like a fucking chump, waiting for her to show up.

I’m scrolling through emails on my phone when Mary’s number pops up on the screen. I consider letting her go to voicemail before pressing the green button. “Yeah?”

“Gio…”

“What happened?” I’m already on my feet and walking out of the café. I can tell by her voice that something’s wrong.

“They took her. They took Esther,” she says. “I need help. I need you to get her back. I can’t… I can’t…”