“I have no fucking idea, but it was the best sound I have heard in a long time,” I say, pausing to get my thoughts together before they leave. “We need to find Dominic. We need to get our money, and then I need to kill him, because he will be out for blood, and he knows the way to get me is through Leo. Now Little Red is also on his radar.” I look between the two of them, anger starting to well inside my body. “And I will die before either one of them gets hurt.”

“War has started, brother,” Sebastian says to me, nodding slightly, his face and tone now both serious.

“It’s time we ended it,” I state, leaving no room for questions.

17

Annie

I haven’t seen Dante all week since our tryst in the bathroom, and I feel a little uneasy about it. For weeks since I arrived, he and I have spoken every night, and now I miss our nighttime chats. Did I do something wrong? Is his life just extremely busy right now, finding the men from his gunfight? I don’t know what to think. But I know he still comes. I may be asleep, but I still smell him the moment I wake. Sometimes I spot his empty whiskey glass too.

However, I have kept busy here in his house. Leo and I are firm friends, my Lego skills now improving each day, and I actually finished a rocket, which he proudly displays on his shelf next to his castles and spaceships.

A few days ago, I met Maddison, who I have learnt is the wife of Dante’s friend Sebastian. She’s a glamorous woman who I have a lot in common with, both of us growing up in small towns, now caught up in this insane lifestyle. She is an art gallery owner, something I don’t know too much about, but it sounds amazing. After meeting her, I wish that I had the opportunity to go to college. I always wanted to become a teacher. I love kids. It is probably why I was in such demand as a babysitter back home, and why I get along so well with Leo.

I do a lot of the cooking with Maria now, learning many authentic recipes and some I make just as well as she does. I like the way she looks at me proudly each time I complete a dish. However, today she wasn’t feeling well, so she retired to her room.

I have just put Leo to bed, cleaned up the kitchen, and tidied up the house. It is the least I can do after being here for so long, and I hate how Maria cleans up after everyone—even if it is her job.