Page 39 of A Mastery of Crows

I think of my sister. Of her quiet nature, and her big heart.

“Perhaps.” I don’t look back. “But you and I both know that she would be more disappointed in you.”

I meet Cat’s eyes as I step out. She’s leaning against the wall, waiting.

A woman who would walk through fire for me. As I would for her.

And that ball of guilt and shame in my chest – it lifts a little, as I take her hand. Because I know that my little sister, with her dreams and her romantic heart, would not be disappointed in me for this choice, at least.

“She would have loved you,” I say quietly. Sadly.

Her gaze is soft. “I think she would have beenveryprotective of her big brother. But I hope so.”

Rosa stands as we enter the kitchen. There’s an apology on my face as our eyes meet. For sending her here, condemning her to days alone in this house.

“Soon.” I mean it. “As soon as I can, Rosie, you’re coming home. I swear it.”

She deflates, but her arms wrap around me anyway, her face buried in my chest. “If it’s not soon enough, I’ll buy the ticket myself.”

I run a hand over her back before pulling out my wallet. Sliding out a card, I hand it to her. “Here.”

She turns it over in her fingers, a questioning look on her face.

“I’m cutting him off from the accounts,” I tell her firmly. “Groceries will be delivered daily, but no alcohol, Rosie. Keep it hidden for anything you might need.”

She nods, slipping it into her pocket. And then she winks, even if it looks a little wobbly. “I’m feeling a shopping spree in my near future.”

“Have at it.” I cup her cheek. “Soon. Okay?”

“Okay.”

16 – Luciano

“Are they back yet?”

At the gruff voice, I turn my head. We’re sprawled on the rug in the living area, Alessia grabbing for every one of the million toys I ordered, inspecting them as I assess her reaction.

Thekeeppile is much, much bigger than thetosspile.

Dom lingers in the doorway, his eyes flicking down to watch her.

“Not yet. Come in.”

He settles into a chair opposite us, hands gripping the sides as if he would rather be anywhere else.

I switch my attention back to Alessia as she holds up a teddy, shaking it with delight. “Ba!”

Stefano will be delighted to know that she sees him on the same level as a stuffed bear. When she climbs awkwardly to her feet, the teddy gripped in her small hand, I don’t stop her as she wobbles across the room.

Dom goes still as she reaches him. He doesn’t move, barely breathes, as she pushes the teddy into his lap with an expectant babble. She tries to climb up after it, letting out a frustrated noise when she slides back to the ground.

He stays still, gray eyes fixed on her sliding to me as the noises from her mouth begin to border on upset. “Come and get her.”

“Busy, I’m afraid.” I press a white note on the little keyboard. “Lots of nursery rhymes to learn if I’m going to steal Stefano’s spot as the favorite.”

“Luc.”

I glance over my shoulder. “She wants you to pick her up.”