Page 2 of All Your Lies

How am I supposed to become a Mafia boss? How am I supposed to lead others? I’m just as useless as I was before.

The scared girl turned into the scared woman.

two

Alexa

15 YEARS OLD

“Again, Alexandria,” Dad huffs.

“I got it, Dad. I’m tired, and I just want to shower and relax.”

We’ve sparred for hours. I have sweat dripping from my elbows, my limbs are shaking, and I can already tell I’m going to be sore as hell for the rest of the month if we keep going.

“You don’t have it. You’re getting sloppy with your movements. We don’t have the luxury of weakness. I want you strong, and I want to be sure you can take care of yourself.”

“Dad,” I say with a small smile. He’s always so worried about me. “I’ll be fine. You’ve trained me since I took my first steps. You have nothing to worry about. Besides, Marco will be by my side.”

My dad scowls at the mention of Marco, my future husband, even though he’s the one who made the agreement with Marco’s father years ago. I understand his reservations. Marco has had a hard time dealing with things.

“That isn’t good enough. There will be times when you’re alone.” He shakes his head.

“But—”

“Again,” Dad says as he gets back into his stance and hits his gloved hands together.

“I said I’ll be fine!” I shout at him and immediately regret it when he winces.

He’s always handled me gently and with great care, even during my combat training, but he’s been on edge. Ever since Gage, Marco, and my best friend, Rosie’s, brother went to prison, my dad’s concern for my safety has reached new heights. He won’t tell me why when I ask, but I’m aware things have changed within the families.

The thought of Gage brings a knot to my throat and burning behind my eyes. You’d think after him being gone for two hundred and seventy-three days, I’d be past the crying stage or counting the days, but I’m not. It also doesn’t help that he refuses to acknowledge me or my letters. It fucking hurts. He’s supposed to be my safe place, my rock.

“I’m sorry, Alexandria,” Dad says as he looks down at the red-and-black checkerboard mat.

“No, I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have yelled at you. I’m just tired from swim practice.”

“I understand. We can stop for the day.”

“Thank you!” I wrap my arms around him. My dad is one of a kind, and I doubt there will ever be someone who treats me as he does.

Gage’s face comes to mind, and I shake my head to dislodge the thought. I can’t break down right now, not in front of my dad.

I need to be strong.

Even though my dad is being tough on me today, he’s proud of me and believes I’m capable of taking his place as Capo.

I can’t let him down.

ONE WEEK LATER

“Don’t worry, Ro. It’s okay,” I say while waving at my parents, who are getting into their black Mercedes across the school parking lot.

“I’m just sorry I couldn’t be there,” Rosie says with a hint of guilt.

“Your art exhibit is a big deal. I always have swim meets. Plus, my mom and dad came this time. It’s no biggie.”

“Still, this was finals. I know how important it was to you. I think I already know the answer, but I have to ask. Did Marco come?”