Page 14 of Forgotten Sacrifice

She shakes her head, unwrapping my arm. “I’m engaged to Romeo.”

“The boss,” I say on a shaky breath, having heard his feared name whispered.

She winks at me. “Get some rest, and I’ll be back later to check on you.”

Vince

“Knock knock.” Nicky sticks her head in my home office.

“How is she?” I ask.

“Luna’s asleep. Her vitals are good. Other than needing rest and electrolytes, she’ll be fine. But you’re not taking her to play chess this weekend.” Nicky points her finger at me.

“You think I’m an asshole,” I say, rubbing the back of my head.

“Were you being an asshole?” She leans against the door jam with her arms crossed.

“Yes, but it was for her own good. Luna’s old man was an alcoholic. I don’t want her going down that same path.”A path that leads to a construction pit and a corpse, put there by me.

“Not appreciating your limits with alcohol is a rite of passage—one she checked off before she ‘legally’ should have, but we’re all rule-breakers around here, aren’t we?” Nicky points out. “Yes, there can be a genetic component to alcoholism, but unless this is a pattern of behavior affecting her school and chess, I wouldn’t jump to that conclusion.”

“She’s finished at that school; I’m pulling her,” I announce, having made up my mind.

Nicky arches an eyebrow. “Have you talked to Luna about this?”

“There’s nothing to talk about,” I say dismissively.

She shakes her head with a disapproving look. “You sound just like Romeo.”

“Sorry to interrupt,” Enzo says, appearing beside Nicky. “Boss needs you back at the house.”

“Why? Is there a problem?” Nicky asks, her voice laced with concern.

“Boss says, ‘Nicky’s been gone long enough. Bring her home.’” Enzo reads the message on his phone.

She snorts. “Nowthatsounds just like Romeo. Vince, let Luna rest for a few hours, then encourage her to drink something. If she’s hungry, go for bland food like a banana, crackers, or toast. If she’s not hungry, that’s fine too. Liquids are the most important thing for her right now.”

“Thanks, Nicky. Tell the boss I said hello.”

“Will do,” she says.

“Enzo,” I say.

“Vince.” He nods, and the two walk out.

Firing up my computer, I send an email to the dean, letting her know of Luna’s immediate withdrawal from school.

Is Luna going to be mad about this?Ab-so-fucking-lutely.

She can add it to her ever-growing list of reasons why she hates me.

Chapter

Eight

Luna

Waking with a start, I’m in a dark room in an unfamiliar bed, and it takes me a moment to remember where I am.Ugh, Vince’s house.