Page 51 of Ruin Me With Lies

Desperate for even a few minutes of oblivion—seeing as I’ve been awake since 3:00 AM—I dive onto the bed, arms wide.

I’m on the verge of dozing off when my phone rings.

Groaning into my pillow, I blindly reach for it from the nightstand and answer with a drowsy, “Hmm?”

Gio’s voice is on the other end.“You’re invited to dinner at the house.”

“Pass.I need sleep more than I need food right now.”

“Cora won’t take no for an answer.Come over.”

Cheese on a cracker.How do these people keep going likeEnergizerbunnies?No concept of time whatsoever.And sleep— what’s that?

“Fine,” I huff.“By the way, have you heard from Lorenzo?Is he alive?”

“Yeah, he just got in.”There’s a hint of annoyance in his voice.“You’re making me want to go out and start wars so you’ll be worried about me, too.”

“No…no, you’re perfect.Stay that way.”

He laughs, like that’s the funniest thing he’s ever heard.“See you soon, pretty eyes.”

~

CORA’S DINNER ISpure, authentic Italian cuisine.

Homely, comforting, and so, sodelicious.

Gio watches me like he’s genuinely concerned for me as I scarf down my food like I haven’t eaten in ages.While Cora looks on with a satisfied grin.

“Worried about her esophagus?”Lorenzo asks him with a laugh.

Gio just nods, as though words fail him.

“I had the same concern the first time I saw her demolish a plate of food,” Lorenzo tells him.“She’s like a livingPac-Man.”

Unapologetic, I shrug.“What can I say?I’m a foodie.”

As I take a sip of strawberry lemonade, I give Cora a thumbs-up.“You’re anamazingcook, Cora.”

Gio finally cracks a smile, eyes twinkling.“I’d ask where it all goes, but…”

His gaze drops pointedly to my chest.

Lorenzo catches it and immediately smacks him upside the head.

Stifling a laugh, I say, “How did I not know you have evening dinners like this?Like a normal family.”

“Noteveryevening,” Gio corrects.“Only Mondays.”

“Why Monday?”

“Because it’s usually the least eventful day of the week for us.”His smile is small but genuine.“Gives us a chance to sit and enjoy a meal together.As a family.”

Except one person is absent.Supposedly because he had urgent business to take care of.

“In that case, I feel like I’m intruding,” I say.“You all just met me, what, six weeks ago?”

“You’re right,” Lorenzo agrees easily.“Being at this table with us is a big deal.A sign of trust.”He takes a slow sip of his wine.“It also means that if you betray us after we’ve invited you to our table….”His tone is casual, but the warning is unmistakable.“The consequences will be…fatal.”