Page 5 of Sins of the Orchid

“Does that mean you don’t want to trade math lessons for the bullies?” I needed friends, and I liked Adriano right off the bat.

He shoved his hands into his jean pockets. “I don’t know if your dad will be okay with it,” he explained uncomfortably. “He probably won’t like it.”

“Why not?”

“Geez, didn’t your dad explain anything to you?” Adriano blurted out, and the next second, Santino shoved his shoulder against him in warning.

On an exhale, I rose to my feet. “No, he didn’t. I think Father and my brothers are still in shock and don't know what to do with me,” I admitted. I forced a smile on my lips. “It’s okay. I can give you some pointers on math, regardless, so you don’t flunk.”

“I’ll talk to Bennetti,” his dad interrupted. “You two kids don’t worry about that. Let’s just call him so he knows you are safe.”

I lowered my eyes. “Ummm, I can’t. Those boys took my phone.”

Anger flashed in Santino’s eyes, and I shrunk back. “Adriano will ensure you get it back,” he announced. “Otherwise, those boys will get a visit from me.”

“Oh, shit.” Adriano grinned. “Someone will be pissing their pants.”

I glanced curiously at Santino. There was a predator lurking underneath his expensive clothes. I didn’t know it at that moment, but his tattoo marked him as a feared man among New Yorkers.

“Let’s go inside, kiddo.” Santino stood up and extended his hand to help me. Reluctantly, I put my small hand in his, and he pulled me up. “You’ll be okay, I promise.”

I nodded. I trusted him, my instincts assuring me he’d never hurt me.

CHAPTER2

Amore

We entered the restaurant, my hand in his, and he squeezed gently in reassurance. “Don’t worry, my aunt likes to talk everyone's ear off. Just nod.”

I smiled, with a soft tilt to my head. The moment we entered the restaurant, a commotion started. A woman with silver gray hair and a big smile hugged Santino and Adriano, then pressed a kiss on Mr. Russo’s cheek. Something tugged at my heart seeing the affection. Each time I got back home, everyone stiffened and gave me awkward smiles. Lorenzo and Luigi were better this week than last. For the last two days, they teased me when I got back home. At least I think it was teasing.

“Chi è questo?”Who is this?I recognized the words.

She watched me through her dark eyes. They were warm, though slightly guarded.

I extended my hand. “Hi, I’m Amore,” I introduced myself. “Ummm, I am just learning Italian. But I understand a little bit.”

A smile tugged on her lips. “Ah, bella ragazza!” She pulled my hand and took me to the window seat. “Sit here.”

She sat herself next to me, cornering me in my seat. My eyes widened, darting between Santino and Adriano. Those two just chuckled. Adriano slid into the booth seat across from me.

“Amore, this is Mrs. Rossi,” Santino’s father introduced, and my eyebrows scrunched. “My sister-in-law.”

“Ah.”

I gave a little nod. “Nice to meet you.” I liked the woman, but she was too close to me. I tried to scoot unnoticeably, but it seemed each time I moved, she followed.

“Hai fame?”

I shook my head. The woman pinched my collar bone and I flinched. “Ouch.”

She stood up, and I exhaled a sigh of relief. “Too skinny,” she murmured. “Eat. You eat.”

Adriano shook his head. “Let her be, Zia.”

“Beautiful girl has to eat.”

My cheeks flushed at the compliment. Nobody ever thought of me as beautiful except for Mom and Grandma.