Code of Honor

by Missy Johnson

  “He’s just protective,” I say, feeling the need to defend him. I know he loves me more than life itself. I’m his only daughter. All we have is each other.

  “Yeah, well, there’s protective and then there’s Giovanni.” She giggles, nudging me. “C’mon, Luce. You’re twenty-one and you haven’t even kissed a guy! I was hitting third base when I was fourteen.”

  “And you wonder why my father thinks you’re a bad influence on me,” I reply, rolling my eyes. “And how did we get from my dancing to guys?”

  “Because it always comes back to guys.” She laughs, slapping the steering wheel. “Speaking of which, I have no idea how you’ve never hit on that brother of yours.”

  “Could you sound any more creepy? And he’s not my brother,” I growl, my face heating up.

  She’s always going on about Pietro. I’m not blind. Of course I see how ridiculously hot he is. I also realize that he’s two years older than me and so totally out of my reach that even thinking about him like that should be off-limits. I wasn’t about to make a fool of myself over any guy, let alone the one who would never let me hear the end of it.

  I roll my eyes again and listen to her chat about her latest boyfriend. They’d only been dating a few weeks, and if her past history was anything to go by, he was already nearing his expiration date.

  She’s right about one thing. The way I was going, I’d be forty and still a virgin. I didn’t get it. I wasn’t ugly, and with my long dark hair and willowy figure, I was okay to look at. Why weren’t guys interested? According to Bella I intimidated guys. Personally I think that’s a load of crap. What is intimidating about me?

  “Here we are,” Bella sings out, pulling up in front of my place. “Call me later, okay?”

  I lean over and kiss her cheek, then jump out of the car.

  “Thanks for this, Bell. For making me go. I think I needed it.”

  “That’s what I’m here for. I’ll accept Versace and diamonds when you’re a famous ballerina,” she says, winking at me. I laugh and wave at her as she drives off, waiting until her car rounds the corner before I buzz the security gate. The cameras zoom in on me, and I wave. A few seconds later, the gates swing open and I begin the trek across the grounds to the house.

  I sneak inside, carefully closing the door behind me. I’m not ready to face my father just yet, though with all the cameras around the place he will know I’m home. I’m the world’s worst liar, and I know as soon as he starts grilling me about my day, I’m sure to crack. I slink upstairs and down the hall until I reach the safety of my room. Closing the door behind me, I sigh, the full impact of the day finally hitting me.

  I’m exhausted, but too buzzed to rest. I lie down on my bed anyway. My mind is running a million miles an hour, and though I try to block them out, thoughts of getting accepted keep creeping into my head. I don’t want to dream, because if I keep my head grounded I can’t be disappointed—but what if I actually got in? A shiver races through my body. I want this so badly. I’d do anything for this opportunity.

  Mom would be so proud of me for going today.

  I wipe tears from my eyes, and think about Mom. Thinking about dancing always leads back to Mom. Before she died, she was my number one supporter. She made me believe I was capable of anything. When she died, a part of me died along with her.

  Fifteen years ago today, she left us. I was six years old. She’d been sick for over a year before ovarian cancer finally took her. I treasured every day with her, because even at such a young age I knew what death meant. I’d never see her again.

  If only she were here now, things would make so much more sense. I think about what she would tell me if she knew what I’d just done, and I smile. I know exactly what she’d say.

  Follow your dreams, Lucy. Never let them out of your sight and take down anyone who tries to crush them.

  Yeah. Mom was passionate when it came to protecting those she loved.

  Chapter 2

  Pietro

  I leave the library with the intention of heading home, but a message from Giovanni changes that. Sighing, I throw my laptop bag onto the passenger seat and slide into my car. At least going over there means I get to see Lucy.

  Who am I kidding? I practically live over there anyway. Two years ago I decided I wanted my own space, so I rented my apartment. I thought some distance between Lucy and me would help. And it did, in the beginning. Now I find myself over there as much as I was when I lived there. Some days I stay over in my old room because it’s convenient and because waking up and seeing her first thing in the morning is something I crave.

  Since the very first day I stepped foot into her home, I knew there was something special about her. As the years passed and we grew older and closer, those feelings intensified. Every moment I spend thinking about her is a moment that distracts me from my own life. In some weird way, it’s like she saved me from spiraling out of control after my parents died.

  I turn into the long paved driveway as the huge mansion comes into sight. A chill races down my spine, as it does every time I see the exterior. Suddenly I’m fifteen again and alone, my soul empty and my heart broken.

  I park the car, taking a deep breath, then walk across the lush green lawns to the front door. Inside, I’m greeted by silence. I make my way over to Giovanni’s office, knocking gently on the closed door.

  “You wanted to speak to me?” I ask, edging the door open. Giovanni nods and waves me in. I enter, closing the door behind me.

  “I wanted to talk to you about Lucia,” he says, folding his arms over his broad chest.

  My throat tightens as I sit down.

  He couldn’t know, could he?

  After so many years of being in love with her, I was the master of disguising my feelings. No matter how much time I spent with her, it never got easier, nor did my feelings wane. She was the only woman in the world for me—and the only woman I knew I could never have. I’d come to accept that it was what it was. But if Giovanni knew how I felt about his only daughter, who knew what he’d do? I’d seen him kill a man with his bare hands; the fact that I was like a son to him would only add to the betrayal I know he would feel.

  “What about her?” I ask, forcing myself to meet his penetrating eyes, almost black in color.

  “She’s been very distant the last few weeks. I thought she might have said something to you. She trusts you. You’re like a brother to her.”

  I wince. Like a brother. I never wanted her to feel that way. I’d rather she not think of me at all than see me like that.

  “You know she’s been studying hard for her exams. And not to mention it’s that time of year again—”

  Giovanni’s head bows as he exhales slowly.

  “Why didn’t I think of that?” he mumbles, shaking his head. “I’ve been so wrapped up in my own emotions today, I didn’t stop to think how she’d be feeling.”

  The anniversary of her mother’s death was today. Every year my heart ached as I watched her struggle silently through the pain. The worst thing was wanting to help her, but knowing there was nothing I could do. Except be there for her. As a friend.

  “She went to New York today,” Giovanni adds, with a frown. “You know anything about that?”

  “No. How do you even know that?” I laugh. “You have her followed or something?”

  “Of course not,” he replies, his voice gruff. “I have a tracking device on her phone. What?” he adds, shrugging. “I won’t apologize for ensuring my daughter’s safety.”

  I shake my head and laugh. I love Giovanni, but sometimes he really is too much. Only Giovanni wouldn’t see a problem with spying on his adult daughter.

  “Did you try calling her?” I ask cautiously.

  “Of course I did. She flat-out lied to me, said she and Bella were shopping.” He says Bella like uttering the word causes him pain. I resist the urge to laugh again. Bella is a good kid. She’s feisty and loud, but sometimes I think that’s exactly what Lucy needs. Someone who
is going to force her out of her shell.

  “You know she’s a good girl. Lucy will tell you what’s going on when she’s ready.” I pause before adding, “You need to trust her, Giovanni. If you don’t loosen the reins at least a little, you’ll end up driving her away.”

  He doesn’t answer. Instead he rises from his chair and waves his arm at me, indicating our time together is over. Hesitating, I remain seated. If I don’t ask this now I never will.

  “I need to ask you something,” I mutter. Giovanni turns and stares at me, as if surprised I’m still in the room. I force myself to continue before I lose my nerve. “My parents’ death. I believe you know more than you’ve led me to believe.”

  I know he knows more, but whether or not he’ll tell me is a different story.

  For eight years, finding out the truth about what happened has consumed my life. Not a single day goes by where I don’t think about what happened, or what I could’ve done differently. I don’t sleep because of the nightmares, which place me right back there, reliving the moment. I’ll make sure someone pays for what they did, if it’s the last thing I do on this earth. But I can’t do it alone. The Mafia is shrouded in secrecy, and the worst thing any member can do is break the code of silence. Finding information on my father was impossible.

  “I wish I could help you, Pietro. I really do. But you know as much as I do.” His cold, dark eyes meet mine. “You need to drop this. You’ve been obsessed with vengeance against your parents’ killers for years, but digging up the past is only going to land you in trouble. Trust me, Pietro. Let it go.”

  I nod, and rise from my chair, disappointed but not surprised I’m no closer to the truth. I hadn’t expected him to tell me anything, but it still hurts because I know he knows something. I head for the door, the clicking of my shoes the only sound in the room.

  “Pietro?” I turn around. Giovanni is staring hard at the floor. “Just keep an eye on her. Please.”

  I nod and continue out of his office, closing the door behind me.

  I always look out for her.

  —

  “Luce?” I ask, knocking softly on her door. “Dinner is ready.”

  “Come in,” she calls out. I push open the door. She’s lying across her bed, her face lighting up into a smile when she sees me. My breath catches in my chest as I take in her beauty. God, what I wouldn’t do to kiss those sweet, plump lips…

  “I’m not hungry, but sit down. I want to tell you something.” She pulls herself up and pats the bed next to her. I push the door open and walk over to the bed, sitting down on the edge.

  She hesitates. “If I tell you something, can you keep it to yourself? I mean, not tell my father?”

  “Sure,” I say with a chuckle. “I haven’t told him the hundred other things you’ve told me, have I?”

  If Giovanni knew some of the things I was aware his daughter got up to, I would be kicked out of the family. Hell, if Lucy knew how much I knew about her, she’d probably never speak to me again.

  She laughs. “I guess not. I went to New York today.” Her cheeks glow and right away, I know this has to be about dancing. It’s the only thing that makes her this happy. “I auditioned for one of the biggest ballet companies in the whole country.” She sighs and throws herself back on the bed. “It was amazing.”

  “Wow,” I murmur. Knowing that Giovanni tracks her phone, I’m secretly impressed that she tried to pull this off. “And what happens if you get in? Your dad isn’t going to let you go.”

  “I doubt I’ll be accepted. But”—she pauses, her blue eyes growing serious—“if I am, I can’t pass up this opportunity. If my father can’t understand that, then—” She shrugs, her words hanging in the air.

  “You’ll convince him until he does understand,” I finish for her. “This is your life, Luce. I love your dad, but he has to let you grow up sooner or later. If you lose out on chances like this because of what he thinks, you’ll both end up resenting each other.”

  God, if Giovanni could hear me now he’d skin me alive. I just can’t stand her missing out on her life because he can’t let her go.

  “Maybe you should talk to him,” she jokes. “You know, if I get in.”

  “If they don’t take you, then they’re the ones missing out. You’re an amazing dancer. And I’m not just saying that because I have to. You have this ability to make everything around you seem unimportant.” I want to cringe. I sound like a stalker. But she’s smiling at me, and I know my words mean something to her. “Besides,” I add. “I know how insane you’ll be to live with if you don’t get this. I don’t think I can handle too much more of your craziness.”

  She laughs and nudges me, her touch sending chills down my spine. I reach for her hand and kiss it, because that’s the only affection I can show her without it being creepy.

  “Now, come and eat. Unless you want your dad to worry.” I arch an eyebrow until she sighs and gets to her feet.

  “Fine,” she grumbles.

  She throws on a sweater and walks to the door, flinging it open. I watch her, suddenly nervous. The thought of her moving away makes me feel empty inside. I’d never even considered that she might leave Chicago, her home—her father. Anyone else would lack the courage to stand up to Giovanni for what they believe in, but Lucy is different. She’s her father’s daughter and like him in so many ways. More than that, Lucy is the only person I’ve ever seen bring Giovanni to his knees. He’d do anything for her, but would he let her leave?

  “Wow,” I mumble as we leave her room. “This is big. I know how much dancing means to you, Lucy. I really do hope you’re accepted.”

  “Me too.” She grins.

  Chapter 3

  Lucy

  Three weeks have passed since my audition and I’ve heard nothing, so arriving home and finding the mail sorted and on the dining table, I’m not expecting anything. When I first spot the large white envelope, my heart skips a beat.

  No, it’s probably just the latest Vixen magazine, I try to convince myself. Which has never come in an envelope before, the voice in my head fires back. I pick it up and run my fingers over the smooth, white surface.

  The only thing written on it is my name and address. No return details or indication of who it is from. Shaking, I tuck it inside my bag and retreat to my room. I’ve barely closed the door when I begin tearing into the envelope. I pull out a thick stack of papers and scan the letter, words like congratulations and New York Ballet jumping out at me.

  Holy shit. I’m in. I’m in. I did it.

  Dropping the letter, I pick up my phone and call Bella.

  “I’m in,” I gasp, still in shock. I run a hand through my long dark hair and sink to the floor.

  “In where?” she asks, confused.

  “The ballet. I was accepted. They actually accepted me,” I squeal. My heart pounds as I try to process all of this.

  “Really? That’s amazing news, Luce! When do you start?”

  “I don’t know. I saw that I was in and called you.” I giggle, shuffling through the papers. “Oh, here it is. Two weeks. Holy shit, I have to be there and ready in two freaking weeks.”

  “Plenty of time,” Bella says, dismissing my concerns. “I’ll help you. Do you need to find an apartment or do they take care of that?”

  “I don’t know,” I mumble. I feel overwhelmed at how underprepared I am for all of this. I have so much to do, and right at the top of that list is the thing I’m dreading most. Telling my father.

  “What are you going to do about your dad?” Bella asks, reading my mind.

  “I’m not sure.” I groan. “It’s something I don’t even want to think about right now.”

  “Anyway,” Bella cuts in. “Enough about you, let’s talk about me.” She pauses before announcing dramatically, “I had the best sex last night.”

  “With Ben?” I ask, laughing helplessly.

  “Ben?” she gasps. “God no. Keep up, Luce. Ben was three guys ago. I met this guy Ryan a few day
s ago while getting my morning coffee. He is absolutely dreamy.”

  “I can’t keep up with you,” I say, giggling. “I’m afraid to meet any of your guys in case I use the wrong name.”

  “Oh, don’t worry, I’m scared I’ll do that myself,” she jokes. “But Ryan is different. I don’t know, I think I can actually see a future with him.”

  “By future, you mean longer than a week, right?” I joke.

  “You’re hilarious, Spontagio,” Bella says, her tone sour. “How about you talk to me once you’ve actually had sex?”

  “That was harsh!” I laugh.

  “But true.” Bella giggles. “Anyway, I gotta run. Let me know how it goes telling your dad, okay?”

  “I’ll text you. But I can tell you now it’s not going to go well.”

  After I finish talking to Bella, I head downstairs. How am I going to tell my father? I’ll need a pretty damn good argument if I’m going to convince him to let me go. I wasn’t kidding when I told Bella I’d be going anyway, but I’d prefer it be with his blessing.

  I walk into the kitchen and sit down at the counter. A freshly baked cake sits in front of me, its heavenly smell taunting me. After a few moments of torture I give in and cut myself a slice. I shove half the piece in my mouth, savoring the flavor just as Pietro walks in. He raises his eyebrows and smirks at me.

  “You know Alsia made that especially for a meeting your father has tonight, right?” he says, referring to our housekeeper.

  Shit. My eyes widen as I consider putting the slice back and trying to patch up the icing. Or maybe I should eat the whole thing and whip up another one. They’ll never know, right? Pietro starts laughing uncontrollably, clutching the edge of the counter for support. I narrow my eyes at him.

  “You lying little shit,” I gasp, my mouth falling open and a few crumbs escaping.

  “You should’ve seen your face just then. Seriously, Luce, it was gold,” he sputters. Leaning over, he cuts himself his own slice. Winking at me, he takes a bite. “This is good.”