Chapter 54

HOPE POV

I sat in miserable silence while Nicco and his sister continued to shout at each other. Izan didn’t seem to be worried. He finished his beer and helped himself to another.

Finally, the shouting stopped and the door opened. I looked over as Nicco slid inside, scooting next to me. His sister was next, shooting daggers at me with her eyes and slamming the door behind her. I looked around for Bianca and saw her slide into the seat next to the driver.

“Hope,” Nicco said, bringing my attention back to him. He tipped my head up and gave me a soft kiss on the lips. I heard a snort from Lucia that I tried really hard to ignore.

“Everything okay?” I asked, willing my voice not to shake. It was a little higher pitched than normal, but nothing too noticeable.

“Yes, everything is fine,” Nicco said. “As a matter of fact, Lucia has something she wants to say to you.”

Inwardly I felt myself shrivel up. This wasn’t the way to endear me to his family. Lucia didn’t want to be chas