“Where are you going?” I ask, confused and surprised as he heads around the coffee table, aiming for the kitchen. “I’m getting us refills, Iris,” he replies, his voice tired. “Because if we’re going to have the family chat, I’m going to need another drink.” And, despite myself, I laugh. Christ
“Christian,” I murmur, leaning forward to peer into his face after we sit in silence for a too-long moment. “Do you…do you not have any hope in this world?” He scowls a little, turning away from me and looking out at the dark city through the wide expanse of windows. “I don’t even know what that m
“Primarily,” Christian says, drawing my full attention back, “designating you as my sister means hands off,” he says, giving me a significant look. I smile a little, liking to see his protective side. “Does it also mean I get a share in the Romano fortune?” I ask, dry, and Christian laughs, instan
Christian groans as I look down into my lap, intuiting that he’s hurt my feelings, and then he scootches closer to me. “Don’t look like that, Iris,” he murmurs, putting a warm hand on my shoulder, “you’re breaking my heart.” “I don’t want to be a burden to you, Christian,” I sigh, looking down int
We sit quietly for a long moment and I let him have his space, studying the top of his head, his thick dark hair, while he stares into his laps and processes…whatever it is he’s processing. Suddenly, he starts. “Hey,” he says, raising his head with interest. “Do you remember what we used to get to
I smirk a little, turning back to my work, turning the churros over as they turn a nice golden brown. “Do you have any chocolate in your room, Frankie?” I ask, knowing the answer already. “Of course I do.” “Go and get it – I’ll make a dipping sauce.” He hesitates for a second, but I laugh and
I sigh, inwardly, a little tired of getting friend-zoned. That’s twice in one day – in one hour – after all. I ignore it, though, gesturing for Christian to bring the next paper-towel laden plate over me. A door slams behind me down the hall. “What am I smelling?” Nico calls, walking curiously int
“What!?” Frankie gasps, staring at Christian now. “Boss, you can’t be serious –“ “Listen, I get it, she’s a great girl, she can cook – but I said hands off,” Christian says, jerking his head towards the door. “Ten laps around the block. Now.” Frankie’s mouth drops open as my eyes go wide. Ten la