Capo Dei Capi (Secrets of the Famiglia Part 1) novel Chapter 23

We've been stuck together for the last year and a half.

I had school most of the days, and it was far from the boy's high school, which meant I didn't spend much time with them. Next year that will change.

Michel and Ren suggested I attend their school because of the art program. Ren was prepared to go to Papa and ask him.

Something that made me like the pimpled face boy, yet, find him annoying. Arrogance is dangerous, and we are kids. Papa doesn't like arrogant people.

I explained this in the morning before we all left and again, once I got home today, but Ren refused to hear a word of my explanation. It went through one ear and vanished.

Simmone, Capo Stagio Russo's sister laughed when I made a sound that should never be made while I colored her house with words no young lady should say, storming out of there in frustration and up into the attic.

Which is the reason I was snippy today. Now, I am not so sure about my insolent snappy attitude. Thirteen is hard as it is. Add in the facts- I was pawned off to live in Chicago, my mother is dead, and I have no one to admit to that recently I got my period. I'm rethinking my decision to keep to myself. A lot.

Ren and the others only want to be my friend. I need friends, and they are going to be significant men one day, so they are excellent friends to have in this world. I think this as I head on to my room to shower and change my clothes, which consist of distressed black denim pants, a well fitted white soft cashmere tee, and black suede Corvette shoes.

My hair takes me ten minutes to brush out, and I think about Mero’s request to get Christy's number. If I am going to be these guys friend, then I am going to have to do my part too. They want me in their group. A woman born into our world didn’t get an opportunity like this, ever.

My thoughts carry on when I see they are all waiting for me downstairs, and I am 15 minutes late. None of them utter a word.

I think on it, even more, when Gabriel introduces me to a boy in his class that indeed knows a lot more about me than I do, including the knowledge of my sister or should I say, siblings.

“So, tell me, Dexter Kent, are the rumors true about your father?” Mero asks the Texan, blue-eyed boy staring at Mero in open amusement. Light brown hair floppy as it falls partially into his face. He is wearing an Armani suit, and while most boys look at these guys in awe and fear, Dexter Kent seems at complete ease with us being in his presence. And considering we were supposed to meet his dad and got him instead, I knew this was not a surprise, but a planned occurrence on his part.

“It depends on who is asking,” He says in a still very young voice.

“How old are you?” I ask him.