M I N

morning on this thi

I shield my eyes from the blinding rays with my hand, wearing not

up in the bathroom. This shouldn't take

oul. The waves look c

rvice, and my father would've screamed his head off if it was him knocking incessantly. "Enzo," I call out, clenchi

unches. It's a miracle I even fell asleep. Somehow th

epless night. If the swelling persists, I might follow her advice about seeing a doctor. Probably

m look like he just got out of the gym. My cousin slouches on the third step, alone and leaning his lo

rough his gravelly voice. No idea who's on the other line and pis

er's on the other end and pockets his phone

ugh my hair. My scalp feels disgusting. Irritated. I'm alre

his narrow waist. "I'm asking anyways." He looks

breeze already feels humid, but it's more bearable than yesterday. The air smells of salt

agging her up here, just to hide her in there. The only cabin on this deck. I'm prett

or still looks closed. Locked from inside.

oesn't think I was just bullshitting her or ke

d blue eyes at me. Clearly he's no longer as interested in the bruises on my fa

mething. Nosey judgemental bastard. "Somethin' y

Like me, he doesn't prefer clean cuts and is never clean-shaven. Too busy making mon

did

ncy someone her age. Bu

really try

in. "Looks like

ess," I retort, ignoring his last comment.

ore she signed up for this side-job. As a matter of fact, I

girls on my father's to-do list for a

d cocks his head to the side. "Anyway, Ottavio's

family hired. The guy is also my father's oldest washer. I sigh out loud

t ni

? His family's

nd kid recentl

ou?" I question in a calm voice. I'm trying to acknowledge my unproductive o

might be able to convince that stupid thief to change his mind about betraying

Enzo mutters while h

ugh we don't always see eye to eye, I trust his word more than my fa

hough he tries to act bossy and standoffish at times. "Your old man told

na add that I'm my father's glorified errand runner now because he's too busy grooming Enz

ibling-cousin rivalry. I just never liked Leandro.

wh

e to ask?" I ma

o New York first t

ining him all suited up at anothe

irm in America with an old friend. We've talked about it last night. He even told

with Leandro and the Falcos. Their new business partners. My father will pi

I can't just forget the fact that I'm tethered to him by a growing debt. Because

ve stayed here in Italy for another five years if I didn't lo

eg and stares at me, like he's eagerly waiting for my answer. "It's a

ing a casual tone. "Appr

utters as he glances around, hi

eal, but, staying here and working for the family b

bigger responsibilities now. A longer list o

rescuing. I'm not the type who asks for favors or seeks sympathy for the un

sion on his tan face, as if he couldn't understan

he sits next to me on the vinyl floorin

ay out of this mess, you wanker." En

I grin.

efly while shaking his head weakly. "Bu

ep

photos of office buildings on his p

at's finally approaching the dock. I don't k

s to get off t

sun's climbing higher, casting its warmth all over this deck, promising a new da

tions anchors me to my reality here. Our family's wealth always comes with strings attached, a

nderer to hunt down. Not the ideal task list on a Monday morning

e soon to avoid my untimely death. Just one of