Page 156 of Breaking Rosalind
Miranda lets out a genuine laugh that’s melodic and full of joy. “Rosa doesn’t sing or dance.”
“Of course she does.” He kisses my cheek, his lips lingering on my skin.
Miranda bounces on her seat and squeals. “Oh, you’re so romantic. I hope someone will love me as much as you love my sister!”
“The little bastard has to go through me first,” Cesare growls.
“Cesare,” I hiss.
“Miranda has heard far worse language.” He turns to her and grins. “Haven’t you, love?”
She gives him an identical smile, emboldened by his terrible influence. “Sure have. Everyone at my school cusses.”
“It’s a good thing you’re leaving Tourgis Academy, then.” I say, immediately cringing at sounding so strict.
I don’t mean to be so controlling and overbearing. The absence of a concerned parental figure is what left a gaping hole Matteo was eager to fill. The time I can spend with Miranda is limited, and whenever we’re together, I overcompensate.
The song comes to an end and Miranda picks another duet. Cesare kisses the top of my head and joins her for the next song, so I pick up my burner phone and text Britt’s burner.
I tap out:
Are you alright, B?
When three dots appear, I exhale the longest sigh of relief.
Holy hell. How did you escape?
We formed a truce.
The tracking info says you’re moving down Alderney Hill. Where are you headed?
Airport.
Don’t worry. I’ll be on a rooftop with a sniper rifle.
My chest tightens, and my stomach churns. There’s no way in hell I can afford an academy as exclusive as Brunswick without Cesare. Even in the unlikely event that Gunther clawed back the Paris job’s bonus from Axel, I can’t use that money without it being traced.
The only way Miranda will be safe from the Moirai is if they think I’m wasting away in the Montesano dungeon or dead.
I type:
Don’t. He’s helping Miri.
Three more dots appear, and I hold my breath. The day I saved Britt in the academy’s final exam is the day I made my truest friend. I just don’t want that loyalty to cost her life.
When the dots disappear, I stare at the screen, wondering if she’s decided to ignore my request not to confront Cesare.
“Who are you texting, pet?” he asks, his voice a low growl.
My heart leaps, and my gaze darts to Miranda, but she’s too engrossed in the Korean lyrics to notice the threat. Turning to Cesare, I force a smile and reply in a low voice, “Just checking on the friend you shot.”
His eyes narrow. “Sure you’re not staging another rescue mission?”
“For the people who colluded to paint me as their mastermind?” I reply, unable to hide the full extent of my resentment.
He leans closer, his hot breath tickling my ear, sending shivers down my spine. “I still think you’re their boss.”
“You have too much faith in my talents.” I try to push him away with my shoulder, but it’s as futile as moving a statue.