Alessia Mancini
"After the trip to the casino this morning," I began, my voice barely above a whisper, "Nico and I dropped off a letter to a... business rival on our way back here." The half-truth tasted bitter on my tongue. "That rival took offense to our presence and followed us."
Chef Lorenzo's head snapped up, his weathered face creasing with concern. "Alessia! You told me you were fine!" His normally warm eyes flashed with a mixture of worry and reproach.
I felt a pang of guilt. Chef had always been kind to me, a steady presence in this tumultuous new world. "I am fine," I insisted, forcing a smile that didn't quite reach my eyes. "I just don't make a habit of saying, 'Hey, I probably got three speeding tickets on my way back here.'"
The attempt at humour fell flat. Riley's face h
