Chapter 20

"Penny for your thoughts?"

I'm startled for a moment, and find Fabien watching me intently. The power of the gaze in those glowing eyes nearly knocks me back.

"I was just thinking I'm jealous of you. You're so close with your family. It's obvious you'd do anything for them. My family is…" I have to be careful not to reveal anything too personal. My family, as far as Fabien knows, is the Zedona crime syndicate. "Not as close. We fight a lot and my father…I often don't see eye to eye with him."

I don't think I've said anything that wouldn't be true for both me and Luna Zedona, but I run over what I've said in my head again just to be sure.

Fabien sighs.

"I've never gotten along with my father either. He grew up around the time of the Norman conquest of England. You know, the dark ages? He's used to wearing armor and swinging maces and crushing skulls. He isn't exactly the father of the year."

"Still, everyone else seems to really respect you."

"Fear me, you mean."