Read Online Mobster's Angel (Mobster Series) by Amy Rachiele - Free Book Online Page A

expecting me to finish the sentence for her.
    “Rossi. Vito Rossi.”
    “Please have a seat, Mr. Rossi.”
    I behave myself and go back to sit by Ronnie. I am so confused. Why is Erin here? Why didn’t Tonio tell me she was coming back? I can't help but wonder why. I talk to him every day, and I see him and Megan all the time. I'm really not sure what's going on.
    Why? Why fuckin’ everything?

Erin
    After all I ’ve heard and seen, I thought that nothing could play with my disbelief. I was wrong. Seeing Vito hovering over me left me speechless. It’s been a long time since I’ve seen or talked to him. He hasn’t called or texted since I left for school from Chicago.  I have a new phone, but Vito must know that Antonio has the number. They’re best friends.
    The teacher’s voice drones at a pitch that I can’t concentrate on. I’m afraid to even move my head. Part of me feels embarrassed by all that Vito knows about me. I can’t put my finger on why. Antonio knows all about me, and Troy does too. They don’t bother me. I run my fingers through my hair nervously. I see the strands out of the corner of my eye and the color still makes me do a double-take – black, not red.
    The guy next to me, Kirk, who I met yesterday in physical science class, he’s in the H.S.+ program too. He notices that something’s wrong with me. He leans over.
    “You okay?” he whispers . I nod.
    “Is that guy bothering you?” he asks, adding a little toughness to his voice. I almost want to laugh. Vito would pulverize this guy.
    I shake my head no.
    I sit and stare at the teacher and open my book on cue and write in my notebook at the correct times . But I’m in awe of seeing Vito and Ronnie.  Eyes bore into the back of my head.  I know they’re Vito’s.  He’s so intense.  That will never change about him.
    I don’t hear the teacher dismiss the class; I only notice the commotion around me.  Books closing, backpacks zipping.
    “You ready?” Kirk asks , standing up.
    I shut my book and close my notebook.  I shove them into my black messenger bag with white skull heads on it.  It’s a little more over the top than what I normally carry, but I like it.  It’s a dangerous bag.  It’s part of my new image.
    I sense someone lurking behind me.  I twist to see that it’s Vito and Ronnie.
    “Hey!” Ronnie says.  “How you doing, Kid?”
    “Good,” I say meekly, not really sure why my voice sounds smaller than usual. “How are you?”  I ask politely.
    “Can’t complain,” Ronnie comments.  “Surprised to see you.”  Vito doesn’t say anything.  He looms as usual, but is quiet.  His eyes shoot ominously to Kirk a few times.  “We’re going to grab some lunch, you wanna come?” Ronnie asks.
    T he offer startles me, causing me to fall all over my words.  “Oh. Uh, no, I can’t.  We have study group,” I tell them, swishing my finger between Kirk and me.  “Thanks though.  Well, we’ve got to run.”  I say and scurry away with Kirk in tow, feeling very awkward.
    “Who are those guys?” Kirk asks.  “The y’re like people you see on America’s Most Wanted.”
    “No…” I pause.  “T hey’re really nice guys.  A little intimidating, but nice.”
    “Yeah, just a little, ” Kirk shoots back sarcastically.
    I giggle.
    *****
    Our study group consists of the ten specially selected high school students from across the state.  We meet in the library.  We got together before classes even started to plan out a strategy to meet the objectives of the program, to work out a schedule, and to compare class syllabi. Most of us are very enthusiastic, knowing that our shaved down time in college will let us move on to graduate school or the field of our choice more quickly.  All except Kevin: I think his parents made him apply for the program.  He’s really surly and could care less about even showing up for class.
    Every library I have ever been to smells the same.  The books carry that