By Fate I Conquer (Sins of the Fathers #4)(32)

“Hello?” I asked, hearing how awkward even that one word sounded from my mouth.

Aurora cleared her throat. “Hey, sorry, I hope I didn’t wake you?”

“You did, actually.”

“Oh. I’m sorry. It’s just…Can I come over? I can’t explain over the phone. I know it’s early and your birthday. Oh happy birthday by the way. So…uhhh.”

I blinked blearily down at my wrist watch. It was 7:48. Not really early. “You can come over. I’m in my bathroom.” I hung up.

The bunny with the lop ears peeked out again and this time it put its paws on the edge of the box. It tried to jump out but failed and the box fell over, both rabbits tumbling out. They both dashed under the sink after a moment of terror. Their muscles weren’t well developed. A bunny should be able to jump out of a box of that height without trouble.

I texted the vet I’d worked with for almost five years and asked him to come over as soon as possible.

A knock sounded at my bedroom door, and I quickly got up. I’d forgotten about Bear and Momo. They liked Aurora but I still preferred to be present when she entered my room. When I peered out Aurora was already inside, patting Bear. Momo hadn’t bothered getting up from the bed but Aurora went over to him for a quick cuddle as well.

“Hey, Greta.”

“Can you come into the bathroom? I want to keep an eye on the new bunnies.”

Aurora followed me back into the bathroom and raised her eyebrows at my set up.

“Nevio gave me two rescue bunnies as a present.”

“Oh that’s so sweet of him,” Aurora said, her cheeks flushing.

I shrugged. “He knows I don’t want a bought present.”

I sank back down, my back against the wall and Aurora did the same.

I wondered why she was here.

She gave me an awkward smile. “This might sound strange, but I’m not here because of me. I’m here because someone asked me to.”

I raised my eyebrows.

“Amo?” she said as if she wasn’t sure if I knew the name.

I didn’t say anything but my heart began racing.

“Amo Vitiello, you know him?”

I smiled. “I know him, yes.”

“He got my number from Aunt Aria and called me fifteen minutes ago. It was all very strange. Well, he asked me to go to you and call him again. Is that okay?”

I nodded.

Aurora picked up her phone then waited for Amo to pick up. “Yes, she’s beside me. You’re welcome.”

She handed me her phone and my pulse sped up even more. My mouth became terribly dry. “Hey?”

Aurora regarded me closely.

“Happy birthday, Greta.”

Amo’s voice was deep, low and growly with sleep, and my belly heated unexpectedly.

I swallowed, not sure what to say.

“I know this might seem stalkerish but I simply had to wish you a happy birthday.”

“You remembered?”

“I can’t forget,” he murmured, and I was sure I’d combust with heat any moment.

“Wasn’t your mother confused that you wanted to call me?”

“I lied. I told her I needed Aurora’s number because of the wedding.” The last word was quieter than the rest. The wedding. His wedding.

“Oh, that makes sense.”

Amo sighed, and I imagined he ran his strong fingers through his dark hair. “I know I shouldn’t say this, but I want to see you again.”

I stared down at my thighs, frowning. I should say no. I wasn’t sure where this was heading, only that it was a tunnel without a light at the end. “I have a dance rehearsal in New York in a week that I wanted to cancel but I could go.”

“Come.”

“Okay.”

“There’s more I want to say, but I can’t do it over the phone. One week.”

“One week.”

“Don’t take Nevio with you.”

I pursed my lips. My brother wouldn’t agree to stay in Vegas when I flew to New York no matter what I said. “I’ll try.”

“Can Aurora keep a secret?”

“Shouldn’t you have worried about that before you called her?” I asked with a hint of amusement.

“I did, but my desire to call you was stronger than caution.”

I closed my eyes. “She can.”

At least from almost everyone, except for Nevio. For some reason she seemed unable to lie to him.

“Good. See you in a week.”

“Okay.” I hung up and took a deep breath, wondering what had just happened. What was this?

When I opened my eyes, Aurora was watching me with an open mouth. “What’s going on?” Her voice was hushed, shocked.

“I don’t know.”

She shook her head as if she couldn’t believe it. “Amo’s going to marry in a few weeks.”

“Don’t tell anyone about this, okay?”

She blinked at me. “Okay.” I could hear the uncertainty in her voice.

“Not even Carlotta or your parents, and definitely not Nevio. Swear it.”

“Greta—” A growl sounded, followed by a sharp shhhh.

The bathroom door swung open and Nevio stepped in, messy bed-hair and only in low hanging boxers. He paused with a coffee cup against his lips, eyes narrowing when he saw Aurora beside me. “Girl talk?”