(SANTINO’S POV

Rage burned slow and deep in my chest, like coals under ash. I didn’t even realize I’d balled my fists until my nails bit into my palms. Her words had hung in the air…sharp, careless, foolish.

I couldn’t believe she said that. Not to anyone, and definitely not to my parents.

My mother had stood frozen, eyes wide. My father looked like he was struggling to form words, his mouth opening and closing once before he gave up. Only one sound filled the air, the sound of ...