CARLY

“What’s wrong?” With his furrowed brows, Rome asked before he looked over his shoulder.

“Nothing.” I thought I saw Aunt Alessia. “Um. I need to use a restroom.”

“I’m coming with you.”

“To the restroom?” My eyes widened.

“Not inside.”

I stepped back. “I’ll be fine. It’s just the crowd is kind of overwhelming. And I need to freshen up.”

“Alright. Come find me when you’re done. I’ll be with Mykel.”

I gave him a thin smile. “I will. Thanks.”

I rushed out of the crowded ballroom toward the hallway. My stomach was constantly in knots. I knew my father’s illegitimate sister was in New York, but I wasn’t...