He lowered his head, wringing his hands. "I'm not angry, Nick. I'm terrified."

Adriana was up immediately, giving her father a hug. Luciana rose and hugged them both. I glanced at her friends, all of them with wet cheeks. "Are you girls okay?"

"We'll feel better soon, Nick. Thank you for coming for us. And the others too, of course."

"Lesson learned?" I asked softly. They all nodded. "You want to go to a party, you let me know first. I know I might come across as boring, but as I said, you are all under my protection."

"Girls, you're welcome here anytime. You already know that. Please, consider this...