I ruffled his hair. “Stop being a drama queen.”
“Izzy, why do they hate me so much?”
“They don’t,” I said, sitting next to him at the kitchen table.
“Bullshit,” he murmured. “Joey wants to cut my fuckin’ throat.”
“Nah.” I shook my head as I bit my lip. “He just wants you to know where you stand.”
“What’s his issue?”
“Where would I even begin?” I laughed. “Joe is protective of everyone in this family, especially me. You’re in an MC, and for that reason alone, he’d hate you being around me. He knows you fuck me, and that makes him want to rip your cock off and shove it down your throat.”
Flash’s face paled and his Adam’s apple bobbed as he swallowed roughly. “You know I’d protect you, Izzy. You may not be mine, but I’d never let anything happen to you.”
“I know, Flash, but Joe doesn’t. Let’s have dessert and we’ll be out of here in a couple of hours. Aren’t you happy you came to Thanksgiving Gallo style?”
“Hell yeah.” He burped, rubbing his stomach. “The food alone was worth all the trouble.”
Suzy walked into the kitchen, giving me a devilish smile as she looked between Flash and me. “Hey, guys. Ready for dessert?”
I nodded my head, smirking at her. “Yeah. I have to get Flash home soon.”
“Aww, really? I wanted to play cards or something.” Suzy pouted and stomped to the counter to grab the pumpkin pie.
“We can stay,” Flash interrupted before I could reply.
I glared at him, not really in the mood to play cards with the family. “Fine. We’ll stay.”
His smile grew wide as Suzy yipped and jumped up and down. “Heck yeah! I’m so excited!”
As she walked out of the room, I kept my eyes glued to Flash. This was going to be a very long evening.
“What time do you have to head back?” I asked him, hoping it was sooner than later.
“I’ll leave whenever we get back to your place. I just have to be back tonight. I don’t have a curfew, Izzy.” He laughed, standing and walking to the counter to grab the other pie.
I put my head on the table, lightly smashing it against the surface. I hated bringing anyone with me to family dinners, even Flash. I always felt a sense of being restricted or tied down. They were two things I never wanted to feel.
I avoided relationships like the plague. I never begrudged anyone happiness, but togetherness wasn’t for me.
Chapter 4
Tears stung the back of my eyes as I stood in the bridal suite at the church and stared at Suzy. She looked amazing. I’d worried this day wouldn’t come, especially after the bachelorette party.
I’d kind of fucked up. She’d said no to male strippers, but shit… I never listen. Joe had flipped when he’d caught the scent of the guy as it lingered on her skin that night. Their entire relationship had almost exploded into a million tiny pieces, but their love was too strong. Plus, Joe had decided to take the stick out of his ass and apologize to her for acting like a complete caveman asshole.
I’d marked that shit down on my calendar because it wasn’t likely to ever happen again. Gallo men aren’t quick to take the blame for shit. They grunt, smile, and move on.
“She looks stunning, doesn’t she?” Mia asked, nudging me in the shoulder.
I slowly nodded, unable to take my eyes off her. “She does.” I turned to Mia with a small smile. “When am I going to see you in a wedding dress?”
“Oh,” she said, her cheeks turning pink. “I’m just waiting for Mike to ask me.”
“Haven’t you two talked about marriage?”
“He’s mentioned it a time or two, but I’m not pushing it on him.” She shook her head and sighed.
