Tommy looked slightly embarrassed, but he pressed on. “You know, the tradition where the newlyweds have to prove the bride’s virginity by showing a bloodstained sheet after the wedding night. Heard Sebastian and Dante talkin’ about it.”
I blinked again. “Well, that sounds ridiculous. The Romanos are traditional, but they’re not living in the Dark Ages.”
Sebastian shook his head slowly. “It’s the Outfit. We’ve got old traditions in Catholic families,” he said.
Dante chimed in. “Yeah, they’ve been doing it for generations. It’s supposed to prove the bride is pure, and it’s a big deal for the family’s reputation.”
I felt a knot forming in my stomach. The idea was both shocking and unsettling. “That won’t be happening,” I said firmly.
Dante shrugged. “What if you don’t have a choice? Some of the older folks in the family take these traditions very seriously.”
Sean, who’d been silent until now, suddenly spoke up, his voice laced with irritation. “Do you want to ask her any more invasive questions, Dante? What the fuck?”
Sebastian interjected. “Look, I just thought you should know. I’m not endorsing it.”
Just as I was about to respond, Max appeared at my side, wrapping an arm around my waist and pulling me closer to him.
“You know what’s crazy?” Max’s eyes gave a quiet warning to Dante and Sebastian. “Me. Don’t ask her fucking questions like that.”
A smile crept onto my cheeks.Gosh, he was clingy.
Feeling the need for a moment to myself, I gently pulled my hand from Max’s and stepped away.
At the bar, I ordered my usual. I took a sip of the martini and looked up at Sean.
“Can I steal you for a dance?” he asked.
I couldn’t say no to him.
We moved to the dance floor, where Sean spun me around. We danced for a few songs, and I felt the heat of a familiar stare on my back. I turned, finding Max standing protectively right where I’d left him. Dante and Sebastian were continuing their hushed conversation, and Max looked like he was about to lose it as he watched Sean dance with me.
Max’s eyes were on the verge of burning a hole in my dress. It was a look that told me I wasn’t getting away from him next time. I knew I’d have to face him sooner or later, and the anticipation was eating away at me.
I was thrilled and terrified.
Mostly terrified.
Sean noticed my distraction and followed my gaze to the bar. “Looks like he’s thinking about all the different ways he could kill me right now for having my hand on your waist.”
“He’ll behave, don’t worry. He’s harmless.”
“Ay. Is he treating you well?”
“He doesn’t treat me badly,” I admitted.
Sean smirked, his grip tightening on my waist. “Well, if he steps out of line, kiddo, you know where to find me.”
With a reluctant nod, I pulled away from him and found my way through the crowd. The faces blurred together as I approached the back hall, right where I’d first kissed Max.
As if on cue, he came out from behind me, trapping me between him and a wall like last time. “You’ve been avoiding me,” he said, his voice low and dangerous. His eyes narrowed, studying my reaction.
Had I? I guess I had been. I was nervous to go home with him. He’d told me he was going to have his way with me. To say I wasn’t ready was an understatement.
“I’ve been busy,” I replied, keeping my voice level.
Max leaned in closer, his breath warm against my ear. “Busy dancing with other men, it seems.”
“Jealous?” I asked, arching an eyebrow as I tried to maintain my composure.
