???
Sebastian set down a large pizza box that read Julianna’s.
“Do you think ordering my favorite pizza will make up for the fact that your brother put a death bracelet on me?” I asked, sitting down in the seat furthest away from him.
He rolled his eyes, but didn’t say anything.
I might complain, but that didn’t mean I wouldn’t eat it. There was a reason it was my favorite.
When I was on my second slice, he wiped his hands off with a napkin, andfolded his arms across his broad chest.
“Jared asked if he could have a pre-game here. He mentioned Piperwas invited,” Sebastian said.
I set my slice down and focused my gaze on him.
“Are you telling me, or asking me?”
He shrugged.“I figured you couldn’t leave the house, so instead I’d bring the party to you.”
Iglared at him.“What are you planning?”
“Can’t I just be trying to do a nice thing?”
“The Amato family isn’t exactly known for nice deeds.”
“Neither is your family,” he shot back, then he sighed before continuing in an exasperated voice, “Do you want to havethem comeor not?”
I tried to figure out what he could get out of this. From what he’d said to me at Piper’s party, he didn’t want any of his high school friends knowing his business. And he knew Piper was the last person I wanted to know aboutmyconnections to the mob.I couldn’t figure out his angle, but that didn’t mean I could trust him.
On the other hand, I missed Piper and my old life. I’d gone into more debt than I wanted to think about in order totry to livemy life like hers.
After the whiplash of the last few days I needed some normalcy. Plus, this was probably my last chance to see her before I received a bullet to the head.
“No mention of work,” I demanded.
He rolled his eyes.“Obviously.”
Chapter 33
Fifteen minutes before the pregame started, Itooka last look at my appearance in the mirror. I’d ignored the miniskirts and crop tops in my bedroom closet, and settled on a silken black jumper that would cover upthebruises on my legs and arms. I glanced down at my feet and tuggedupthe black cotton socks underneath my jumper. Ifmy outfitrode up the marks wouldn’t be visible.
Despite myinsistent digs through the drawers I had no luck finding winter gloves. I stepped towards the door with a sigh. I guessI'd haveto spin some story about how I’d been drunk and somehow bruised the entirety of both of my hands.
Sebastian was reclining on a plush black chair adjacent to the couch while sipping on some whiskey. He’d traded his tailored suit for a black cotton v-neck, and dark jeans. I didn’t evenneedto touch the material ofhisshirt to know how soft it felt.
“I made you acosmo,” he said while nodding his head towards the coffee table.
I didn’t respond as I moved towards the couch. Did he really think thatfixingme a drink and allowing me to see my friends would somehow make me forgive him? I slumpedonto the couchand snatched the drink off the table.
I nodded towards the green Gucci boxsitting on the coffee table.
“What’s that?” I asked.
He shrugged.“Open it.”
Hesitantly, I reached towards the bag, and pushed past the green tissue paper until I felt delicate lace.They were black lace gloves with the signature G of Gucci interlocked throughout the fabric. I triedone on and flexed my fingers. It was light enough that I wouldn’t be sweating, but also thick enough that it covered any bruises.
“Does this present come with an injection attached as well?” I asked as I tugged on the other one.
