They wisely turn away.
My arms wrap around her possessively, and I rest my chin on the top of her head, trying to ignore the tight round ass against my thighs. She’s wearing a red wrap dress, one of the dozens of outfits I had a personal shopper buy her. I love her in red. Like a flashing warning to all the fuckers who even think about touching my girl.
I freeze.My girl?Where in the bleedin’ hell did that come from? In all the chaos, I haven’t thought further ahead than keeping her and Rona alive until we can deal with her devil. But… is it possible for us to have a future? Be a family? A ray of hope burns in my chest, and it’s more painful than a bullet ripping through my heart. I shove those thoughts away.
She places her arm over mine and entwines our fingers with a heavy sigh. “I wish I knew that Celia is okay.”
I squeeze her tighter, wishing I could take away all her worries. “Soon, love.”
She turns her head so I can see her profile. “This can’t last, can it? This peace? He’s coming for us.” A shiver runs through her body.
My jaw tightens as I move my gaze from her worried brow just in time to see the last of the fiery orange ball sink below the horizon. It feels like an omen. Our time is almost up.
What I haven’t told her is despite Sandro’s efforts, Joey Amato has refused to hear me out. That’s not even the worst part. He also sent back a warning that interfering with Mr. Barone would be considered an act of war against the family.
Michael Barone is a dead man. There’s no question about that. And I will start a fuckin’ mafia war to make that happen.
I have an idea. It’s a long shot, but if it works, I can take Michael off the board without retribution from the Italians. “Come on.” I keep our hands entangled as I lead her back through the crowd and into the elevator. I’m on high alert, watching every person. Even with the extra security and my guards patting down everyone for weapons, I know I can’t let my guard down. “I have a surprise for ya.”
When we exit the elevator on the main floor, her gaze travels past the stage where two girls are dancing for a crowd and lands on Lennon and Sloane at the bar. Her eyes light up. My chest loosens.There she is.
They wave and I smack her ass. “Go be with your friends, love.”
She wraps her arms around my waist and looks up with those adoring liquid honey eyes that make me wish I was a better man. I lean down and press a soft kiss on her lips, tasting her fruity gloss. “Thank you.” Then she leaves my arms with a huge grin.
I head into the elevator and back up to the gambling lounge, where I know Sandro and the boys are.
Chapter 37
Samantha
“Hey!” I close my eyes as Lennon hugs me, her long auburn hair tickling my nose. “It’s so good to see you.”
She pulls back and lets Sloane hug me, too. “We figured if you can’t go out for a girl’s night, we’d come to you.”
The happiness is almost dizzying. “You have no idea how much I appreciate it and need it.”
Sloane signals to Scarlett, who nods and gives me a wink.
I take a seat beside them and am faced with huge grins. “So,” Lennon’s brows raise. “You and my brother, huh? We haven’t got a chance to talk about that.”
I moan and cover my face, which has them both laughing.
Lennon squeezes my knee. “I’m just getting to know him, too, but I think you guys are good for each other. I know he’s super protective of you and Rona.”
“Yeah.” Guilt dulls some of my happiness. “I don’t think I could forgive myself if anything happened to him because of me. There’s no telling him that, though. Stubborn Irish.” I wince. “No offense.”
“No offense taken.” Lennon waves me off, her huge wedding ring catching the light. “I didn’t even know I was Irishuntil I met Mac. Though, I guess the auburn hair and green eyes should’ve been a clue.” She moves her elbow as Scarlett sets three margaritas down on the bar in front of us.
“Enjoy, ladies.”
Lennon lifts one of the glasses rimmed in salt. “Well, for tonight, we’re just three friends out for a night on the town.”
“Cheers,” we say, clinking our glasses.
I sip mine and we catch up. I’ll only have one drink tonight, so I can stay alert for any threats. But I find myself relaxing just from being with them. So, this is what having friends feels like? At one point, I’m overwhelmed with gratitude and tear up.
Lennon notices immediately. She squeezes my hand. “You okay?”
