Tullia makes a zipping motion across her lips.
Cristian leans in and claims a quick, hard kiss before walking off, leaving me staring at his retreating form with my heart in my mouth and my panties on fire.
“Damn, girl.” Tullia threads her arm through mine. “I need all the tea.”
28
CRISTIAN
I’ve always liked Rowan. He’s ten years younger, so he wasn’t part of our friend group until recent years. He’s quite close to Caleb now, and he sometimes tags along on nights out. As Don Mazzone’s successor, he’ll be a fellow Commission board member in the future, so it’s important we get along. But right now, I am imagining several creative ways to remove his head from his shoulders.
I detoured to the bathroom after I went to get Sloane and Tullia. When I returned, everyone was seated around the table, and Rowan had strategically placed himself on Sloane’s left. Elio is seated on her other side, and Fiero is at the top of the table, meaning I had no choice but to sit across from my son. Tullia is beside me with Valentina to her right, and Armani is in his high chair at the other end of the table.
I’ve had a front row seat to Rowan hitting on my girl any chance he gets, and my patience is currently in limited supply. Sloane looks hugely uncomfortable, and she’s not encouraging him, but he’s either oblivious or deliberately ignoring the vibes she’s putting out.
“You can’t kill anyone in leadership or an heir,” Fiero says, speaking in a low tone. “Just remember that.”
“Didn’t stop you,” I say before popping the last piece of succulent roast beef in my mouth. Valentina is a superb cook, and she served up a delicious lunch, but it sits in my stomach like a rock. I haven’t been able to relax and enjoy the meal because I’m so wound up about Rowan and Sloane.
“Extenuating circumstances, my friend.” Fiero waggles his brows.
Tullia leans in close, whispering to both of us. “You could mess up his pretty face though. Maybe if we’re on a level playing field, he might finally notice me.”
“You’re beautiful, Lia,” Fiero tells his sister. “And you shouldn’t put yourself down. I suggest you forget about Rowan, at least for a few years. He’s not a bad guy, just young and dumb. We were all there.”
“Speak for yourself.” I pin him with a cool stare.
“I said what I said.” Fiero grins.
There’s no point arguing, even if I want to protest, I was not like most of my idiot friends at that age. Steam is practically billowing out of my ears as I watch Rowan lean closer to Sloane, and honestly, if Elio wasn’t in the room, I’d be all up in his face right now. I purposely eavesdrop on their conversation.
“A few of us are heading to a club tonight. You should come,” Rowan says.
“I’ve already got plans,” Sloane replies, instantly shutting him down.
I drill Rowan with a look that I hope screams “she has plans withme.”
“Surely the boss gives you a night off.” Rowan smirks as he looks across the table at me.
“I’m not Sloane’s keeper,” I calmly reply. “Sounds to me like she doesn’t want to go.”
“You didn’t mention any club to me,” Tullia says.
Rowan grimaces a little. “We’re hitting up Club H. I know that’s not your scene.”
“Club H? Are you fucking kidding me right now?” I snap, gripping the edge of the table.
“Calm down, Cristian. We’re going to the lower-level club. What kind of man do you think I am?”
“I’m beginning to wonder,” I mutter under my breath, only marginally less angry.
Club H is one of the clubs run by the Mazzonefamiglia. It’s a popular sex club among wealthy VIPs in the city. There are various levels to the club, with various activities, but the ground level is a normal club and very busy most nights of the week. Still, I don’t want Sloane going there. At least not without me.
“Thanks for the invite, but I’ll pass.” Sloane pushes the remaining food around her plate, and I notice she’s only picked at her meal.
Rowan’s face drops, and Tullia notices. “See? I might as well be invisible,” she whispers with pain lacing her words, and I feel for her.
We continue talking in hushed tones.
