For a few seconds, I had that big brother possessiveness ready to attack. Then I remembered my Capo would never touch the mafia princess and not only because she was my sister.
Mostly because Alexander would cut his nuts off if he did. That didn’t stop my baby sister from blowing him a kiss. How much could the poor guy take?
As expected, he shifted in his seat uncomfortably while I rubbed the two-day scruff on my jaw.
“Since you tracked me down in my office, whatever favor you’re about to ask must be huge. Here I thought I’d slipped into town without anyone noticing.”
She sashayed into the room with her usual dramatic flair.
“It’s very tough for you to slip anywhere when you drive your big, fat Harley.”
While Donatello laughed, I rolled my eyes. “Fine. What do you need?”
“Ineedyou to attend a gathering tonight.”
“A gathering?” I repeated.
“Something small. Unfortunately, I can’t go. I have a meeting that clashes with the event and our family needs to be represented.”
My sister had parlayed her love of fashion and baking into a booming business within our organization. Under her supervision, Indulgence, our hospitality end of the empire was thriving. Hell, she was on track with several planned expansions to earn more with our legitimate side of the corporation than our less than scrupulous side.
A feat she’d never allow her four brothers to forget.
She was also involved in philanthropic pursuits, including several charities. She’d worked very hard to ensure the Prince legacy of crime and violence was replaced with one of giving to charity and caring about our community.
No one within the family could dare argue that her tactics were working. “What event are we talking about?”
“The NOBT. They are having a small gathering tonight in celebration of their benefactors. We are number one and if I know how they’ll handle the event, we’ll receive accolades for our generosity. It would be a complete snub if not one of the family members attended.”
“Did you ask anyone else before attempting to twist my arm?”
Her grin was far too salacious. Meanwhile, my Capo was sitting on the edge of his seat, paying way too close attention to every move she made. Still. Even after I’d given him the evil eye.
“Come now, Jaxon. I don’t need to twist anyone’s arm. You’re my favorite brother. You know that. Plus, all the women deserve some eye candy.” Emme eased down onto the edge of my desk, batting her long eyelashes. “You are the best-looking Prince brother in the family.”
Donatello coughed into his hand and I resisted giving him the finger. Not in front of my sister. “How long do I need to stay?”
“One hour. Two. Tops. Just long enough to mingle, shake a few hands. Flirt. That kind of thing.” She jumped up, immediately heading for the door. “I’ll send you all the particulars. Address. Time. Dress code.”
She was trying to skedaddle out the door before I could say no or ask too many questions. “Whoa. Hold on. What in the hell is the NOBT?”
“Oh, didn’t I tell you? The New Orleans Ballet Theater. So you know. The party is a costume party and there will be a little performance during the event.”
“What? The ballet? I hate the ballet.”
She winked before sliding out the door.
“Emme. Get back here. I also don’t like costume parties!”
My sister was a wolf in a vixen’s clothing. When she was gone, I threw my head back and groaned.
While my Capo, a man I should beat to a pulp was laughing.
“Shut the hell up,” I managed.
“Yes, sir.”
If there was one thing I hated, it was wearing a penguin suit. When you added the fact that the event was a costume party in homage to the culture of New Orleans, I was ready to rip off the mask and my bowtie already. The second was attending anything that involved schmoozing. Small talk was annoying. Third was the point I’d made to my beautiful sister.
