“My entire life is built on the knowledge that something badwillhappen. It’s simply a matter of when, not if,” she grumbles.
God, if that’s not the saddest thing I’ve ever heard, I don’t know what is.
“What are you offering, Hollis?” I ask. “You’re not from this world.”
“No, but I play mafia politics pretty well where I’m from,” she says. “Give me something to do.”
“Do you play the debutante well or killing people well?” Verona asks softly.
“My father was a mess by the time she was done with him,” I report.
“Oh. That’s who you are,” Rosa murmurs. “Nico, do you think she can play our fucked up games?”
“I have no doubt she can,” I grumble, tugging her closer so I can wrap my arms around her. Hollis raises her brow at me as I hold my wife, but she can go to hell. I’m tired of explaining myself to her. “Maybe if you see what we’re up against, you’ll cut me some slack, Hollis.”
“Doubtful, but you can try,” she smirks.
“Our omegas need to eat,” Ciro says. “If you’re serious, Dario will get your number from our brother and we’ll send you the information.”
“Omegas,” Hollis muses, her gaze snapping to mine. I know exactly what she sees, and she growls under her breath. “You have been busy. I’ll bring some friends if that’s alright. When is this happening?”
“Tomorrow,” I reply. “This isn’t going to be pretty, Hollis.”
“I only look polished and beautiful,” she says. I heard all about how much death soaked the walls of her father’s final resting place. I don’t doubt she’s telling the truth. There’s a monster prowling behind Hollis’ gaze, and tomorrow we’ll need as many of those on our side as possible. “Enjoy the rest of your night.”
Hollis walks through the park behind her, and I see a group of people waiting for her. I don’t know the details as to why she’s here, but it can’t be for anything good.
“Are her demons the reason she finds herself wanting to fight the ones others have?” Rosa asks, taking the basket of food Pablo hands her.
“Yes,” I state, simply because I don’t want to find myself having sympathy for Hollis.
I’d much rather spar verbally with her, and enjoy the way my asshole puckers in fear when I see her. Some fear of the world around you is a healthy thing.
Chapter Thirty-One
ROSALIA
My champagne gowntonight is meant for ease of movement more than for style. Don’t get me wrong, the one shoulder detail is beautiful and the draping down my legs makes me appear taller than I am, but I know this dress will be destroyed by the end of the night.
I’m on Silas’ arm tonight as we discuss the charity’s efforts with those gathered here. There’s a silent auction happening in the next room, and one of the lots is to name the organization. Sometimes, not having a clue what you’re doing helps your cause.
The underlying reason for this event is where my focus is. I’ve seen my father’s head of brown and white hair in the crowd once or twice, and my stomach is tense with what I think are nerves. It’s only when a cramp wracks my body so hard that I have to fight to breathe that I realize it’s not because of my father.
“Please tell me you’re wearing your alpha blocker cream,” Silas says conversationally as we walk. I’m breathing shallowly as I nod, my teeth tightly grinding together.
“Mmhmm,” I gasp. “And triple layered panties.”
I’ve been slicking since this morning for seemingly no reason. I’m not aroused, it’s just a slow drip like a leaky faucet. It’s obnoxious but was manageable. Now, I feel as if I’m on borrowed time as I force myself to work through the pain.
“What’s your pain level?” Silas growls.
“Hush. You’re not my daddy or my alpha, Silas. Get it together,” I rasp, keeping my eyes open and slightly unfocused so I won’t appear to be in pain. “Sorry. It’s about a four. I have a very high tolerance for pain, so I suppose this would be a normal person’s eight.”
“No, you’re right. I was starting to panic. I don’t care if I have permanent damage from your nails, we have to get through tonight. But know that if you were my omega, I would already have you on your way home,” he grumbles.
Giving him a bright fake smile, I shrug. “Guess it’s a good thing that I have my alphas wrapped around my finger, huh?”
Silas laughs, the sound turning several heads, as he is a very eligible alpha.
