Page 22 of Knocked Up by My Dad's Mafia Boss

I give her a half-smile. “It’s an acquired taste. First time I had it, I thought my throat was on fire.”

“How old were you?”

“Fifteen. Your grandfather had me try it when I came over to stay the night the first time.”

“The first time?”

I nod slowly. “I moved in a couple nights later. Once your grandfather figured out I didn’t have anywhere to go except for back to the foster home, he took me in.”

“You and Papa really were like brothers.”

We were.Which is why I’m such a piece of shit for looking at his daughter the way I do. For touching her the way I do. Loving her.

“We are,” I say quietly.

She goes silent.

I guess there’s nothing more to say, is there?

7

SAMANTHA

Over the next two weeks,I stick as close to Dante as I can, which isn’t very close. He’s gone a lot of the time, out on missions for my father—collecting, mostly.

I try to get his attention by sneaking out. I almost make it to the gate before someone clears their throat behind me.

I freeze, slowly turning around. Dante stands there, arms crossed over his chest. Watching me. “Where do you think you’re going?”

“Out.”

“You know you’re not allowed out without an escort. I can send Ricardo?—”

“I don’t want to go with Ricardo. He’s weird and he chases off all the hot guys.”

He scoffs. “And I don’t?”

He’s got a point, there. It’s not like men approach me when Dante’s around, either. He’s huge and intimidating.

So basically, I can’t get laid. Not that I’ve been interested in getting laid by anyone but Dante.

“Let me go out, just this once,” I plead. “It’s a house party on the North Side.”

“I’ll drive you.” He heads to his car as if the conversation is over.

I sigh, putting my heels back on. I’d taken them off to scale the gate. I slowly get in the car, huffing out a frustrated breath.

“You didn’t really think I’d let you sneak out alone.”

“I was hoping.”

“I won’t cramp your style. I’ll stay in the car.”

I look out the window. “You don’t have to do that.”

“What am I going to do at a house party, anyway? I promise, you can flirt with whoever you like.”

“And you won’t mind?”