Page 3 of The Mobster’s Present

I can’t hold back my tears as I stare at this woman who comes here every day to work and gives so much to the kids in her care. And now this?

“Are you sure?”

She laughs softly and nods. “I’ve been working on a wreath for her, to celebrate her leaving. I’ll bring it in along and we’ll work on the knots, since it’s all ribbon.” Beth looks at my daughter with genuine affection. “She’s really low maintenance and you’re already stocked up on coloring books and little activities. We’ll be fine.”

“It’s too much,” I breathe out.

“If this is the chance you need to breathe a little easier and I can help, then it’s not too much. I’m offering. You’re accepting. I have a feeling I’m getting the better end of the 24 hours.”

She’s not fucking wrong.

“Even though we’ve been here, and it’s been terrifying, and uncomfortable,” I eye the sleeper sofa that I’m grateful to have but want to burn, “spending all this time with her has been wonderful.”

Beth reaches out and gives my hand a squeeze. “Let’s look at flights and make a plan.”

“Okay,” I say.

As we put our heads together, I try to ignore the feeling of dread creeping in. It must be written all over my face because right before I book my flight, Beth covers my hand with hers.

“You look worried about going. Are you sure you want to?”

“No,” I tell her honestly, “but I need to do it.”

How am I going to do it? I have no idea. Romeo isn’t the kind of man to be moved by the needs of a child, but it’s worth the risk.

I never planned to walk back into Second Circle. Fuck, I never planned to go back to Seattle.

Now, I’m about to do both.

I book the ticket and try not to think about anything beyond getting on the plane and getting to Second Circle. Hopefully, it’ll be worth the cost of the ticket.

For Oriana, I have to try.

CHAPTER 2

SALVATORE

“Boss,” I greet when I answer Angelo’s call.

“Salvatore,” he rumbles and from his tone, I already know this call has to do with his wife. “I’m stuck dealing with an issue, but Dove insisted on still going to Second Circle for a walk-through. Go and make sure nothing happens.”

I chuckle under my breath. “What could possibly happen? Hell, even I’m a little afraid of Dove.” A thought hits me and I pause, my voice hesitant, “Did she ask Oaklynn to join her?”

The knowing laugh that comes out of him is sinister and tell me everything I need to know.

When the two women get together it’s entertaining and a little dangerous. Always.

“You know Oaklynn likes going because her men hate it, and she likes fucking with them.” If I didn’t know the man better, I would say he sounds almost gleeful.

“And look at you, calling me to go and back up your wife because you can’t go yourself.” The words sound almost lazy.

Angelo doesn’t say anything. He doesn’t have to.

If I were standing in front of him, he’d be glaring at me. I can almost feel the weight of his look and I’m nowhere near the man.

“Right,” I cough out. “I’ll make sure they don’t burn the place down,” I pause and consider all the possibilities and add, “or stab anyone.”

“Only if it’s undeserved.”