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“I won’t say anything.” She gathers her things. “I don’t want your protection, though. I just want you to leave me alone.” As she passes me, she pauses. “And I’m not the one who committed the betrayal. Mackenzie is. She’s been blabbing her mouth about you guys all over college.”
She slips out, closing the door behind her.
Dom sags against the sofa, and I stare at him.
I know he cuts himself. I know it’s to stop the internal pain. I also know he can’t ever have that getting out. Just like I take pills to try to prevent my physical pain, it’s his way of coping.
I’d been harboring stupid, idealized dreams about Mackenzie staying. Us all getting closer to her. Those dreams dissipate like clouds under the hot sun.
“I want her gone,” Dom growls.
I don’t have to ask who he means.
“I might be able to help with that.” I take the drive out of my pocket.
My heart is heavy, but I know this is the right thing to do for my friend.
Chapter 43
Mackenzie
The morning of the wedding dawns bright and sunny.
I’m happy for my mom that it’s going to be a lovely day. I always feel bad for people who have rain on their wedding day. It feels like a bad omen, even when it’s something that can’t be controlled.
Luckily, there is no sign of any bad luck today—at least in weather form.
I begin the day with some stretches and run through some calming sun salutations. It helps to relax both my body and mind. Today is going to pass by in a whirlwind, so I take the opportunity when I can.
I won’t see Dom or either of the other men until we arrive at the chapel. Nataniele has kindly vacated his and mom’s apartment, so we girls can take it over to get ready. It would be bad luck for him to see his bride before the wedding. I know Dom has gone with him, to the other side of the campus, and the other Devils will be with them as well since they’re groomsmen.
I hope the four of us can spend some time together after the service. Things have been crazy busy with the preparations, and it doesn’t feel as though we’ve had the chance to spend any real time in each other’s company.
Maybe I’m being a bit starry eyed about them, but weddings always bring out the romantic side in people. While my relationship with the Devils has been mostly about fucking, I can’t help but hope that having a little romance injected into all our lives will do us good.
I realize more than a day has passed since I’ve thought about the professor and what happened. Where initially it felt like I could think of nothing else, I’m finally starting to believe I might be able to put it behind me. I know the Devils have helped with that, though they’re unaware of the fact. Having my mind and body completely taken up with them has helped erase the past.
In a few hours, mom will become Mrs. Nataniele Rossi, and I will also change my name.
Mackenzie Rossi.
That Dom is also a Rossi does strange things to my insides.
When I’ve finished my yoga and taken some time to lie on my back and meditate, I shower and wash my hair. I throw on some casual clothes—since my dress is hanging with my mom’s—and head down the hallway to Nataniele’s living quarters.
My mom must have been waiting practically by the door, because the moment my knuckles hit the wood, she throws it open.
“You took your time,” she cries. “I’ve been waiting all morning.”
“Mom, it’s barely eight-thirty.”
“I know, but I’ve been awake for hours. Come in. I’ve got mimosas.”
She must see my expression—she knows I shouldn’t drink—as she rolls her eyes. “Don’t worry, they’re virgin.”
I laugh. “Well, that’s okay, then.”
She seems genuinely excited, and I’m happy for her. I never thought things would work out with us both being happy.
