Alive and free.
Sexy but elegant.
“Theodora! Come along.” My mother’s shrill voice booms through the mansion, and I wince, imagining her hearing Massio and me together.
I grab my purse, spritz myself one final time, and head out the door, prepared for the backlash I’m about to face.
“Ahhh! You little bitch!” my mother screeches, and I take the first step down the stairs toward the foyer where she and my father are waiting for me.
“Keep walking. You look stunning,” Massio whispers from behind me, giving me the strength to remain standing.
When did he appear?
My hand trembles as I cling to the banister like my life depends on it.
“She’s ruined the night like she ruins everything else,” my mother screeches toward my father.
“Theodora, you’ve upset your mother. Could you not just have?—”
“Nobody will want her with pink hair and dressed like trailer trash,” my mother interjects.
“Enough!” Massio barks, stunning them to silence. Then he takes my hand and slides it through his arm. He strokes my handas he guides me down the stairs, making me feel like the most treasured woman walking this earth.
All the while, my mother glares at me, and when I finally reach the bottom of the stairs, a smile tugs on her sinister lips, sending a tremor down my spine.
She shocks the hell out of me when she leans in and places a kiss on my cheek, but instead of a rush of warmth, a coldness sweeps over me, chilling me to my core. “I’m going to destroy you both,” she hisses into my ear, and there’s not a doubt in my mind that she means every word.
CHAPTER FORTY-EIGHT
THEA
The event is everything you’d expect from a billionaire: elaborate, expensive, and over-the-top. Huge voile drapes hang above our heads and cascade down the walls, life-size ice sculptures pump out champagne like water, chairs are gold, and tables are decorated with crystal candelabras. There’re small Swarovski crystals littering the tables that shimmer beautifully under the fairy lights above our heads. I smile into my drink when I witness one guest scoop them into her purse.
My parents left us the moment we arrived. As always, I was seated at a table with vaguely familiar faces, something I’ve grown accustomed to, yet another reason I hate these events. There’s nothing worse than being abandoned and surrounded by strangers while everyone talks around you like you simply don’t exist.
Massio looks hot as hell in his tuxedo. His broad body fits the suit perfectly, and I can’t stop staring at him. He leans back in his chair with one protective arm draped over the back of my shoulders, and every so often, he uses his thumb to caressmy neck, sending a rush of excitement mixed with anticipation down my spine and into my core. “You look magnificent, Little Brat,” he whispers, only for my ears.
“Thank you.” I smile and take in the guests at the table.
Oscar O’Connell is a prominent figure in the Mafia community and one of the most intense men I’ve ever come across, handsome too. His dark hair has a slight kink to it, yet perfectly styled. His demeanor carries with it a demanding importance, and his carefully controlled movements are fascinating. Rumor has it that his wife was an escort—because Oscar doesn’t like to be touched—though you’d never guess it with the way his beautiful redheaded wife leans into him. When his gaze lands on me, I swallow under his scrutiny. His eyes narrow on Massio, and his lip quirks, as if realizing our relationship.
Is it really that obvious?
Massio’s phone buzzes, and he pulls it out. “There’s someone I want you to meet,” he rasps from beside me, then rises from his chair. “Come, I’d like you to meet Vinny and his wife, Gracie. You’ll like her.”
Massio pulls me up, and I struggle to keep up with him in my heels.
“Vinny, good to see you!” he declares with a broad smile.
My heart skips a beat in my chest. Oh wow, Vincent Marino is a duplicate of his brother Sal, though his skin is a little darker, and I imagine that’s thanks to the time spent outside at the ranch he lives on. His silver hair glistens, and his white shirt pulls tight over his chest. He’s definitely a handsome older guy; there’s no disputing that.
His stunning wife, Gracie, steps forward too. She’s so much younger than him, that’s clear. Massio told me Vinny was her step-grandfather, and the taboo of their romance sent shock waves through the Mafia community. She rushes into Massio’schest, clutching him close to her and sending a wave of jealousy through me I was unprepared for.
“Massio, we missed you so much!” Her sweet voice filters into my ears. “The children miss you.”
Massio rolls his eyes while I burn with envy. My mind wanders; have they slept together? Vinny appears unperturbed, though he does pull his wife back with a chuckle and playfully swats her ass.
“When are you coming home?” she asks Massio sweetly, and I still.
