“Not me. I was a complete delight,” I said, my smile betraying me. I passed him a coffee before making my own.
“Thanks.”
“So, you’ve been away for a long time.”
“Yeah. Lotta years at this point.”
“Is it weird to be back?”
“Yes and no. Yes, because everyone’s lives are so different. No, because this was home for a long time.”
“Why didn’t you keep in touch?”
“At some points, things were too crazy to answer calls or read letters. Then, I got so far behind that it felt impossible to catch up. I stopped even opening the wedding invites and birth announcements. Think I was just in survival mode for a long time.”
“Well, if you ever need a crash course so you don’t feel like you’re on the outside, I’m your girl.”
Why was I offering that?
I didn’t even know this guy.
I guess he looked a little lost.
And, despite outward appearances, I always had a bleeding heart.
“Yeah? Why’s that?”
“That is a long story that ends with my sister and me kidnapped and being saved by hot mafia guys. My barely-adult self was obsessed. I’ve been studying the Five Families ever since.”
“You got a PowerPoint?”
“I have a board. With strings.”
“You serial killer, you,” he teased.
“If you tell anyone about it, I will utilize all the information I’ve gotten from Brio about killing people.”
“Is your sister like you?” Christopher asked.
“Oh, God no. She’s perfect. Sweet, good, not weirdly addicted to cult documentaries.”
“But she’s the one with Brio.”
“They even each other out. So, why are you a bagman?”
“I needed work fast. Leo had been doing the job, but it’s technically beneath him. I don’t mind paying my dues again before I can get Made.”
“I don’t see you as someone who would break a kneecap if they don’t pay.”
His gaze cut to me.
And suddenly, I could see it.
Which was annoyingly hot.
“You don’t know me.”
“I guess I don’t,” I agreed.
