“Speaking of Baby Kavanaugh, are you sure you’re not just overly hormonal right now with your responses?” I teasingly asked.
She narrowed her dark eyes. “You do realize I’m still agile and can smack the hell out of you?”
I held my hands up in surrender. “Okay, okay, Kitty Cat.”
“Here’s the last thing I’m going to say about it.”
“Oh boy. Let me brace myself.”
“You’re used to women throwing themselves at you, and this woman didn’t.” When I started to protest, she held up her hand. “She was flirty at best until she realized you were friends with her boyfriend.”
Yeah, that was the story I’d given her. Drea was supposed to be the girlfriend of one of my really good friends.
“You and your ego need to let it go.”
I shook my head. “I should’ve gone to Talia instead of you for advice.”
She laughed. “She has your number just like I do. Probably even more since she raised you.”
My thoughts were interrupted by my phone buzzing with a text. I glanced at the screen and saw it was Gianni.
Lucky Charm is in position
I snorted at his reference to Maeve. Today was Rafe’s birthday, and we’d roped him into going to Inferno for the night, which he wasn’t thrilled about. While he thought Maeve wouldn’t arrive from Ireland until tomorrow to celebrate with him, she was actually going to surprise him at the club. She’d called me last week to ask for my help, and I’d happily volunteered.
Today, after I’d picked her up from the airport, I’d sent her to one of the apartments we owned. She couldn’t stay with me for fear of running into Rafe in the building, or with Gianni on the off chance that he might see her on the street outside his building. Then Gianni was to pick her up and take her to the club while I got Rafe there.
Meeting Birthday Boy in 5
K
Considering my infatuation with Drea,I probably should’ve hated Maeve. She was the woman standing between Rafemaking Drea happy. But as hard as I tried to dislike Maeve, I couldn’t.
She’d brought peace to Rafe after our Father’s death. Although the three of us had each had a hand in his torture, it had been Rafe who ended things by cutting Father’s throat. Regardless of how much Father deserved it, Rafe was a fucking mess, and Maeve had been there for him in a way that neither I, Gianni, or Caterina could.
Whatever had happened between them the day we’d killed Father had cemented Rafe’s feelings. He’d decided then he wanted to pursue Maeve regardless of his contract with Drea.
After heading downstairs, I met Rafe in the lobby. “Lookin’ good, brother,” I remarked.
“Thanks. You clean up nicely as well.”
Since Guilio was off for the night, Gianni’s bodyguard, Emiliano, had our back along with two part-time bodyguards whose names I had yet to learn. When we arrived at the back of the club, a balloon arch decorated the employee entrance. “Seriously?” Rafe asked with a grin.
I winked. “The waitresses got a little carried away.”
Gianni snorted. “I’d agree considering the credit card receipt I got from the party decor store.”
When we stepped onto the floor of the club, we entered an absolute party overload. Yellow and red balloons of all shapes and sizes littered the corners, which was a subtle nod to the Sicilian flag.
Over the main balcony to the VIP section was an enormous banner that readHappy Birthday Raphael.
Our manager, Carissa, handed him an enormous piece of chocolate cake and a flute of champagne. “Happy Birthday, boss!” she shouted over the roar of the music.
I then leaned over to speak into his ear. “Listen, G and I have a birthday present for you in your office.”
“You didn’t need to get me anything.”
“Come on, man. You’re not just our brother–you’re our capo. You’ve seen us through some crazy shit this year,” I countered with a grin.
