Page 29 of The Mobster’s Prize

“I bought you a double pack of blades. They’re under the sink right next to my pack of razors.”

He grumbles and huffs out of the room, and I get back to finishing the icing. His family is going to be here in an hour, and I want to have this kitchen cleaned up before they arrive.

He returns without the paper stuck to his face, dressed in slacks and a button-down. I’m sitting here in leggings and a sweater, wondering if I should change.

“Should I put on something nicer?”

“No. It’s just my family. You look gorgeous in what you have on.”

That’s the first compliment he’s paid me all day. He’s usually full of praise and kisses, but he’s been nothing but growls while brooding around the house this morning.

“Do you mind telling me what’s wrong?”

“Nothing’s wrong.”

I cock my chin.

“Really? Because you’ve been a grumpy jerk all morning.”

“I have not.”

I shake my head. “Whatever you say.”

I finish icing the last cupcake, placing it on the platter. “All done. Don’t they look pretty?”

“You shouldn’t have made them.”

“Why not?”

Does his family not like cupcakes? I wish he’d said something when I mentioned I was making them for dessert.

“Because they don’t deserve them,” he huffs.

“Did your sisters do something to set you off again?”

That’s the only explanation I have for his behavior. They’ve been driving him crazy over the last few months about meeting me, same as his mom, but he told them we were new and still feeling things out. That was to keep them off our backs, or so he claims. But now I’m wondering if it’s because he thinks they won’t like me.

“No. They’re just as annoying as usual.”

“Then what is it?”

I drop the bowl into the sink and turn. He’s making me nervous.

“Is it me? Did I do something wrong?”

He stalks forward, reaching for me. His finger wiping a smudge of icing off my cheek.

“No, baby. You did nothing wrong. I’m sorry if I’ve been acting like an ass, I’m just worried.”

“About what?”

“That you’ll have second thoughts about me once you meet them.”

That’s what he’s worried about? That his family will chase me away? That’s absurd.

“You do know I love you, right?” I’m not just suffering from a little crush here. I’m wholeheartedly in love with the man. He’s become my world in a matter of months.

“But they’re a lot, babe.”