AllFreeNovel
Share Us
Every Sunday night, after the mandatory weekly lunch with my family, Sienna and I go to Toast Bar for drinks and dinner. Her friends, Duncan and Isabelle, quickly adopted me into their group, and they’re like a salve to my soul after being back in the mafia world.
Normal and full of hope and optimism about life.
“See you there. Oh, and can you bring my silver shoes?” Sienna says, referring to the pair I recently borrowed, and I nod as she disappears.
There are a dozen things I could be doing, but instead, I remain by the exit, waiting for Connor to leave, as he requested.
Bloom Events is Donna’s baby. She creates some of the biggest and most notable events in NYC. Tonight’s is not as big as some of the more lavish events we put on; however, the people in attendance are dripping in money. A man like Connor Barrett is important, so I’m not moving an inch.
“Excuse me, Ms. Mancini,” one of the conference employees says. “We’ve increased the heat in the room, so it should be okay now. Also, can I get your signature on this form?”
A request that took way too long to be actioned.
I take note to give Donna feedback so we can consider it when looking at this venue in the future.
“Thank you,” I reply, receiving the folder and scribbling my initials.
As she walks away, two things happen.
Mack takes a couple of steps toward me and I stiffen, feeling a body behind me. I’ve had a bodyguard all my life. I know the signs, I know who it is, but more than that...
I can feel him in my veins.
I swallow, hating the way my body has reacted to Connor, heating, without even seeing him.
I turn. “Mr. Barrett—”
Oomph.
“Lucky I put my drink down.” Connor’s dark chocolate eyes sparkle as he takes hold of my arms, keeping me upright after I faceplanted his chest.
Jesus, could he stand any closer?
I stare up at him, trying to suppress my scowl, knowing he did it on purpose. When our eyes lock, we both drop the act and chemistry explodes.
His gaze follows my tongue, which sweeps nervously over my lip. Nervous because this man is so masculine, so powerful, and so much more than any other man who has touched me before.
I need to get away from him as soon as I can.
I know my father has men checking on me. Someone could be in this room, and I’d not know. I’ve seen people in the shadows. Cars parked across from my apartment.
Less these days, but they are still there.
He wouldn’t leave me unguarded.
I’m the mafia princess, after all.
4
______________
CONNOR
––––––––
Ihaven’t been ableto take my eyes off her all night.
It’s pissing me off.
