Page 27 of Mob Star

Thea nods, but then she stiffens again. Maria’s gaze is locked with Thea’s, and she nods at my date. Maria can tell Thea knows who she’s on a date with. She’s acknowledging who her family is, and that they were involved with dealing with Jordan. No one will say that aloud, but I suppose it’s a level of acceptance into our world that Maria’s admitting it, albeit silently.

“It’s nice seeing you. I’m off for the next few days. I think we’re on similar rotations. My nephew’s got some tests coming up, and I’m pretty sure Rodesman is going to order imaging.”

“I’ll keep an eye out for them. How’s Skyler doing?”

I don’t know what they’re talking about.

“Better than a month ago, but he still has a lot of appointments coming up.”

Maria steps forward and gives Thea hug, and I watch as Thea leans into it.

“Let’s have lunch together next week. If I happen to have questions about a six-month-old with CHD, I’ll be sure you’re the doc I go to.”

“Thank you.” It comes out choked as Thea steps back. I still don’t understand, but Thea’s upset. She’s trying not to show it, but she is. I draw her back, so I can press her against me, but she turns and wraps her arms around me. She’s standing sideways, but her head rests on my chest. It surprises everyone, but none of us let it show. I hold her as we say our goodbyes.

“I’m sorry.”

We’re alone as she apologizes. I cup her jaw as my thumb brushes her cheekbone.

“What for?”

“That got heavy fast. I’m usually more composed. I should have expected Maria’s kindness, but considering what I just figured out, it was extra special.”

“I strongly dislike Carmine and Matteo. The feeling is mutual, but Maria is the kindest person I know. She’s known no life but being a Mafia daughter, but she’s never let that jade her. She doesn’t let the rest of her family define her. Never underestimate her. She’s deadly if she has to be. But she will put everyone ahead of her every day of the week and twice on Sundays. If she’s a friend, she’s a good one to have.”

None of that is an exaggeration. There was only one other person like Maria. It was Dillan’s sister, Colleen, before she was killed. She was a veterinarian and was so much like Maria that they were friends until the day my cousin was murdered. No one in either family dared object.

“Do you still want to go to the show? Or would you let me take you home? I have a driver around the corner.”

“A driver?”

Thea glances toward the street where the Mancinellis are getting into an SUV. There’s clearly a man in the driver’s seat and another standing beside an open backdoor where the women are climbing in. Carmine is on the far side, and Matteo is next to the bodyguard.

“Finn, is that necessary?”

“Necessary? No. Wise? Yes. For all Carmine’s and Matteo’s faults, no one matters more to either of them than their wife. There’s no limit to what they’ll do to protect them, so if an extra bodyguard makes them breathe a little easier, then it’s worth it.”

“Do you have a bodyguard?”

“Sometimes. I mentioned a security detail in passing yesterday. It’s something we’ll need to talk about more. Are you all right?”

She nestles against me, and I can’t describe the happiness it brings me to know I can offer her comfort. That she wants comfort from me. She’s letting her guard down around a man she barely knows because I make her feel safe. Protected.

“I will be. I’d appreciate a ride home. But later. I wasn’t in the mood for the subway.”

Now it’s my turn to tense.

“Thea, it’ll be at least midnight before the show ends. I really don’t like the idea of you taking the subway that late at night and alone. I’m sure you do, but it bothers me a lot.”

It makes me want to crawl out of my skin. I know the Mancinellis won’t do anything to her since she’s friends with Maria. But we’re out in public together. If we ran into them, then we could run into someone else. Or someone else could see us. My mind runs to the worst scenario, so I can make contingencies.

“I can take a rideshare if you prefer.”

That’s marginally better. Since my family owns the three biggest cab companies in the five boroughs, there’s a good chance she would catch one of ours. Even if she were to get into a cab from another company, it would take one call from me to deal with whoever it was if Thea arrived at her place with a hair out of place.

“A rideshare still bothers you, doesn’t it?”

It surprises me she can tell. I haven’t moved or said anything.

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