Page 10 of Bride By Initiation

"No, thanks, Molly," I say, then push through the crowd to get to my father.

He stops mid-sentence when I approach, then he grins and tugs me into him. The creases in the corners of his eyes deepen, and his Italian accent is thicker than normal, which happens when he's drinking. Heboasts, "There's my beautifulfiglia. It's about time you came to see your mama and me."

Mom laughs. "Luca, she can't be expected to hang out with us old people all night."

He pulls us closer to him and says, "Ah, you speak the truth for me, but not for you, mystellina."

Mom beams brighter.

Dad refocuses on me. "Are you having fun?"

"Yes, but I have an early morning tomorrow. I came to say goodbye," I lie.

His expression falls. "Tomorrow is Saturday."

I nod. Out of the corner of my eye, I catch Sean's thick dirty-blond hair and tall frame step through the front door. He glances around and doesn't look happy. My gut flips, and I dig myself deeper. "Yes. We're very busy this time of year. If I stay any longer, I'll suffer tomorrow."

Dad glances at his watch. "It's only nine."

"Luca, she's being responsible. No one wants their attorney hungover and working on their case," Mom interjects.

Pride fills my father's face. He kisses the top of my head. "All right, smarty pants. Be responsible. But text me when you're safe in your apartment."

I groan. "My driver does that already."

He grins bigger. "Sue me for wanting myfigliato text me. Especially when she insisted on moving to Chicago and away from her mama and me."

"Dad," I moan.

He chuckles and turns toward Mom. "I'll return." He refocuses on me. "Let me walk you out to the car."

I open my mouth to object, but then shut it. Sean's pushing his way through the crowd with determination radiating off him. I quickly weigh my options and decide it's safer to go with my father. I'm ninety-nine percent sure Sean won't grill me in front of him.

Dad guides me toward the door, and we run into Sean halfway there.

"Zara. I've been meaning to find you," Sean states as he steps closer, his dirty-blond hair curling near his eyebrow and his tall frame looming over me.

"My beautifulfigliainsists on leaving. She claims she needs her brains in tip-top shape tomorrow," Dad teases.

Sean pins his green gaze on me, then nods at Dad. "I was on my way out too. I have a few legal questions for Zara. Why don't I have my driver take her home on the way to my place?" He smiles, and his dimple appears.

Oh shit!

Dad's body stiffens, and his eyes turn to slits. He lowers his voice. "This is appropriate for Zara?"

Sean's expression goes as serious as my father's. He claims, "Of course. All legit. I just need some advice. Besides, you know I'd never cross the line."

Annoyance hits me. I spout, "Because I'm a woman, right?"

Dad and Sean give me the same exasperated look they always do whenever I ask why I can't know things or be the main attorney for the families.

Dad kisses my head again, asserting, "I'm your father. The safety of you and your mother is my top priority." He turns to Sean. "You'llwalk her up to her apartment and make sure she's safe inside, correct?"

"Of course," he replies.

I groan. "I can walk to my apartment myself."

"But then I'd be worried. And you don't want that, right?" Dad says, flashing his intoxicated grin at me.

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