Page 136 of Sinfully Savage Mafia

“Do not disrespect me,iníon,” Dad says, a warning tone in his voice.

“Don’t call me that,” I say. “Iníonindicates a relationship between us that no longer exists. I’m not your daughter anymore.” My pulse spikes, and my heart thumps like a jackhammer against my ribs. “For years, I’ve followed without ever once challenging you, and in return, you want to promote this fucking moron over me? Then expect I’m going to support him and watch him lead this family so far down a rabbit hole that it will never see the light of day again? I’m finished with this. With both of you. With the family. I’m out.”

I stalk toward the office door. “Heaven, don’t you dare leave. You won’t walk away from this conversation!”

But I don’t stop. I open the door and walk out without a backward glance. Aunt Maura is there and she reaches for me. “Heaven, wait.”

I shake my head. I can’t wait. I keep going, pushing past her, and out into the cool, bright New York day.

I’m finally free.

Of all the shackles and pain and useless hard work. I’m free of duty, and the air is fresh in my lungs.

There’s only one thing keeping me from happiness. Only…

I stop outside the bar. Every nerve ending in my body explodes into life and I turn slowly.

A man is watching me. Tall, dark-haired, gorgeous, and commanding. He’s leaning against the wall next to the pub entrance.

“So, Heaven,” Matteo says. “I heard you were summoned.”

“Go away, Matteo.”

He shakes his head, those striking blue eyes on me. He’s a little gaunt. Dark circles mark the skin beneath his eyes. Maybe the lines on his face are etched a little deeper. But he looks strong and dangerous, and he’s still the most handsome man I’ve ever seen in my life.

“Fuck no. I’m not going away. Your aunt is as scary as you.”

I frown. “Aunt Maura?”

“She called me. Reamed me out.”

Fury bubbles up. “And you want what, exactly? Were you just lurking, or did you develop magic powers to get here in minutes?” I drop my voice. “You pay attention to her and not me?”

“She’s frightening. You wouldn’t think it, she seems pretty affable.”

“I’m worse.”

“I know.” Matteo rolls on one shoulder to face me properly. “But I also have spies and people watching you. I knew about the summons. So I thought, where else to talk but the infamous spot where I got shot.”

I stalk closer to him but stop just out of reach. “You think that will soften me to you?”

“No,amore mio.” He glances at the pub door. “What happened in there?”

“I’m done with them.” My hands clench. This is all too much. I want him here. I want him gone. This isn’t playing fair. Matteo is unfair.

He nods. “And us?”

Something in me tightens. “What about us?” I ask warily.

“You. Me. It’s a simple concept,amore mio. I was so fucking high last time I saw you.”

“That’s no excuse.” My voice comes out choked as a big knot of emotion swells in my throat and I clench my hands so tight they’re hard, hot fists.

His eyes narrow. “I know it wasn’t. And it isn’t. But I didn’t explain it all properly in the hospital. How I was letting you go for your safety. For you to have a better life without a bastard like me screwing it up.”

“No, you didn’t want to fight for me.” I fling the words at him. “Big moves are easy, the little ones are hard. You went with the empty gesture.”

“You’re right. But I’m stubborn and these have been the hardest two weeks of my life. Not recovering. I’m actually meant to still be in the hospital, but I checked out.”

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