Page 423 of Sinfully Savage Mafia

Heaven is like the big sister I always wanted. Someone to gossip with, to try on clothes with, to cook with, to laugh with.

I had that relationship with my mother and then she was gone.

I never got it back.

It’s part of the reason why I was so envious of Dottie andThe Golden Girlsfrom the airport. To nurture that kind of relationship over so many years, growing up together, experiencing life together — I missed out on all of that. Nothing about my life has been normal for as long as I can remember.

And here I am, trying on dresses deep in the enemy’s closet.

Forget irony.

This has to be some alternate universe.

I pull off my tank top and start to unbutton my shorts when my phone buzzes in my back pocket. I grab it, my heart thudding so loud, it almost drowns out the sound of the familiar, guttural voice.

“Uncle Boris,” I whisper. “Where have you been? It’s been days! I’ve been calling and texting?—”

“I know, Anya. And I am sorry I didn’t get back to you. But I have been busy working on something very important for our cause.”

“I’m sorry,” I say in a hushed tone so that Heaven can’t hear me. “But what could be more important than the well-being of your niece? You know, the one you order around but never bother to check in on?” It’s been days and I am pissed off at him for leaving me hanging like this.

I don’t give a damn what kind of plans he’s putting together.

I could be dead for all he knows or cares!

Anger bubbles in my veins.

He’s never been the father figure I need, but he’s the only one I have.

I press my lips together, my eyes darting at my half-naked reflection in the floor-length mirror.

Like it or not.

He’s been using me as his personal weapon for years, why should I be shocked that he’s pulling this shit again?

You have nothing else, Anya. Nothing, nobody…

I bite back a scream.

Don’t I fucking know it?!

“You could have called back to check on me. You’re the one person on the planet who’s actually supposed to give a damn,” I mutter.

“You’re right,” he says in a flippant tone. “But there were things that had to happen back here, to prepare for our work in Vegas.”

“What work?” I ask, holding my hand around my mouth the muffle my voice. I manage to unzip my shorts and slide them to the carpet as I balance the phone against my ear. “And what do you mean ‘our’?”

“We will discuss all of the details tonight when I arrive.”

“Wait, you’re cominghere? I thought the plan was for me to get the information your contact needs. Since when do you need to be here?”

“Since the plans have changed,” he snips. “My contact would like to acquire the information himself.”

“That’s a good thing since I’ve basically heard nothing that could possibly be useful to you. I haven’t met any of these other elusive brothers you mentioned, and Matteo’s office is locked up like Fort Knox!” I say in a frustrated whisper.

“You don’t have to worry about it anymore,” he says gruffly.

“Well, then, what the hell do you need me for?” I demand. “This is ridiculous! I’ve been living with strangers for days and changing shit diapers for what?”

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