Page 5 of Sinfully Savage Mafia

“You need to stop thinking tonight.” Molly narrows her eyes at me. “I can tell you’re thinking about work. And Conor. Am I right?”

I shrug. “Guilty.”

“Heaven, don’t worry. Conor is such a dick, he’s going to get himself killed soon enough. Then you won’t need to worry about him anymore.”

My jaw drops. “I can’t believe you just said that.”

She quirks an eyebrow. “Really? Because nobody else is thinking it, right?”

“He’s reckless, yes, but?—”

“But my ass. He’s put targets on all of your backs because of his fuckups in New York. The guy can’t even roll out of bed without pissing someone off. Tell me he’ll live to see his next birthday.”

“Even if it’s true, I don’t want to think it. He’s my brother and I…” My lips twist but I say the words anyway. “Love him.”

“Yep. Conor Mulligan. Loveable as a Nile crocodile.”

“As much of a liability as he is, we still need him. There are other families moving into the area who want to try and take over our territories and businesses. Nobody outside of the family can know what’s going on with him. If they find out, we’re screwed. No more power. No more control. We’d be crushed.”

“Okay, okay. So play nice with Conor when you get home. But for the rest of the time we’re here in Palermo, forget about him and your enemies and your businesses. Just live a little, Heaven.”

Molly grasps my hand and weaves through a crowd of people blocking our path toward the bar. I can’t help the smile from lifting my lips.

My cousin was right, of course.

I needed this, just one crazy girls’ trip to let off some steam.

It’s been a rough couple of years for my family since Mom got sick and then passed. Dealing with Conor is always a headache and challenge, and Dad always seems to gives him just enough rope to hang himself. It’s maddening.

I’m always the responsible one, the one who never steps out of line.

And yet, Conor is the one rewarded for his assholery. Why can everyone see itexceptfor my father?

Sometimes I wonder if it’s all worth it to be the boss. Sure, I’ve worked my ass off to get the promotion over my brother, but an inkling of doubt chews at my gut.

I squeeze my eyes shut for a second to block it all out.

I just want to dance and laugh and flirt.

To feel normal for the first time in a long time.

Molly nudges me toward the crowd of hot, sweaty bodies under flashing lights. “Let’s dance. We’ll have a few more drinks until you warm up to the idea. And then you’re really going to find out the meaning of the wordcelebrate.”

CHAPTER3

MATTEO

Ikeep my head down as I walk, careful not to make eye contact with anyone. There’s only one person whose eyes I want to look into tonight and so far, that bastard has managed to escape me. I wind around the table games until I get to the back of the casino. With a sweep of my eyes, I take in every person participating in the poker tournament.

None of them are Domenico Salvo.

Was my informant’s word bullshit?

Or was it?—?

A soft hand winds around my waist. I dip my head to see a gorgeous brunette in a glorified bathing suit smiling up at me. “You look like you need to relax a little bit.” She reaches up and massages my shoulders. “So much stress,” she murmurs. “I can help you with that.”

“I think you’ve got the wrong guy.” I press my lips together, my eyes narrowing slightly. “I haven’t gambled a single euro yet.”

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