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“Love. Love. Love!”

She threw her arms around me a second time and some bubbly slipped over the edges of my flute. “You are welcome. I thought you might like it. I saw it in a little jewelry store in White Plains and snatched it up months ago.”

“You’re my favorite sister.”

“I’m your only sister, girlie. Don’t forget that. If you’ll hold my champagne, I’ll put it on for you.”

“Yes, please!” Amber was in her element and I was happy for her. She’d been protected and fawned over, especially since her life had nearly been cut short by a horrific illness.

She managed to lift her hair as I walked around her and as I was locking the clasp, I noticed our father and three other men were heading in our direction.

I immediately stiffened.

I’d been removed from my father’s world mostly for years, but that didn’t mean I’d stuck my head in the sand. My father was a powerful, ruthless man who’d used violence and even murder throughout his life. That had placed him on the throne of the crime syndicate when he was only twenty-four years old. He’d lived up to his father’s reputation for brutality.

But not with his family. I would give him that.

He’d become less violent over the last few years partially based on success as well as the use of technology. That didn’t mean he was without enemies, including one of the men approaching.

Don Luis Santorelli was another mafia Don, almost if not equally as merciless as my father. He ruled his territories the same why my father had, stuck in the old ways while attempting to embrace the newer ones. Flanking his side were two of his made men, two positioned in the upper echelon of a very controlled society.

One soldier I recognized and had once had a crush on years before. The other I’d seen in passing, never formally meeting him. Not that I’d wanted to. As soon as the politics of crime were brought to any discussion, I turned to having a sailor mouth, often embarrassing my father.

He’d been appalled that someone so well educated could use such filthy language. That’s how angry he and his world often made me. However, tonight I was determined to keep a smile on my face. Amber didn’t deserve to have anything ruin her special night.

“Amber. Carmella. I was hoping to find my two daughters together. Do you remember Luis Santorelli?” He directed his question to my sister, but his eyes were locked on mine.

I was immediately uncomfortable. For him to be using the Don’s first name didn’t bode well with me and I wasn’t certain why.

“Don Santorelli,” Amber said, even curtseying in front of him. She’d been trained well in methods of protocol.

“Such a beautiful girl. You’ve grown into a fine-looking young woman. Your father is obviously very proud.”

Dion Marcini was staring at me as he had every time we’d seen each other. He’d let me down easily as a teenager, but that didn’t mean I hadn’t resented him for years. While handsome, his face held the scars of his profession like a badge of honor. I thought them reprehensible.

The other man, Alejandro something, was unmarked as of yet, his olive skin and dark hair a striking background to his eyes. While there were outside lights everywhere, I wasn’t entirely certain if they were blue or green. Either way, they were mesmerizing. I felt a rush of heat that was entirely unexpected.

There was also something about the man that seemed cold, distant, but forever watchful.

“Thank you, Luis. Both her mother and I are very proud of her,” our father beamed. “Seventeen.”

There was something odd about reciting Amber’s age, as if he was telling the world she’d soon be an adult. I instantly bristled and realized I’d even fisted one hand.

“Stop it, Daddy. You’re embarrassing me,” Amber groaned.

“Carmella,” Dion said under his breath. “It’s good to see you.”

“You as well.”

The moment was awkward. Ordinarily an Underboss would never talk to the daughter of a Don without an introduction. The circumstances were friendly. Too polite. That made me nervous.

“I have something for you, Amber. I hope you find this to your liking.” Don Santorelli handed her a silver bag with a big red bow.

I grabbed the flute from her hand, encouraging her with my eyes to open it. As she did, I couldn’t help but grab another look at Alejandro. He was expressionless, merely watching the interaction then scanning the party. Did he really think there’d be an assassination attempt tonight?

Another reason to be appalled.

When Amber opened the gift, there was no squealing as she’d done with mine. Unless my slight gasp was any consolation. The diamond necklace was an incredible piece of art. It was also extremely expensive. To the tune of maybe one hundred thousand dollars.

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