Page 3 of Vanished in Vegas

“I recognize one of the guys next to them, Boss,” Maxwell said. “The guy to the far right works for Mario Romano. The three girls are probably Mario’s daughters.”

“Who would have known Mario, could help create three beauties,” Niccolai laughed.

Mario Romano was a ruthless, heartless, piece of shit. He operated out of New Jersey under the De Santis Family. I had never met him, but the stories I had heard about him were enough for me to despise him.

“I want her name by the time we leave here,” I said, looking at the woman in pink again. As though she had sensed me looking, her eyes crossed the parking lot and met my gaze. She smiled.

“I’m willing to bet, she’d be up for a conversation with you, Boss,” Eddie glanced at me and grinned.

“Isn’t it tacky to hit on a woman at a wedding?” I asked, shaking my head.

The thought of walking over to some random woman at a wedding and telling her I thought she was beautiful reminded me of the cheesy movies my sister gushed about. Did women really like that shit? To me, it was creepy and would earn me a well-deservedGet lost, Creep!

CHAPTER THREE

SOFIA

“Ooo. Sofia, he’s hot,” Rose gushed, staring at the mystery man, who I had just spotted.

“He is pretty yummy, huh?” I laughed.

“Go get his number!” She pushed me in his direction. I stumbled forward. Lenny and Case--my dad’s hired muscles-- grabbed me and held me upright.

“Thanks, boys,” I smiled then turned a glare on Rose. She smiled innocently.

“My bad, Sofia.”

“Don’t make her look desperate, Rose,” Arianna groaned. “Sofia can have any bozo here. She doesn’t need you throwing her at men.”

“Was just trying to help,” Rose grumped, crossing her arms in front of her chest. “You need to get laid, Arianna. You’re bitchy lately.”

The goons guarding us looked humorously mortified by Rose’s words. They looked everywhere but at us. Not that I blamed them. Arianna was a hothead. If they looked at her the wrong way, she’d drop kick them and have them eating curb.

“Rosaline, unless you want me to make a scene here, I suggest you keep your mouth shut. Understood?” Arianna growled.

“Fine,” Rose nodded. She held up her hands in surrender and took a few steps away from Arianna.

“Smart move,” Arianna replied coldly.

“Let’s just go inside,” I offered, hoping to bring peace to the two of them.

“Agreed. Let’s go.” Arianna said, linking her arm with mine. She looked at Rose, who stood frozen in place. “Come on, brat. Can’t leave you out here.”

“You’re the sweetest,” Rose giggled then linked arms with Arianna on the opposite side of me. “But we really should get you on meds or something.”

This time I laughed. Rose was a glutton for punishment. It was like she had a death wish or something. If she kept barking up this tree, Arianna would grant her wish.

“I love you, guys,” Rose laughed.

“Love you too, Rosaline,” I smiled. We both looked at Arianna. Rose gave Arianna puppy-dog eyes. Arianna rolled her eyes.

“Come on. You know she won’t stop until you say it back.” I playfully bumped Arianna with my hip. “You know you want to.”

“Arianna,” Rose stuck out her bottom lip and fluttered her eyelashes.

“Oh. Jesus. I love you. Now, stop that,” Arianna busted out laughing. “Let’s get you, two hooligans, inside.”

We walked across the parking lot in the direction of Mr. Sexy-Pants and his entourage. My heart raced with each step I took. The heat in my cheeks rose. I didn’t remember the last time I blushed over a guy.

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