Page 86 of Brutal Knight

I know from the mischievous spark in his eye that he’s testing me. He knows what I’m feeling and probably feels it too. He wants me to come apart the entire night, and by the time we get home, we’re both going to be crazy.

I won’t complain. This is what I love most about Connor. Sometimes, a good thing takes time. And waiting is half the fun.

The bar is lively when we get there. The rest of his family is already there, laughing and talking as we walk over. I’m surprised by how at home I feel when we walk up, how much they make me feel like a part of the family.

I never expected Connor’s family to tolerate me or like me at all. I thought I’d have to tiptoe around them all my life, after what I did. But I was wrong.

Violet and Rose are at the bar, already talking when I get there. They smile and welcome me closer, like I’m a friend they’ve known all their lives.

“It’s about time,” Violet teases. “I was starting to wonder if you’d ever show up.”

“It takes time to look as good as she does,” Rose tells her, winking at me.

I laugh a little, sliding onto one of the high bar stools and joining their conversation.

“Rehearsals are crazy,” Violet says, picking up wherever she left off before I arrived. “I’m exhausted, but they’ve been going really well.”

“We’re excited to see the show. You know Aiden and I will be there,” Rose says.

I wave the bartender down so I can order something while Violet keeps talking.

“I love what I do, but sometimes I wish I had more than two minutes to relax. It’s a miracle I managed to escape to come here tonight.”

The bartender comes my way and I glance at Violet and Rose, looking to see what they’re drinking. When I do, I realize that Rose has a glass of water and Violet is empty-handed, leaning casually against the bar.

“Do either of you want something?” I ask.

Violet catches my gaze and shakes her head, shrugging. “Not for me, thanks. Ballet,” she explains. “I don’t really drink, especially during the season.”

“Oh.”

Rose looks between us and bites her lip, and it looks like she’s hiding a smile. I feel like she’s trying not to laugh.

She can’t be laughing at me, or Violet—unless there’s an inside joke I don’t know about. But Violet seems just as confused as I am, tilting her head as she watches her friend. Finally, Violet gives in.

“All right, what? What is it?”

“I’m not drinking for another reason.”

“Do you mean…?”

“Yup. It’s a bad idea when you’re pregnant.”

Violet gasps, then squeals in excitement. She throws her arms up and pulls Rose into a hug.

“You didn’t tell me!”

“It’s supposed to be a surprise,” Rose replies. “I still can’t believe it.”

“Congratulations,” I say, smiling. “I know Aiden must be happy.”

“He is,” she agrees. “He’s ready to be a father.”

Violet laughs and keeps talking, prodding Rose for details. Their words drift away as I sit at the bar, holding a rum and coke in my hand, the glass sweating against my palm.

The announcement is one that will make the entire family happy, but it doesn’t stop my heart from aching in my chest. It’s a reminder of what I can never really have.

I need to tell Connor. Rose’s announcement just drives it home that much harder for me. These men, mafia men, probably expect to have several children.

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