I’ve always liked Rowan. He’s ten years younger, so he wasn’t part of our friend group until recent years. He’s quite close to Caleb now, and he sometimes tags along on nights out. As Don Mazzone’s successor, he’ll be a fellow Commission board member in the future, so it’s important we get along. But right now, I am imagining several creative ways to remove his head from his shoulders.
I detoured to the bathroom after I went to get Sloane and Tullia. When I returned, everyone was seated around the table, and Rowan had strategically placed himself on Sloane’s left. Elio is seated on her other side, and Fiero is at the top of the table, meaning I had no choice but to sit across from my son. Tullia is beside me with Valentina to her right, and Armani is in his high chair at the other end of the table.
I’ve had a front row seat to Rowan hitting on my girl any chance he gets, and my patience is currently in limited supply. Sloane looks hugely uncomfortable, and she’s not encouraging him, but he’s either oblivious or deliberately ignoring the vibes she’s putting out.
“You can’t kill anyone in leadership or an heir,” Fiero says, speaking in a low tone. “Just remember that.”
“Didn’t stop you,” I say before popping the last piece of succulent roast beef in my mouth. Valentina is a superb cook, and she served up a delicious lunch, but it sits in my stomach like a rock. I haven’t been able to relax and enjoy the meal because I’m so wound up about Rowan and Sloane.
“Extenuating circumstances, my friend.” Fiero waggles his brows.
Tullia leans in close, whispering to both of us. “You could mess up his pretty face though. Maybe if we’re on a level playing field, he might finally notice me.”
“You’re beautiful, Lia,” Fiero tells his sister. “And you shouldn’t put yourself down. I suggest you forget about Rowan, at least for a few years. He’s not a bad guy, just young and dumb. We were all there.”
“Speak for yourself.” I pin him with a cool stare.
“I said what I said.” Fiero grins.
There’s no point arguing, even if I want to protest, I was not like most of my idiot friends at that age. Steam is practically billowing out of my ears as I watch Rowan lean closer to Sloane, and honestly, if Elio wasn’t in the room, I’d be all up in his face right now. I purposely eavesdrop on their conversation.
“A few of us are heading to a club tonight. You should come,” Rowan says.
“I’ve already got plans,” Sloane replies, instantly shutting him down.
I drill Rowan with a look that I hope screams “she has plans with me.”
“Surely the boss gives you a night off.” Rowan smirks as he looks across the table at me.
“I’m not Sloane’s keeper,” I calmly reply. “Sounds to me like she doesn’t want to go.”
“You didn’t mention any club to me,” Tullia says.
Rowan grimaces a little. “We’re hitting up Club H. I know that’s not your scene.”
“Club H? Are you fucking kidding me right now?” I snap, gripping the edge of the table.
“Calm down, Cristian. We’re going to the lower-level club. What kind of man do you think I am?”
“I’m beginning to wonder,” I mutter under my breath, only marginally less angry.
Club H is one of the clubs run by the Mazzone famiglia. It’s a popular sex club among wealthy VIPs in the city. There are various levels to the club, with various activities, but the ground level is a normal club and very busy most nights of the week. Still, I don’t want Sloane going there. At least not without me.
“Thanks for the invite, but I’ll pass.” Sloane pushes the remaining food around her plate, and I notice she’s only picked at her meal.
Rowan’s face drops, and Tullia notices. “See? I might as well be invisible,” she whispers with pain lacing her words, and I feel for her.
We continue talking in hushed tones.
“You’re a great catch, sis. It’s Rowan’s loss if he doesn’t see it.”
“You’re my brother. You’re biased.”
“I’m not your brother, and I agree,” I say, raising my voice before adding, “Rowan is an idiot.”
“I heard that.” Rowan frowns as he jerks his head up and looks over at me.
“Good. I meant for you to hear it.” I drain the rest of my red wine in one go. I hadn’t planned on drinking much, preferring to drive rather than be driven, but this day is testing my sanity. One of my men can drive us back home if need be.
“You get out of bed the wrong side today or something, DiPietro?” Rowan asks, sliding his arm around the back of Sloane’s chair.
“It’s Don DiPietro to you,” I snap. “And learn to read the room, Mini Mazzone.” I’m being petty, but I can’t help it. I pointedly stare at Sloane as Valentina silently watches while spoon-feeding Armani.
Elio has long since given up sitting. He’s currently under the table racing some of Armani’s toy cars, chattering away to himself and hopefully oblivious to the painful conversation around the table.
“I need the bathroom,” Sloane blurts, rising so suddenly her chair almost falls to the floor. Her cheeks are inflamed as she strides out of the room.
“So much for having a lovely meal with family and friends,” Valentina says, imploring her husband with her eyes.
“What’s a meal without some drama?” Fiero jokes.
“Keep an eye on Elio, yeah?” I ask as I stand.
“Sure thing. Go. I’ll try to offer some words of wisdom to the young and dumb.”
I ignore Rowan as I leave the dining room and head toward the downstairs bathroom to check on Sloane. I lean against the wall outside as I wait for her to emerge. When the lock turns a few minutes later, I straighten up, meeting Sloane’s eyes when the door opens. Her hand flies to her chest. “Shit. You startled me.”
I seem to do that a lot. Either I’m too stealthy or Sloane has a jumpy disposition. “I wanted to make sure you’re okay.”
“I’m okay,” she lies. “It’s just a little awkward.”
I move toward her, drawing her slowly into my body. “It’s more than a little awkward. I’m sorry. I thought we’d have a pleasant afternoon with my friends, but Captain Oblivious ruined that.”
Sloane giggles, circling her arms around my neck. “I can’t work out if he’s actually oblivious or only pretending. Either way, I don’t like it. He seems like a nice guy, but he’s way too similar to other guys I’ve met his age. Cocky to the point of ignorant arrogance.”
“Is that so?” I tighten my arms around her back and nuzzle my nose against hers.
“I prefer older guys. They’re sexier and more mature.”
“Older guys plural?” I say, dropping a slew of kisses along her jawline. “Or anyone in particular?”
“Are you fishing for compliments, Don DiPietro?”
Blood rushes to my dick hearing her say my name. “What if I am?” I purr, grabbing her ass and pulling her flush against me so she feels what she’s doing to me.
“You don’t need to fish for them, Cristian. You’ve already reeled me in. Hook, line, and sinker.”
Our mouths meet in a fiery kiss that hardens my dick to steel behind my pants. I can’t get enough of her, kissing her hungrily as I push her up against the wall and ravish her skillful mouth. Sloane whimpers, opening her lips and letting me in, as I continue kissing her like my life depends on it.
“Now it all makes sense,” Rowan says, interrupting the moment.
I hold Sloane close as I angle my head and stare at the younger man. “It should’ve made sense an hour ago,” I reply, sliding my arm around Sloane and tucking her into my side. “Like I said, learn to open your eyes and read the room.” He seems genuinely oblivious to Tullia too, which sucks for her.
“You should’ve said something.” He walks up to us. “If I’d known you were together, I’d have toned it down. I hope you can forgive me.” Sincerity bleeds into his tone as he stares at Sloane.
“It’s not me you should be asking forgiveness of,” Sloane cryptically replies, and Rowan frowns. For a smart guy, he sure is clueless when it comes to Tullia Maltese. Does he honestly not see it?
“We’re keeping it under wraps for the moment,” I explain.
“Elio, right.” He nods before thumping me in my injured upper arm. If I didn’t know him, I’d think he did it deliberately. “Sorry, man. I didn’t mean to interfere. No hard feelings, yeah?”
It’s hard to stay mad at Rowan. He’s not a bad guy. Just hyped up on hormones and making the most of his twenties before he has to shoulder all the responsibility coming his way. While I went about it differently, I understand where he’s coming from. “It’s already forgotten.”
“Sweet.” Rowan winks at Sloane. “If you ever get tired of the old guy, you know where to find me.”
“Punk,” I call after his laughing form.
“Poor Lia,” Sloane says, resting her head on my chest. “She’s got it bad for him, and he’s completely blind.”
The rest of the evening is much more enjoyable, though not without further drama. Tullia leaves early, clearly upset over something. When Rowan returns from taking a call, he’s surprised to discover she left without him. I have no clue what went down, nor do I have any desire to find out. After Cassio Greco shows up to collect Rowan, we stay a little while longer, and it’s a calmer environment now the source of the drama is gone. Before we head home, I pull Fiero aside and update him on how the search is going for Cruz’s kids, promising to keep him informed when we have more news.
Sloane is in her room taking a shower after reading Elio his bedtime story, so I use the opportunity to call my mom and make the final arrangements for the NC trip. I’ll meet them at the private airfield in West Harrison in the morning, where my plane will be ready to fly them to Charlotte. Elio is excited for his mini vacation with my parents and looks forward to visiting his aunt and uncle. I’m gonna miss him. We are rarely apart for long.
I have just finished plating the charcuterie board when Sloane appears, wearing her coat and boots. I frown. “You’re going out?”
“Yes. I did say I had plans.”
I fold my arms over my chest. “Stupid me. I thought you meant plans with me.”
“Don’t be angry,” she whispers, cautiously approaching me. “I’m only meeting him to break it off.”
I work hard to leash my anger, but today has been a trying day, and my patience is practically nonexistent at this stage. “I thought you did that last week.”
She averts her eyes, shoving her hands in the pockets of her pink Moncler jacket. “Something came up, and he didn’t make it.”
“You mean he stood you up,” I say in a clipped tone. “I don’t know why you’re showing him any respect when he clearly doesn’t respect you. I thought it was only casual. You could break up with him by phone.”
Her gaze connects with mine. “That’s not who I am. I get why you’re mad, but I promise I’m not interested in him. I just want to do this the right way.” Her eyes lower again, and I hate to see her suffering.
A heavy sigh trickles from my lips. “Come here.”
She shuffles toward me, sniffling, and I bundle her in my arms. “I’m sorry. I’m jealous, and I wanted you all to myself tonight.”
“We have all week and every night afterwards when Elio goes to bed,” she says, clinging to me with a desperation that equally concerns and consoles me.
“Take John Angelo with you,” I say, tipping her chin up. Pain shimmers in her eyes. “I’d offer to go myself, but I can’t promise I won’t kill the guy.” I expect horror, fear, disappointment, but she looks like she almost wants me to. “I don’t like this, but I respect your decision.” I kiss her deeply, wanting her to remember who and what is waiting for her at home. “I’ll be waiting.”
