Chapter 10
FRANKIE
I watch Cassie leave with Jack and I hate how that affects me.
They’re friends. Why wouldn’t they spend time together but I don’t appreciate the hold he has over her.
I can’t compete with a lifetime of shared memories and I know she is struggling.
Hell, I know he is struggling and the misery on my cousin’s face merely sharpens my anger.
Luckily, I am distracted by my best friend Jesse who has granted us a rare appearance tonight.
He hands me a beer and smirks. “It’s a good turn out.”
“It’s always a good turnout.”
We watch Luca head into the basement and Jesse whispers, “What do you make of him?”
‘”I’m not sure. He’s a closed book and I wouldn’t trust him with my cat.”
“You don’t have a cat.”
I shrug. “You get my meaning.”
We watch Luca grab a beer and head over to Ali and Santi who smile their welcome. Jesse smacks his lips with appreciation as the alcohol hits his bloodstream.
“How long have we got your company for tonight?”
I refer to his usual trick of slipping off to meet Miss Sloane.
“When I get the call, I’m out of here.”
Jesse grins. “You know, I’ve missed her blend of creativity and depravity. Last night blew my mind.”
“And several cells from your nostrils I’m guessing.”
I’m aware that Miss Sloane feeds Jesse drugs. He’s high as a kite most days and that is of serious concern to me.
“Don’t knock it til you try it.”
I wonder if punching the lights out of my friend would be acceptable under the circumstances but my murderous thoughts are shelved when Jesse whistles and I stare in the direction he is focused on.
“Who’s that?”
“Imogen, Cassie and Jack’s friend.”
Jesse says with appreciation. “Fuck, she is a piece of me.”
I see Imogen through Jesse’s eyes and admit she is. She is a stunning blonde, tall, slender and with curves that sit in all the right places. Her bright blue eyes are soft and hold an innocence that Jesse’s type would kill to corrupt.
She laughs at something Siri says and her white even teeth create a wholesome vibe that Jesse is addicted to and her white dress that sits above her knee is both flattering and desirable, giving off seriously sexy vibes without stating the obvious.
Ordinarily, I would warn Jesse off because Imogen is Cassie’s best friend and deserves my protection but I am so desperate to save Jesse from spiralling into hell, I would even sacrifice Imogen to make that happen.
“I take it you’re not in a rush to leave now.” I tease and Jesse nods, a spark in his eyes as he whispers, “An appetizer wouldn’t hurt before the main course.”
“Fuck, Jesse.” I rake my fingers through my hair and glare at him. “Don’t you fuck with Cassie’s friend. I don’t want to add you to my hit list.”
Jesse shrugs. “I’m meaning a conversation. What’s wrong with that?”
He shrugs off the wall and heads toward the small gathering and as he approaches, Summer drifts away from the group toward me.
“Hey.”
She reaches for one of the beers in the cooler beside me and I knock it out of her hands. “Soda.”
“Fuck you, Frankie. You’re not the boss of me.”
“Tell that to our father.”
“I hate you.” She groans and ignoring me, reaches for a beer, defiantly ripping the top off and chugging it down before me.
She slams it down and jerks her thumb toward Jesse.
“Who is the guy who appears to be hitting on Imogen?”
We watch as he whispers something in her ear, causing her to laugh out loud and I huff, “My best friend, Jesse. He’s a man whore. Feel free to warn your friend off.”
“Gotcha.”
She leans against the wall and glances around the room.
“You have an impressive home here. I’m guessing mom sent the decorators in.”
“You guessed right.”
“I should do the same. Willow Tree House is nice but not acceptable.”
“Says the mafia princess who expects nothing but the best.”
“Of course.”
We share a grin because it’s doubtful anyone here would understand the wealth we enjoy back home and she whispers, “Cassie seems nice.”
“She is.”
“You like her?”
“Is that a question or a statement?”
“Both.”
“I wouldn’t be with her if I didn’t.”
“But she’s currently outside with another man. You’re slipping, Frankie.”
“They’re friends. Actually, more like family.”
“But not blood.”
Her voice hardens. “Don’t let her make a fool of you, Frankie.”
Despite the situation, an overwhelming wave of love hits me for my sister. It reminds me how we value one another. We argue like cat and dog and pretend to hate one another but would kill for each other – for all of our family.
“I’m handling it.”
“Then I don’t need to worry.”
Her eyes flash and it strikes me how devastatingly beautiful Summer is. It also hasn’t escaped my attention that she has already attracted admiring glances from most of the guys here, as well as the girls. She is already a queen among her peers and she always has been.
What I don’t like is the way Luca Romano is looking at her.
He’s interested. Is it in her or because she’s my sister?
I wouldn’t put it past him to use her to get to me.
I’m not a fool. I know we are rival families.
The Romanos rule over Florida and we have connections through the entire country.
He will want to either forge an alliance or discover our secrets for his advantage.
We are the next generation and it will come down to us in the end to preserve our heritage. Now I must decide if that will be as friends or enemies, which is why I have devised a test if you like that will hopefully keep him the hell away from my sister.
Summer pushes off from the wall and says over her shoulder, “I’ll leave you to survey your kingdom. Your company is shit.”
I suppress my smile because Summer has made it her mission in life to pull me down from my pedestal and I wouldn’t want it any other way.