Chapter 48
CHAPTER FORTY-EIGHT
THEA
The event is everything you’d expect from a billionaire: elaborate, expensive, and over-the-top.
Huge voile drapes hang above our heads and cascade down the walls, life-size ice sculptures pump out champagne like water, chairs are gold, and tables are decorated with crystal candelabras.
There’re small Swarovski crystals littering the tables that shimmer beautifully under the fairy lights above our heads.
I smile into my drink when I witness one guest scoop them into her purse.
My parents left us the moment we arrived.
As always, I was seated at a table with vaguely familiar faces, something I’ve grown accustomed to, yet another reason I hate these events.
There’s nothing worse than being abandoned and surrounded by strangers while everyone talks around you like you simply don’t exist.
Massio looks hot as hell in his tuxedo. His broad body fits the suit perfectly, and I can’t stop staring at him.
He leans back in his chair with one protective arm draped over the back of my shoulders, and every so often, he uses his thumb to caress my neck, sending a rush of excitement mixed with anticipation down my spine and into my core.
“You look magnificent, Little Brat,” he whispers, only for my ears.
“Thank you.” I smile and take in the guests at the table.
Oscar O’Connell is a prominent figure in the Mafia community and one of the most intense men I’ve ever come across, handsome too.
His dark hair has a slight kink to it, yet perfectly styled.
His demeanor carries with it a demanding importance, and his carefully controlled movements are fascinating.
Rumor has it that his wife was an escort—because Oscar doesn’t like to be touched—though you’d never guess it with the way his beautiful redheaded wife leans into him.
When his gaze lands on me, I swallow under his scrutiny.
His eyes narrow on Massio, and his lip quirks, as if realizing our relationship.
Is it really that obvious?
Massio’s phone buzzes, and he pulls it out. “There’s someone I want you to meet,” he rasps from beside me, then rises from his chair. “Come, I’d like you to meet Vinny and his wife, Gracie. You’ll like her.”
Massio pulls me up, and I struggle to keep up with him in my heels.
“Vinny, good to see you!” he declares with a broad smile.
My heart skips a beat in my chest. Oh wow, Vincent Marino is a duplicate of his brother Sal, though his skin is a little darker, and I imagine that’s thanks to the time spent outside at the ranch he lives on.
His silver hair glistens, and his white shirt pulls tight over his chest. He’s definitely a handsome older guy; there’s no disputing that.
His stunning wife, Gracie, steps forward too.
She’s so much younger than him, that’s clear.
Massio told me Vinny was her step-grandfather, and the taboo of their romance sent shock waves through the Mafia community.
She rushes into Massio’s chest, clutching him close to her and sending a wave of jealousy through me I was unprepared for.
“Massio, we missed you so much!” Her sweet voice filters into my ears. “The children miss you.”
Massio rolls his eyes while I burn with envy. My mind wanders; have they slept together? Vinny appears unperturbed, though he does pull his wife back with a chuckle and playfully swats her ass.
“When are you coming home?” she asks Massio sweetly, and I still.
“I am home, Gracie.” My heart swells with love, and if he wasn’t back to holding me, I swear my legs would give way.
Massio beams in my direction, and she pulls back with a playful pout.
Her long blonde hair touches her hips, and the way she wraps her arms around Vinny and kisses his lips while Vinny strokes over her ass, has me feeling a little uncomfortable at the attraction they have toward one another.
“Ignore them. They’re hopelessly in love.” Massio chuckles, then clears his throat.
“Sorry,” Vinny adds, but doesn’t appear sorry at all with the way his hands roam over Gracie’s body almost like he’s discovering her for the first time.
“Can you imagine having to live in a house with them?” Massio jokes.
“Oh, wow.” I giggle.
“Right? They were at it all the time. It was like I wasn’t even there.”
My eyebrows shoot up. Has he witnessed them having sex? Did he participate? Again, jealousy creeps into my bloodstream.
“You’re beautiful and so perfect for him.
I’m all excited, can I help plan the wedding?
Oh my, we could have it at the ranch,” Gracie blurts out while beaming in my direction.
She truly is happy for us, and some of the uncertainty I felt moments ago slips away.
“It would look stunning. That’s okay, isn’t it, Vinny?
They can have the wedding at home.” Gracie’s enthusiasm has Vinny chuckling, whereas Massio and I look from one another to Gracie in confusion.
“She heard there was an engagement.” Vinny taps her ass. “Sorry about that. You said Theodora was aware of your plans though, right?” Vinny adds.
My mouth falls open, and Massio’s jaw tics, and his shoulders straighten.
“Oh, shit. She didn’t know you were getting engaged?” Vinny surmises as his eyes widen.
“We’re married already,” Massio clips out.
Vinny rolls back on his heels, the confusion evident on his face. “Then whose fucking engagement am I here for?”
“What?” Massio asks.
Vinny leans in closer. “I had it on good authority that I was making this trip solely due to it being a surprise engagement party.”
“Ladies and gentlemen, if you could please take your seats, Mr. Garratt has an announcement!” a voice declares over a speaker.
“Guess we’re about to find out,” Vinny grumbles. “We should have stayed home after all.” He leads Gracie toward the table next to ours.
“Shhh,” she chastises as they walk away.
“Come on. Let’s listen, then we’re getting the fuck out of here,” Massio says, and his hand entwines with mine. Curious glances are cast our way, but Massio appears completely unperturbed. I swear I can feel the heat of my mother’s glare on the back of my head; she’s definitely planning my demise.