Page 6 of Chaos

I scoff, picking up my drink.

“Doubt that, Frankie.”

I’ve been working for Mikhail Volkov in Vegas since Kai’s death. I will always have my home here in New York. I just need something new. I need to be away from the reminders. And I certainly don’t need a woman. I prefer the variety.

“Couple more drinks first,” I reply, letting the last swallow of bourbon burn down my throat.

I need a few to face this. Maybe Brody isn’t a complete asshole and is nothing like my mother. Even so, after today, I won’t be seeing him again.

“One more. Then go to that damn wedding, show your face and don’t get too smashed. It’s the baby shower tomorrow.” Frankie’s finger wags like he’s my father.

I nod, catching the attention of the pretty waitress with bright red lips.

“What can I get you?” she asks, twirling her blonde hair around her pen, eye fucking me as she speaks.

“Two whiskeys and a shot of tequila.”

I feel Frankie’s disapproving stare on the side of my head.

She leans over, her hair brushing against my jaw.

“How about saving the shots for after I finish?” she whispers in my ear.

I bite down on my tongue as Frankie clears his throat beside me, causing her to pull back.

“I’ve got plans. Maybe I’ll be back after.” I wink at her.

She blushes, giving me a knowing nod before she waltzes off with a sway in her hips.

I watch her take every step until she disappears behind the double doors to the bar.

“Maybe tonight won’t be so bad after all,” I mutter, rubbing my hands together.

FIVE

SOFIA

I take my place at the head of the table as Brody pulls out my seat with our hands intertwined. Glancing up, his bearded dad smirks suggestively, showing off his gold front tooth, making me swiftly avert my gaze.

“Here you go, wife,” Brody whispers in my ear as I take my seat and he sits beside me.

“Your shithead brother didn’t turn up then,” Knox says from beside Brody. Apparently, he wasn’t too happy with Brody searching out his long-lost brother.

Brody’s best man, Ash, clears his throat beside me. He's forcefully pressing his fingers into his thigh while keeping his jaw clenched.

Resting my head on Brody’s shoulder, he wraps a protective arm around me. He’s tense, too. Maybe they had an argument. They’ve been friends since they were kids, so I doubt it.

Ash stands beside me. The excited chatter of our guests gradually fades away as he taps his knife against his glass, capturing their attention.

“I thought your speech was first?” I whisper to Brody, and he stiffens beside me.

“Welcome to the beautiful wedding of my best friend, Brody, and his stunning bride, Sofia,” he says, holding his drink up to the cheering crowd.

“I’ve been best friends with Brody for as long as I can remember. We’ve been through everything together.”

“Aww.” I nudge Brody.

He remains expressionless, clenching his fists.

---