Page 10 of Mafia Baby

I really don’t like wearing makeup and I usually just put some shadow, mascara, and lipstick on and leave the rest of my face bare. Today, since it’s a big day, I do it all, finishing with my signature maroon lip color when I’m done with my mascara.

I take a deep breath and practice my smile in the mirror across from me. I slip on my red stilettos and straighten the dress my mother bought for me, leaving my room and making my way downstairs to where I can hear voices already.

The party is already in full swing, and I try my hardest to appreciate the work that my mother has put in.

It’s just so dull, with old couples laughing at nothing, and the music soft enough for me to hear almost every conversation happening in the large dining room of my childhood house.

I make the rounds, greeting everyone and thanking them for their extravagant and unnecessary gifts. There’s stunning food and plenty of drinks to go around.

I go inside and dial my London friends into a group video call. They all answer on the second or third rings, and I smile seeing their faces.

They start singing to me as well, and I blush but let them finish. I debrief with them, catching them up on the party, Chicago, and then about Guy showing up.

I didn’t tell them about fucking the club owner in his office.

“How the hell did he find you?” one of them asks.

“I don’t know.” I sigh. “I thought maybe he used the Find My Friends app, so I’ve deleted that from my phone. I hope he’s got the message now.”

They all give their unbiased thoughts about what a douche Guy is, and I fully agree with them.

After a few more minutes of them catching me up on their lives in London, they all have to go.

Hanging up the phone, I log into my horoscope to see what the universe has in store for me.

LEO: In matters of the heart, this week is promising for Leo. Your natural charm and charisma are amplified, making you irresistible to others. Single Leos may find themselves attracting attention from admirers. Embrace your magnetic allure and be open to new romantic possibilities.

I chuckle. My magnetic allure has never brought me anything good. I think about last night and grin. Well, maybe it’s come in handy just once.

Going back outside, I scan the crowd, looking for a friendly face among the older group. I notice a tall man standing with my brother. He has his back to me, and I ponder why he looks so familiar.

As he turns around, I gasp, and my core tightens. It’s the man from the club. How on earth does he know my brother? What is he doing here?

From the way he’s talking to my brother, I’d assume they’re friends, except usually, Will’s friends are guys he’s met at the golf club—clean, nerdy, and pretending to be businessmen while they live off their parent’s wealth.

The guy from the club is the complete opposite.

William is called over by my father and a few of his friends, and I see my mother go up to Mr. Club Owner and give him a hug. I am so confused about what this rough-looking man is doing mingling with my family.

As soon as he’s alone, I decide I need to go up and find out what his name is, at least. Why he’s here and who he is exactly?

“I didn’t realize this party was wild enough to need a bouncer.” I walk up to his side and look up. He’s so much taller than I am. He turns around at the sound of my voice, looking shocked when he sees my face.

I smile, showing that I come in peace, but he’s looking around the room like he suddenly realizes where he is.

“What are you doing here?” he asks, his voice just as gruff as it was in the club. At least he recognizes me.

“Um, that’s an odd thing to ask the birthday girl at her birthday party.”

His eyes bulge just the slightest bit, realization coming to him. I find it funny that he is trying so hard to keep his expression stone cold, but his eyes are giving him away immediately.

“You’re Gianna Bianchi?” There’s a hint of irritation in his voice, but I can’t imagine why he’d be annoyed to find out who I am. Unless he’s embarrassed that he fucked me, but I doubt that very much. He seemed quite happy to have enjoyed my body last night.

“The one and only. Well, unless you count my great-great-grandmother, but she’s dead.” People either love that line or get super awkward when I deliver it. My mother has asked me to stop using it, but I want to see how he takes it. He gives me no reaction.

“Well, happy birthday, then.” He’s clenching his jaw again, and looking uncomfortable, his eyes searching the room for an escape.

Last night, he was dressed in torn jeans and a dark jacket, but today, he’s put on a pastel blue button-up shirt on with black chinos, and the difference is amazing. Both looks are beyond sexy, but one is more “let me fuck you in the alleyway” sexy, and the other is a “sneaky sex during family brunch” kind of sexy.

---