Page 30 of A Sinner's Virtue
“He’s out of town. His brother’s getting married,” I say, snuggling into Mabilia and peppering her cheeks with kisses.
“And he didn’t take you? Sounds like a neudachnik,” Mikhail grunts.
“A what?”
“A loser,” he repeats in English.
“He wanted to take me. I said no,” I explain. “Also, he’s not a loser.” I have this overwhelming need to defend Marcel bubbling in my chest.
“Guess I’ll be the judge of that when I meet him.” Mikhail shrugs.
“He’s good to me. I promise. Please be nice.”
“I’m always nice, Zoe.”
Izzy snorts from where she’s standing beside me. “Yeah, and I’m a saint.”
“You’ve always been a saint in my eyes, bella,” Big Neo says.
“Thanks, Papa.” Izzy beams. She’s a big-time daddy’s girl if I ever saw one.
“I’m going to go put these two little heathens to bed. Don’t go anywhere. We’re not done with our conversation,” Izzy tells me. She then turns to her father. “Papa, help me drag Mabilia away from Zoe.”
Mabilia doesn’t let go easily. Her little arms hold on me tight. “I’ll come and see you before I go to bed,” I promise, and only then does she allow herself to be pried away.
I know Izzy left me alone with Mikhail on purpose. He has something to say, which is why I wait for him to talk first. It doesn’t take long. “Are you happy, Zoe?”
I consider his question, really think about it, before replying, “I am.”
“What about his family?” Mikhail asks. “You wanted to get away from the lifestyle, Zoe. Getting involved with a De Bellis isn’t just being involved. It’s diving right in. It’s not safe, docha.” Mikhail leans forward, his elbows resting on his legs.
“I think that sometimes you don’t really get to choose. You know that, Mikhail. I can’t help the fact I like him. And maybe the risk of being with him is worth it. I don’t know. We’re still just getting to know each other.”
“I’m going to have a couple of the guys tail you for a bit. I need to know that you’re safe, Zoe.”
“I don’t need people following me. I appreciate it, but it’s not necessary. I swear. I’m okay.” I know what I say right now doesn’t really matter. Mikhail will have his guys watching me anyway. Honestly, I wouldn’t be surprised if they always have been.
“Well, it’ll give me peace of mind. Come on, I slipped in some of the caramel ice cream you love,” he says, while standing from his chair.
At the mention of caramel ice cream, I’m up and out of my seat so fast before following Mikhail through to the kitchen.
Chapter Thirteen
Weddings are supposed to be a celebration. Of love, commitment—all that shit. And they are. This one was all the above, but it’s also the worst kind of trigger for Santo. He hid it from Gio well. His distress. The fact that he’s mourning his dead fiancée while our big brother is marrying someone he’s only just met.
I’ve been watching him all night. My heart fucking hurts for the guy. He’s not himself, not that I’d expect him to be. But, fuck, seeing your brother, your flesh and blood, completely lose his mind to the point that he’s talking to ghosts… it’s unnerving.
“Santo, why don’t I get you a coffee?” I suggest, while reaching for the bottle of whiskey in his hand.
“I don’t need fucking coffee. Leave me alone. I’m talking to Shelli. I need to talk to Shelli,” he says, his eyes glued to the blank wall in front of him.
I look to Vin, who’s been in here all night with me. We’re both at a fucking loss. We’ve kept this from Gio, not wanting to ruin his big day and all. And I’ll continue to keep it from him. Our big brother will take this shit hard, carry the guilt that his wedding has sent Santo backwards in his grief.
“I’m waking Gabe up,” I tell Vin while gesturing to Santo. “Don’t leave him.”
Vin nods his head in acknowledgement and continues to watch Santo have a full-on, one-sided conversation with his dead fiancée.
I turn down the hall and make my way to Gabe’s room, my fist hammering on his door as soon as it’s within reach. When I don’t hear any movement, I bang again. Louder and faster.
