Page 33 of Ruthless Mafia Daddy

“No point in trying to deny it, Lila. You went back with the dude, so you obviously fucked, right?”

“Shh!” I glance at the tables on either side of us.

It’s a Saturday, so Smash! is packed with tweens dressed head to toe in LuluLemon and women in their fifties getting drunk on bottomless mimosas.

It’s a tradition Cassi and I’ve had since we were old enough to have our own money—every Saturday, we go for brunch and put the worlds to right.

Except this week, I want to do the exact opposite.

“Oh, come on, Lila,” Cassi moans, leaning back in her chair and folding her arms over her chest.

“You know, Cass, you fit in well with all these tweens.” I point to her half-finished matcha and athleisure wear.

“Fuck off.” Cassi laughs, shaking her head, her ponytail swaying with the movement.

Cassi and I are exact opposites in looks. Where I’m short with dark hair, she’s all blonde and legs.

Though we have joked since middle school that we should have each other's eyes. Cassi’s are the richest brown, like melted chocolate, whereas mine are like an ocean.

“It’s why we have to be friends,” Cassi said to me on the first day of middle school.

I was petrified, having just moved to New York to live with my aunt after my dad bailed.

Cassi was wearing the coolest clothes and was even allowed lip gloss.

I should’ve been nothing but jealous of her and yet, it was like finding my other half.

She’s been my rock ever since.

“You can’t stop thinking about him.” Cassi nudges some berries around her plate. “You’ve got that sex glow about you.”

“First off, ew.” I laugh. “And I’m allowed to think about him, but only for today.”

“Why?”

“Because it was a one-time thing, so I have to let it go. I can have twenty-four hours, but then he’s dead to me.”

“Ouch.” Cassi fake-winces. “If it was that good, why not just go out again?”

Because he might be a murderer who’s mixed up with the mafia?

“Because I’m focusing on my career.”

Cassi rolls her eyes.

“You’ve been doing that for a year, Lila.”

“So? It’s worked out well, focusing on work. Look at how far I’ve progressed since this time last year!” I take another bite of egg and gulp down the last of my coffee.

“A promotion doesn’t keep you warm at night, babe.”

“Am I not allowed to be single?” My temper starts to rise, but I do my best to keep the lid on it. “I’m just a little sick of everyone pushing me to date.”

“I’m not pushing!”

I glare at her and clear my throat.

“Fine! Dirk was my bad. I had no idea he would be that bad.” Cassi retorts, holding her manicured hands up. “Promise I will never do it again.”

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