Page 22 of Mob Saint

I make my way to the restroom while Suze stays behind. I spot the O’Rourkes outside the one I planned to go to, but I don’t want to make small talk, and I don’t want to look out of place among seven of the best-looking people I’ve ever seen. The woman with the braids is stunning, but there’s a woman with platinum blonde hair that I’m certain is natural. She’s the definition of willowy elegance. The third woman can only be defined as voluptuous, like a forties pinup girl. I feel dowdy.

I turn in the opposite direction and weave through the crowd to the bathroom farther down the hallway. By the time I get to my turn, then wash my hands, the bells are chiming to let people know intermission is nearly over. I’m still drying my hands as I rush to the door. I use the paper towels to pull on the handle before tossing them. I nearly slam into a man’s back. He’s not standing directly in front of the door, but he pretty much is because he’s so big.

“Seamus?”

He moves aside for me, but he doesn’t look at me. Odd.

“Tiera, let me walk you back to your seat.”

It’s not a casual offer. It’s not quite a command. But it’s certainly not a suggestion.

“What’s wrong?”

“The Mancinellis are here.”

“Who?” I scan the remaining people, but there’s next to no one loitering. A few people rush to their seats.

“Cosa Nostra.”

I know plenty about the various mob branches across the country. But I’ve purposely remained ignorant about the other syndicates outside of Trenton. I didn’t want to know as a kid because it scared me. I didn’t want to know when I was married because it pissed me off Aaron was involved.

“Do I need to worry?”

“Carmine and his best friend, Gabriele Scotto, are here with their wives. I know they won’t do anything while Serafina and Sinead are with them, and they wouldn’t do anything with Mair, Ally, and Nikki here. But we’re still being cautious.”

“Okay.” What does that have to do with me?

“Tiera, Gabriele saw you talking to me. He saw how close we stood. I noticed him as soon as I turned around. I don’t want any of them approaching you.”

“Would they?”

“The men? No. The women? Maybe.”

“Do you think they’d threaten me?” I look down the hall, but we’re the only ones standing out here.

“Definitely not. But they might want to know how you’re connected to my family. That could lead to them learning you’re connected to the O’Briens. There’s no love lost between them. I don’t want you caught in the middle.”

His hand goes to my lower back like before, and it’s sexy as fuck. He doesn’t quite touch me, but I can practically feel its warmth through my dress. He ushers me back to my row, and Suze sits back. She looks like she was about to get up and come looking for me. When she sees me with Seamus, she grins. No!

My face flushes since I can guess what she assumes. Seamus’s hand presses dangerously close to my ass, but only for a second. I might have even imagined it. Then he’s heading back to his family, and I’m slipping into my seat.

“What was that about?”

I don’t look at Suze, but I lean toward her. “He saw some people that he didn’t want approaching me.”

“His teammates?”

“I don’t think so. I didn’t ask. I just headed back here with him.”

I don’t like lying, but it comes easily to me. Too many years of hiding my family ties and hiding my emotions. I’m too good at it. Suze nods and shrugs before focusing on the play that’s just begun its second act. I glance at Seamus a few times, but I force myself to concentrate. I planned to enjoy this play before I spotted him. I still want to enjoy it. I might have missed half the first act, but I’m determined not to let anyone distract me from the rest.

“That was amazing.” Suze claps as the cast comes out for a second bow.

“It really was. Thanks for inviting me. I needed to get out of the house, and I’m glad I came.”

“I bet you are with Mr. Delicious watching you the entire time.”

“What?”

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