Page 141 of Their Princess

Wilde stepped out first, but he hesitated a split second, but I caught his caution. He leaned back on his heels, holding one hand was behind his back. I reached for my own gun. I was surprised they didn’t make us turn them over at the front desk, but Wilde had just blown past them. Now, he continued ahead. We all did.

“My darling girl!” Massimo walked around the corner, clapping his hands and wearing a broad smile.

He clearly expected Adelina to come to him with open arms.

She didn’t.

She wouldn’t even spare him a smile.

What kind of spy was she? My cock must have been better than I thought.

Cold waves rolled off Rafe toward his brother, the same vibes I was getting from our little princess. The politeness he’d shown to the receptionist, now gone. He didn’t even say hello to the capos, and here I had been under the impression they were the best of friends.

Then Adelina finally walked stiffly toward her father, falling awkwardly into his outstretched arms. He kissed the top of her head and then held on to her even after their hug was done.

“I thought there would be more of you,” said Massimo, eyeing Wilde, me, Rafe, and Graff.

“They’re down at the bikes,” said Wilde.

“We have valet services,” said Massimo.

Wilde let out an exasperated sigh. “No snot-nosed valet is riding our bikes.”

Don Parisi scowled then waved his hand dismissively, turning and towing his daughter along. “Let’s get down to business. How have you been, mia figlia?”

She didn’t answer.

Massimo scanned down her body. “What are you wearing? Are they feeding you enough? Tell me about the entertainment in LA.” His words dissolved into nothings, and I doubted he even knew what stupid questions came out of his mouth.

Once we were all in his office—Adelina included, though I would’ve preferred her not be here, same with Rafe—Massimo told his capos to leave before he sat in the huge leather chair behind his desk and left Adelina at his side.

The whole thing made me think of Jabba the Hut and the princess he had in captivity—Leia. Adelina was only lacking the collar and leash.

Maybe I could find her one for me. Interesting thought, but I wasn’t sure I wanted her tethered to me like that.

Wilde took one of the chairs across the desk and motioned for me to take the other. I exchanged a look with Graff and then Rafe, jutting my chin toward the door. I didn’t want a repeat of what happened last time some of the brothers came to Parisi’s hotel. Though, it seemed like he’d cleaned up all the carnage from that shitshow.

Rafe and Graff, understanding my silent order, took up guard positions at the door. I sat on the edge of the chair beside Prez with my elbows resting on my knees. Wilde sat back like he was getting ready for a long conversation, and I couldn’t quite understand how he maintained the quiet superiority in this situation.

“May I offer you a Scotch?” Massimo waved to the cut glass lowball glass on his desk and the bottle at its side.

“We’re fine,” answered Wilde.

Don Parisi leaned forward with his elbows on the desk, fingers steepled. “How’s our business?”

Wilde answered, “All’s on track. Shipment crossed two days ago, and another one next week.”

“No hiccups?” asked Massimo.

I shifted in my chair, not wanting any part of this.

But, then again, I had the biggest part of this whole thing with my soon-to-be wife standing next to her father with a hand resting on the back of his chair. She looked like she could be a queen instead of a princess, only missing the crown.

“None,” Wilde answered the Don, pulling me back to the business conversation.

“So”—Massimo spread his palms and steepled his fingers again—“we’re ready for wedding plans?” He glanced over his shoulder at his daughter.

I tried desperately not to squirm at the word wedding.

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