Page 1 of Morally Gray Daddies

Daddy’s Bad Blood

By Sinistre Ange

Prologue

New York City - 1922

Clara

My best friend was marrying a mob boss’ son.

Heck, she was the granddaughter of another mob boss. All things she’d kept from me, but I wasn’t holding it against her. I wouldn’t want to admit being Don Bianco’s granddaughter, either. He was a real bad egg. Hailey was a good girl; all she wanted to do was help people, just like me.

Unfortunately, I couldn’t figure out how to get her out of her marriage. I’d already tried once, and all I’d gotten for my troubles was Don DiNardo’s nephew sniffing around my skirts. Granted, Giovanni DiNardo had a heck of an attractive mug, but I wasn’t interested in becoming some gangster’s moll.

I had better things to do.

Like saving Hailey from having to become a DiNardo…

But she wasn’t making it easy on me.

“Oh my goodness, you look amazing!” I burst into the room where Hailey was getting ready, throwing my arms wide, as though I hadn’t a care in the world. Rushing past Don DiNardo’s guard dog, I ran up to Hailey, who looked totally stupefied.

She did look amazing, though. Her wedding dress was gorgeous, covered with lace and beads. It brought out the auburn in her hair against the stark white.

I threw my arms around her in a big hug, smirking because I knew the men behind me were buying my act. They all did. Big blue eyes, pale blonde hair, legs for days, and no one ever took me seriously. It used to bug me, but now I used it to my advantage.

“Just say the word, and we’ll do a bunk,” I whispered in Hailey’s ear, holding her tightly. “I have the car ready and everything.”

Before any of the men behind me could get suspicious about the length of our hug, I stepped back from her, holding onto her hand as I looked her up and down. She really did make a stunning bride. Too bad I was pretty sure she didn’t want to be one. The car really was outside, ready to go. If she said the word, I’d pull the gun I had tucked into my thigh holster and shove her out the third window on the right.

It was a bit of a fall since we were on the second story, but I’d done what I could to hide a mattress behind the big bush in the garden. As long as it was still there, we’d probably be okay. At the very least, we should be able to make it to the car on time.

The cab was waiting just around the corner with the meter running. Don DiNardo’s cash stash was a little lighter than it had been the night before, though I wasn’t sure he knew it yet. Normally, I spread the funds around a little more, but I figured saving Hailey from the mob was a worthwhile cause.

Beaming at her, I squeezed her hand.

“You are the most beautiful bride!”

She stared at me, a horrified expression on her face. “What are you doing here?”

Good grief, she had no acting skills. She was not at all prepared for this life. At least she hadn’t blown my cover by asking about the car. I hadn’t expected her to be this frozen, though. I thought she’d be a little quicker on her feet.

“Clara is your maid of honor. Every bride needs one.” As her grandfather spoke, Hailey’s head jerked up to look at him.

Now, he didn’t need any lessons in acting. His tone was the perfect blend of caring grandfather doing a favor for his granddaughter mixed with menace. Yeah, yeah, you’re a big bad mob boss, we get it. He’d be the second person I shot if Hailey decided to make a run for it.

I wished I could make him the first, but the big bruiser beside him at the door was the bigger threat. Physically, her grandfather wasn’t much of a danger but I would shoot him for the sheer satisfaction of it. Granted, going on the run from mobsters wasn’t something I wanted to do, but I would for Hailey. I already had the route south planned out. We could go to Washington D.C., where the mob hadn’t gotten a foothold, and set up shop there.

Eventually, I’d probably have to take care of Don Bianco, if I didn’t get him with the first shot, but that’s what friends were for.

“Thank you so much for coming,” Hailey said, looking into my eyes. Her gaze brimmed with emotions. I could see her fear and also her determination. “I’ll appreciate having a friend with me at the altar.” She squeezed my fingers.

Well, I’d appreciate it if she took my offer seriously. Before I could figure out a sneaky way to tell her it was legit, there really was a car, and that she was making the wrong choice, her grandfather was already speaking.

“Come on, it’s time.” Don Bianco made it sound so sinister.

I placed the biggest smile I could on my face as I turned around to face him. Maybe another opportunity would come up for Hailey to make a run for it. Or maybe she’d come to her senses after she’d said her vows.

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