Page 9 of Unforgivable Ties

“And there’s an actual doctor there, too? Not just me?”

“Absolutely,” I assured her, not missing a beat. “Cesare will be there. He’s been doing this for thirty years.”

Stephanie turned to face me, her gaze pensive as she considered my proposition. She clutched the wooden spoon she’d been using to stir her pasta tightly in her hand; her knuckles going white under the strain.

“You know my tuition is $100,000 a year, right?”

“That’s not a lot of money to us,” I casually replied, leaning against the kitchen counter and crossing my arms over my chest.

I could see the cogs turning in her head, weighing the pros and cons of the situation. Ridding herself of student loan debt was an offer that was too good to pass up.

“Well…fine. But only until you find someone else!”

“Great,” I said, pulling my phone out of my pocket and sending her a text. “I just sent you a text so you have my number.”

“What? How did you get my number?” she replied, her eyes widened with curiosity.

“I have my ways,” I said nonchalantly.

“Whatever,” she mumbled.

She turned back to the steaming pot of freshly cooked pasta and carefully scooped out two servings into bowls. As she handed me my bowl, I couldn’t help but notice the way her delicate fingers held it with care, as if she was afraid the fragile china might shatter at a sudden movement.

“Oh, I didn’t actually want any,” I said, walking out of the kitchen and back to the front door. “Who the fuck eats canned spaghetti sauce?”

She shot me a glare and I could see the fire raging in her eyes. “Why, you—”

I didn’t hear her finish her sentence as I slammed the door shut behind me.

Stephanie

Ever since Vincenzo came into my life, I found it difficult to concentrate on my schoolwork. I was always looking over my shoulder, waiting for him to show up out of the blue. One moment, he’d be a figment of my imagination, a constant thought plaguing my mind; the next, he’d be as tangible as the textbooks in my bag, standing in front of me with those arms that rivaled tree trunks.

How did I manage to get involved with the mafia? Not only that, but a massive, tattooed, hot mafia member. I mentally scolded myself. No, he wasn’t that hot; it was just his tattoos, and the way he tied his long hair up in a bun and—shit.

I slapped my hand against my forehead and slowly ran it down the length of my face. All of this brooding would not help me pass my Infectious Disease class.

“Are you alright?” Preston asked as he neatly packed his books and notes into his backpack.

I had gotten paired up with my ex as a lab partner in this class—another infectious disease.

“I’m fine,” I replied, averting my gaze from Preston’s concern-filled eyes. The last thing I needed was to deal with ex-boyfriend drama on top of my...other situation.

Preston and I had dated for three years, and he was my first serious relationship. But while I saw forever for us, he saw me as temporary. Everyone in his family was rich and successful, and there was no way they would let him marry someone likeme.His family was filled with CEOs and politicians, while mine were hardworking, blue-collar folks. There was nothing wrong with my upbringing, but I didn’t fit in Preston’s world. His parents made him dump me by threatening his inheritance and everything they currently pay for.

I had just gotten over him. It was time to move on and get a fresh start. I just didn’t know that fresh start would involve the mafia.

“Do you want me to drive you home?” he asked.

“No, I’m fine,” I answered a little too quickly.

“Well, at least let me walk you to the subway station.”

I sighed, not in the mood to argue. “Fine,” I finally muttered, picking up my bag and heaving it over my shoulder.

As we strolled through the bustling campus and towards the subway station, Preston made light conversation. The sound of students rushing to classes filled the air, intermingling with the distant rumble of trains arriving and departing. My mind was elsewhere, but I forced myself to engage in conversation, not wanting to appear impolite.

Before we could reach the subway station, we had to cut through a staff parking lot. As we got closer, I gasped at the sight before me.

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