Page 77 of Heartless Mafia Prince

CHAPTER ELEVEN

ROCCO

RYAH AND I ATE DINNERwith Melanie a week before my birthday. Ryah said she was cooking dinner and this would be a good time to ask her mom if she could party all night with me.

“Rocco, pass the collard greens.” Ryah flashed a nervous smile at my left.

I scooped up the bowl closest to her mother and placed it in front of Ryah.

Our families spent Christmas Eve together. Mom said Melanie had an eye for design. She said their home was modern chic. The dining room was cozy. The circle wooden mahogany table with taupe upholstered chairs was classy. There was a medium crystal chandelier that hung overhead. The large picturesque windows gave an extensive view of the backyard. I loved their house because it was cozy. Not nearly as large as mine or Luciano’s other home.

“How was business this week, Ms. Soloman?”

“Rocco, it was steady. I could barely break away to have dinner with you two. But I couldn’t miss Ryah’s cooking.”

“You both are marvelous cooks.” I glanced between them.

They smiled.

“Thank you,” they said in unison.

“How’s Lacrosse going?”

“Fantastic. I made team captain.”

Melanie’s eyes lit up. “Rocco, that’s wonderful.”

I nodded before biting into a piece of cornbread.

“Mom, Rocco agreed to go on vacation with me, dad, and Rosetta this summer.” Ryah fiddled with the hem of her short coral dress.

I gulped my water.

Shit, what the fuck?

My girlfriend used me as a go between. I couldn’t believe she waited a month before we’d head out of town to tell her mother. How could I ask Melanie about the party now?

I thought Melanie would be sick. Her brows lowered, then she turned up a glass of wine.

Yeah, this wasn’t good.

I heard the heavy front door shut. This wasn’t happening. It could only be her dad. Why was Luciano here? I understood he lived here, part-time but Ryah said he was working late and wasn’t joining us for dinner.

“Hello. Melanie, Ryah.”

Neither one of them responded. They stared at their barely eaten plates.

I’d say this was fucking awkward.

“Why didn’t anyone answer?” he asked, as he sauntered into the dining room toward Ryah.

His heavy hand landed on my shoulder. “Hey, Rocco.”

I cleared my throat. “Luciano.”

“Sorry, dad. I was just telling mom about our summer trip.”

He straightened his back and his eyes widened. “I see.” He ran a hand over his brown hair. This guy could have a ton of chicks if he wanted to. He was a good-looking guy. Instead, he had a wife and a Gumar. I suppose you could say he was a lucky guy.

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