Page 49 of Heartless Mafia Prince

CHAPTER EIGHT

ROCCO

THE BRIGHTEST SMILElit Ryah’s lips. “I’m starving.” Her foot shook against mine under the table.

I cocked a smile and reached across the linen tablecloth, taking her hand in mine. “I’d say you worked up quite an appetite after the ass beating you served Emily.”

“Rocco, she had it coming. If any of those bitches get in my face, they will catch more than my fucking fist in their mouth.”

My cock stirred in my slacks. Damn, my woman is hot.

I scanned our surroundings to get my thoughts out of the gutter. Her mother wasn’t far away.

People laughed and talked amongst themselves at tables around us. The restaurant was busy for a Monday.

“You’re a badass, Ryah.”

She winked.

I rested against the olive upholstered booth, withdrawing my hand.

“Hey, sweetheart.” Melanie wrapped her arm around her neck and kissed the top of her head. Pure love shimmered in her dark eyes for her daughter.

My mother was born and raised in New Jersey. She was a ruthless woman in business, but when it came to her family, she was loving and protective as hell.

Ryah’s stepmother was all for herself. The bitch was cold as ice and wicked. I wondered if my girlfriend slept with one eye open under her father’s roof.

No, Rosetta knew if she laid a hand on Ryah’s head Luciano would skin her alive. Knife in hand, I’d be up next to make her suffer if she ever hurt Ryah.

The servers placed our plates before us. The steak sizzled and the garlic and herbs dangled under my nose.

“Thanks, that will be all.” Melanie nodded, dismissing the waiters.

“Rocco, I hope you brought your appetite,” she grinned.

The chef's hat hid her long hair.

“After all the homework we had, yes ma’am I did.”

She lifted a brow. “Just homework?”

“Yes, Ms. Soloman. No time to play this week. We have a few tests to study for. Besides, Ryah and I have to keep our grades up. Wouldn’t want to stop spending time with her because our grades faltered.”

She nodded.

Ryah pulled Melanie into the seat next to her. “Did daddy tell you how he lashed out at Rocco?”

“Yes, he did. He also said you two worked it out.” She met my gaze.

“We did. Ryah also told him she’s still a virgin.” I flashed a framed smile.

“I told Ryah there’s no rush.”

She laughed. “That’s not how the conversation went. I said I wasn’t ready, and you said you could wait.”

My fist curled at my side. If Ryah wasn’t careful, I’d test my theory. Holding her sacred virginity close gave her power. Ryah would learn soon enough we shared power. There was no need to hold back her feelings. Nothing I wanted more than to see the love flick in her eyes for me. That wouldn’t happen overnight.

I leaned forward. “And all I’ve done was kiss those pretty lips.”

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