Page 111 of Heartless Mafia Prince 2: Rocco & Ryah

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A week later, we woke to the smell of cannoli’s. His mother spoiled us rotten.

“My mother’s the best.” Rocco smiled as he strolled toward the bathroom.

His bruises were healing nicely.

“She is. Jackie’s taken great care of us.”

“Rocco, Ryah, breakfast is ready,” Jackie called up the stairs.

“Coming,” Rocco yelled.

He glanced at me. “I’m taking Mom out to lunch in Philly. Tonight, you and I have a date right here.” He pointed at our bed.

My cheeks heated. “I can’t wait. I’ll cook.”

His face lit up. “Your cooking will only make our night sweeter.”

I laughed. “See you at breakfast.” Pulling my hair into a tighter ponytail, I sauntered down the stairs. The smell of maple bacon whipped up my nose.

My stomach growled right on queue. Rocco and I were supposed to be laid out on the beach this week. He promised to make it up to me. I didn’t care where we went as long as there was a beach and sun rays beating down on my honey-brown skin.

“Good morning, Jackie.”

“Morning, sweetheart.”

“Rocco will join us soon. He’s in the shower.”

The stack of light fluffy pancakes drew me in. I licked my lips. “Everything looks delicious. It always does. Thank you for staying with us.”

She smiled, cupping my face. “You’re welcome, Ryah.”

I bit into a sausage link. “Urbano and Breann are probably going crazy.”

She laughed before sipping her piping hot cup of coffee. “You know they are. The look on their faces yesterday when I said I was coming home was comical. Urbano threw his fist in the air and Breann ran in a circle behind him screaming yes.”

I clutched my stomach, bursting with laughter. “At least you know you’re missed.”

Her blue eyes sparkled. “All three of them are my world.”

I shoveled a forkful of pancakes into my mouth.

“All three of who are your world?” Rocco rounded the corner, pulling his mom into a hug.

“You, Breann, and your dad.”

“Mom, there was a time when I alone was your world.”

She held him tight. “I know, dear boy.”

He stepped back and her eyes glinted as she craned her neck, staring up at him.

“I’m happy that horrible soup diet is over.” I chewed on another slice of bacon as I watched him load his plate down with pancakes, bacon, sausage links, and eggs.

“Me, too. I’m hitting the gym next week. I lost muscle mass. This has been a hell of an experience. It’s right up there with the plane crash.”

My eyes fell on my plate. All Rocco’s new injuries were Dad’s fault. The thought of what Dad had done gnawed at my insides like hungry rats.

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