Page 49 of Heartless Mafia Prince 2: Rocco & Ryah

“Ryah, everything’s perfect.” I tugged the blindfold off.

“Surprise!” all of our friends shouted.

Happy tears streamed down her cheeks. Her friends bombarded her with hugs.

“Genevieve, Faith, Yareli, it’s so good to see you guys,” Ryah said.

Mara stepped forward, stealing the show. “Happy birthday, Ryah.” They hugged for a good minute. I understood why. Ryah and I almost died.

Our friends from school had no idea about our near-death experience.

Mara sniffled. “Come on, bitch. Let’s party!” she shouted, taking Ryah’s hand, leading her to the dance floor.

On cue the DJ cranked the music.

“Happy Birthday, Ryah!”

The rest of the guests funneled back into the party room.

Ryah peeked over her shoulder and mouthed, “Thank you.”

“You’re welcome,” I responded.

Honestly, I wanted Ryah all to myself. It wasn’t about sex. Quality time with my girlfriend was what I missed most during the war. I couldn’t be stingy on her birthday. She deserved a birthday bash.

Gian’s heavy hand landed on my shoulder. “You look like you just lost your puppy.”

“Shut the fuck up.”

“Don’t make it obvious you didn’t want this elaborate birthday party.”

I stuffed my hands in my jeans pockets and shrugged. “It was the right thing to do.”

“You’re right it was. Come on. Bosco and the rest of your school buddies are out near the pool.”

Gian walked beside me, clad in a denim blazer, black slacks, and a red t-shirt. His brown hair swept across his forehead. We looked like young royalty. We were filthy fucking rich, and we had the world at our fingertips.

Josh threw his arms around me. “So good to see you, bro.”

I patted his back. “Good to see you too.”

We stepped apart.

“This summer was brutal.”

“It was. Thanks for letting us use your house to throw Ryah a birthday bash.”

“It’s not a problem.”

Jeremiah shoved a beer bottle into my hand. “Thanks.”

“All dressed up for Ryah, I see.” Bosco chugged his beer.

“For my princess’s birthday you bet your ass I am.”

I scanned my friends' faces. “We need this night, guys. Let’s enjoy ourselves.”

They nodded before each of them set off on their conquests.

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