Page 57 of A Sinner's Truth

Ismile. For the last three weeks, I’ve pretty much been holed up in bed with Santo or working on the Dolore campaign. I haven’t heard from my father, but he hasn’t cut me off yet, so I’m assuming he’s quietly stewing at me from afar.

Me:

When have I ever missed your birthday?

Drew:

When have you ever been married to a possessive control freak?

I get why Drew has that opinion of Santo. My husband can come across as possessive and controlling at times.Okay, all the time.But it comes from a good place. I don’t think he’s trying to control me. I think he really wants to protect me.

I also know he has extreme jealousy issues, especially when it comes to my friendship with Drew. Santo doesn’t trust anyone who doesn’t bear his last name. I don’t think any of the brothers do. I’m negotiable when it comes to a lot of things. I’m prepared to compromise, if it means our marriage will appear real to anyone watching. I’m not ever going to give up my friendship with Drew, though. Santo can live the next eleven months being jealous out of his mind. My best friend isn’t going anywhere.

Me:

Never, but I’m not missing your birthday.

Drew:

What do you have planned?

Me:

You’ll have to wait and see… It’s going to be epic.

“Shit,” I curse under my breath. I haven’t planned anything. Drew and I have had this tradition where we each plan the other’s birthday celebrations. We’ve been doing it since we were fifteen.

“What’s wrong?” Santo asks.

I look up from my phone screen. Santo has this way of entering a room like a damn ninja. I never hear him. “It’s Drew’s birthday tomorrow night and I haven’t planned anything.”

“Not sure how that’s your problem,” he grunts.

“It’s my problem because it’s our tradition. And now, I have less than twenty-four hours to plan something epic for him.” I jump off the bed and start pacing. I can do this. How hard can it be?

“You need to relax. It’s just a birthday.”

“I’ve been a shitty friend for the last month. I need to do this,” I stress.

“What about Unhinged? I can have the VIP section booked out for the night. Table service, whatever you want,” Santo offers.

I pause. “You’d do that for Drew?”

“I’d do that for you, not him. If it means you’re not going to spend the next twenty-four hours having your mind occupied with thoughts of another man, then yes. I’ll do it for you.”

It always comes back to him. I don’t know how Santo does it, but even when he’s making a nice gesture, he brings it back to being all about his wants.

Ignoring his jealous side, I smile. “Thank you. That would be great.”

“Send me a guest list. I’ll call Ash and set it up,” he says.

“Thank you. I really do appreciate it,” I tell him.

“Don’t mention it.” Santo is about to walk out of the room when I stop him.

“So, do you want to be my date tomorrow night?”

He turns around and there’s an evil glint in his eyes. “Is that a serious question, Aria? If you thought I was letting you go without me, you’re delusional, darling.”

---