Page 3 of Untouchable

“Leave him alone, Seth,” Drew says casually. “He is just soaking up as much time as he can get with her before they start to drift apart.”

My brows furrow as I look over to Drew. “What the fuck is that supposed to mean?”

He gives me a ‘come on man’ look as he pockets his phone before he speaks. “Well, she turns 18 tomorrow and is having that big party. From my peek at the guest list, there are quite a few prestigious people in attendance, all with sons around her age.”

I scoff and roll my eyes at my idiot friend. “Her parents aren’t like that. They aren’t going to go and marry her off to some rich prick.”

Drew shrugs easily as he nods. “Maybe not, but it looks like they are certainly giving her options. I mean, you didn’t honestly think that the Mafia Princess was going to settle down with a foot solider, did you? Friend of the family or not.”

My brows dip and I open my mouth to snap out a response when the door opens and in walks our douchebag of a Capo, Dom. He shoots us all a glare that tells us whatever conversation we were just having is officially over.

I look over to Drew and Seth to see them giving me matching looks that are a very clear attempt to make me think about their words. When I glance over at Antonio, I see him giving me a sympathetic one in return that does nothing to sooth the uneasiness that has settled inside of my chest. He pats my shoulder and turns to face Dom at the head of the table.

Dom starts talking about new territory that we are acquiring and businesses or something. I don’t actually know because I am not paying attention. How can I when Drew’s words keep ringing through my head? I know that Seraphina’s parents wouldn’t set up an arranged marriage like typical Families would, that just isn’t them. But does that mean that they wouldn’t try to nudge her in the direction that would benefit the Family?

A pang of something sharp and painful tears through me at the thought of it. I had never even considered that Seraphina could ever be with anyone else. For so long now it has always been just me and her, was always going to be too. I just figured that I was doing the right thing, being the nice guy, waiting for her to be legal before I made her mine forever. Maybe I should have acted sooner, made my feelings known earlier. Would it have made a difference though?

Our families may be friends but at the end of the day, all I bring to the table is two fists and sweet disposition with a weapon. I am nothing but a thug, the muscle behind the mission, and she is a princess, my princess, my Bella. At least I thought she was.

Suddenly, everything starts coming into perspective for me and with each passing second, dread seeps deeper and deeper into the pit of my stomach. Could I really handle being the best friend by her side while she goes off and dates, maybe even marries, Mr. Right?

No. I know that I absolutely could not do that. It would fucking kill me from the inside out. I want her, all of her. Nothing else will do. But the more I think about it, the less the possibility seems to be on the table. What was I even thinking? She is so out of my reach it isn’t even funny. She is the untouchable Princess, and I am just…me.

Chapter Two

Seraphina

I didn’t get a wink of sleep last night. How could I when I knew that in the morning, it would be my 18thbirthday and my first date with Alessandro Cordova? A day that I have only ever dreamed about. I mean, I guess it isn’t really a date since my entire family, his family and damn near every influential person in the state will be there, but still, it is good enough for me.

I am a walking talking cliché, I swear. Hello, my name is Seraphina Mariano, and I am in love with my best friend. I have loved him my entire life and I had always hoped that he felt the same. There have been times over the years where I had wondered if he had felt the same, but soon after he would keep me at arm’s length. It was so discouraging and many times I almost wondered if I should just give up on the idea of us all together, but my heart would have never allowed that.

Alessandro is not only my best friend, but one of the sexiest men in New York, hands down. At well over 6 feet tall and muscled to perfection, he is any woman’s fantasy. Pair that with his captivating green eyes that suck the breath right out of you and dark messy hair, and he is absolutely drool worthy. Now soon, with a little luck, he will be all mine.

A gentle knock comes from my door as I stretch out my arms slowly. “Come in,” I yawn.

My mother walks in, a soft smile on her face as my father trails in behind her.

“Happy Birthday Sweetheart,” my mother smiles as she leans down to hug me.

I hug her back and smile. “Thank you, Mama.”

My father steps up and smiles, handing me a long black velvet box before kissing my cheek.

“Buon compleanno, Bambina.”

“Grazie, Papà.”

I slowly open the box and my mouth hits the ground when I see what is inside. It is a stunning vintage looking locket. It is silver and in the shape of a heart with more detail work than I could have ever even imagined. The swirls ingrained in the metal are intricate and just a slightly darker grey that make it incredibly eye catching. I also notice that tiny diamonds are scattered throughout it.

“Oh my gosh! It is gorgeous? Where did you get it?” I ask.

“A family heirloom,” my father smiles as he wraps an arm around my teary-eyed mother.

“I can’t believe my baby is 18. How old am I?” She laughs on half of a sob.

I chuckle as I fasten the locket behind my neck while my father kisses the side of her head.

“You are timeless, Mio Angelo.”

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