Page 82 of Doc

Pulling Soren gently out of the way, so Cristian can finally make his grand exit from the vehicle, I hold him close, enjoying the simple ability to do so in such a public space.

By the time everyone is ready to enter the event hall, we’ve gathered a fair crowd of obscenely wealthy people who can’t help but pretend they’re not watching our every move.

The rumors about the Family may strike fear into many, but money talks, allowing us to move amongst the city elite without a care. Because if we’re being honest, Cristian is more honorable than most here about how he comes into his money.

Joel and Gabriele lead the way inside, while James takes up the rear, and Roman’s head guard, Benji, sticks close to his charge’s side. They’re not the only Amato guards around, but they’re the visible ones. The only ones who don’t have their own personal guard tonight are Jude and Carter. The latter because he won’t stray far from his husband’s side, in part because Gabriele is acting as the guard for them both, and because Carter is also serving as Cristian’s guard. Mafia spouse or not, Carter will never truly leave his former position behind.

I can only assume the same goes for Jude. There’s no way Roman will let his lover leave his side, and Tennant will watch over them both.

The host of the event fawns over Cristian, and it’s amusing to watch the mafia Boss tolerate such an act. When she notices Roman is with his father, I think she’s going to faint for a moment. The way she gushes over the boy is quite a sight, especially since her entire goal is to get him and his father to spend more money, as if everyone here didn’t already come in with an agenda and goal to show up one another. Nothing sells more to rich people than allowing them the opportunity to show upotherrich people.

Of course, the Amatos have their own budgets and agendas, and won’t be swayed by fake platitudes, no matter what they allow everyone else to think.

When the ever so kind and gracious hostess gets to me, her smile drops just a fraction.

“Mrs. Willington.” I give her my most charming smile. “You seem to get lovelier every year. How wonderful to see you.”

She has the grace to play her part, the fake laugh coming automatically. “You’re such a charmer, dear. It’s so lovely to see you. I believe your parents are already here. I’m sure they’re anxiously waiting on you, so I won’t keep you long.”

My charm may be on point, but hers is not. To everyone else, she’s a good liar, but Matilda Willington has been my mother’s closest friend for over fifty years now, and I can see through her fakeness with ease.

“Oh good, we’ll go see them first then. I haven’t yet introduced my date to them.” I motion gently to Soren. “This wouldn’t be my ideal setting, but I couldn’t pass up the opportunity to show him off.”

Mrs. Willington takes in my Daddy for a long, calculating moment, before plastering her fakest smile yet on her painted lips. “How…lovely to see you with a guest. Please, do go in. I have other guests to greet, and I’m sure your mother wouldloveto meet your…young man.”

“I am quite looking forward to it.” I give the older woman a real smile. “I’m sure we’ll see you later, Mrs. Willington.”

She allows me to kiss her cheek, as it's expected from the son of her perceived best friend, and we follow our group inside.

“I’m impressed,” Cristian says, right before we enter the main event room.

“Have I ever let you down?” I ask blandly.

“No,” he agrees. “But it is no less entertaining to watch you don your suit of sophistication.”

I make a face but quickly smooth my features out. I know exactly what he means, as I’ve never hidden my true nature from Cristian, but that doesn’t mean it’s not as easy as breathing to slip back into the role I was born to play.

“We’ll go find our table,” Tennant says.

Cristian nods in agreement. “We shall be there shortly. I’m sure Doc wants to get this over with quickly.”

“Rip the Band-Aid off,” I confirm.

Soren presses his hand to the small of my back, and I look at him. His bright eyes are full of concern. “Are you sure? We don’t have to do this.”

I shake my head minutely. “I have never been more sure of anything, Daddy,” I tell him. “I’ve been looking forward to this for years, if I’m being honest.”

He searches my face, assessing the truth of my words, before finally nodding in acceptance. “Lead the way.”

It takes a moment to orientate myself. The room isn’t too crowded yet, but that doesn’t make it any easier to find my parents. Especially since they’re the type to make others go to them, rather than take themselves to people.

Scanning the room, I’m not surprised to find their table near the front of the room, closest to the stage. My mother would accept nothing less than making sure her status asimportantwas known, and my father is arrogant enough to believe he deserves the best his wealth can afford.

With Soren’s arm threaded through mine, I make my way slowly through the room, towards where my parents are taking post. My mother is currently sitting at the table, content to pretend she’s not shrewdly keeping an ear on the conversation my father is having over her head with someone I don’t recognize.

However, as we get closer and the stranger shifts on his feet, bringing his profile into view, Soren seems to realize who it is as he freezes. Stopping in my tracks, I look down into his pale face.

“Daddy?” I say as quietly as I can.

---