Page 23 of Mafia Rules

“LiketheMr. McKenzie? Like oftheMcKenzies… in my apartment?” Macy has a fake smile forced on her face. “Can I talk to you for a minute?” Macy grabs my arm and hauls me into her bedroom, closing the door.

“What the fuck, Eve! I have the Mafia in my living room? What the heck is he doing here?” she whisper-yells at me.

“He drove me home. My car broke down this morning on the way to work. I tried getting him to drop me off, but he doesn’t listen well.” That was an understatement.

“The fucking Mafia doesn’t listen to people like us, Eve. There’s a reason he wants to know where you live.” Macy’s hands are flying about as she talks and paces her room. “This is not good. He’s taken an interest in you. Of my gosh! What if he wants to use you as a drug mule? Or me? I’m not doing funny ass shit.”

“No. I promise he’s not into that.” I grab her arms, trying to hide my smirk at the thought of Ash smuggling drugs from her.

“How do you know? He’s fucking Mafia.”

“He’s good Mafia, though.” I regret it as soon as I say it.What is a good Mafia?

“He needs to leave.” Macy’s hands are on her hips. “You tell him, or I will.”

“I will. We have been working on some big projects. I'm sure he was just curious about where I lived.” I hated lying to her, but I wanted to keep our perfect affair between us. I didn’t want anyone to ruin what we had.

“Now.” She points to the door, pushes me forward, and follows me back to him.

“I should get going.” Ash's phone is in his hand, and my thoughts wander back to his ex.Was that where he was going?

“Why?” I blurt out, not wanting him to go suddenly.

He nods slightly to Macy, letting me know he has likely heard our entire conversation. “You’re home safe. Mission accomplished.”

I step forward, but he’s already at the door. “Nice to meet you, Macy.” He waves, then leaves.

Wow, that was fast. My cheeks flush. “I’ll be right back.” I follow him before Macy can protest.

“Hey!” I call out just before he reaches the elevator.

“Sorry, I didn’t want to get you into trouble.”

I fall into his arms and hug him tight. I didn’t want him to leave. I hadn’t seen this version of Ash all day. “Don’t go.”

His powerful arms tighten around me and squeeze as he chuckles. “I think someone missed me today? Maybe?” he whispers in my ear.

“Never.” I squeeze him tight, breathing deep, the smell of his cologne instantly putting me at ease.

“I’ll see you tomorrow. Call me when she’s asleep?” He nods toward my apartment.

“Are you going home? Alone?” I couldn’t stop myself from asking.

“Always alone, unless with you. I’m not going anywhere, beautiful.” He kisses the tip of my nose, then my lips.

“See you in the morning?” I say as he pulls away from me.

“I’ll pick you up.” The ding of the elevator pulls us apart. “With your favorite breakfast sandwich.” He smirks as he steps into the elevator and the door closes.

I’m falling for this man hard.No, I’m fucking addicted to him.

14

ASH

Iintended to go straight home from Eve’s, but a text from my brother pulls me back into reality and the deal I need to close soon. I drive over to Ford’s house, where I find Hardy pacing back and forth on the veranda. When I pull in, he practically takes two steps at a time to reach my car.

“What’s going on?” I say as I swing my door open.

---