Page 36 of Mafia Rules

“I crave your taste, love.” I push up so I’m at his chest level. As my hands move up and down his chest and shoulders, I sensethe strength and warmth of his body. I couldn’t wait to lie beside him tonight, my head on his chest while he plays with my hair.

“Do you? Love me?” Tears well up in his eyes, and his eyebrows furrow inward.

“I do.”

He leans down and kisses me, even though his taste is still in my mouth. He kisses with intensity, and then he retreats. “I love you, Eve. Like no one else before you.”

21

ASH

Iwoke before Eve so I could surprise her with breakfast. Before she entered the kitchen, I had bacon, sausage, and hashbrowns on the go. Her chair is pulled out, and our place settings are on the table.

“Right here, sweetheart.” After a quick embrace, I push her chair in as she took her seat.

“So, you can cook.” She looks at all the food I'm making. Eve's face lights up with a smile.

“I have to impress you.” I flip the bacon, standing back so the grease doesn’t hit my bare skin.

Eve comes over and stands behind me, her arms wrapping around my chest. “My love, unfortunately, you need a shirt to cook bacon.” I feel her lips press down on my back in a pattern.

I gently lift her hand to my lips and press a soft kiss onto her skin. “Sit back down.” I swoosh her away, and she retakes her seat.

I flinch as my phone vibrates loudly on the table. Sasha had texted me multiple times last night and left a couple of voicemails that I’d ignored this morning. Looking back at the table, I notice Eve holding my phone.

“Sasha?” I ask.

“She desperately wants to speak with you.” Eve extends my phone toward me, holding it in front of me.

“Once this deal closes, I won’t ever have to talk to her again.” I turn my phone screen over. I’ll deal with Sasha after.

“How long were you together?” Eve's eyes are fixed on my phone as she asks her question.

“Six years.” I turn back to the stove before any of our food burns. “We were engaged.”

There’s silence coming from where Eve sits. I plate our food and bring it to the table.

“You can ask me anything you want.” I sit down and pull my chair closer to her.

“She’s just so… different.” Her fork clinks against the plate as she absentmindedly picks at her food.

“From you?” I smile, reaching for her leg. “No one is like my Eve.”

“I don’t want you to be alone with her… if I can ask that.” Her eyes meet mine.

“I will try my best. You don’t have to worry about me wanting her.” I lean in and kiss her cheek. She turns her face toward me, and our lips touch. “I’m not going anywhere.”

She brings her hand to my face and plays with my scruff. While I’m kissing her nose, my phone vibrates again.

“Answer it.” Her touch is soft yet firm as she cups my chin.

I grab my phone and answer, putting the call on speaker. “What, Sasha?”

“Why aren’t you answering my many texts and phone calls, Ash?” Sasha’s voice is raised, clearly upset that I’d been ignoring her.

“What’s going on?” I place the phone on the table and start eating; Eve remains beside me, breathing quickly, while Sasha talks.

“Your father is overstepping. He’s calling people and trying to fix prices for debts he doesn’t have the money to pay. It’s fucking up my negotiations.” Sasha's voice shakes as she rants.

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