Page 37 of Mafia Rules

“That sounds like him. I thought you had a plan to keep him at bay.” I stuff more bacon in my mouth.

“Are you eating?” Sasha asks.

“It’s morning, so yes. I’m having breakfast.”

“It’s a little late for breakfast.”

“I was up late last night.” I wink at Eve and she smirks.

“I hope this doesn’t have to do with that child you hired as a secretary.” Sarcasm drips from her voice.

I put my fork down, my heart racing and my hands clenching. Sasha will not disrespect Eve. “Eve is off-topic.”

“Fine. Your father wants to meet today, so hurry and eat. I made a reservation for noon,” Sasha says.

I sit back in my seat and put my fork down. “Where?”

“I texted you. See you soon.” Sasha ends the call abruptly.

At first, I stay silent, the peaceful morning with Eve shattered by Sasha and my father.

“I want to go,” Eve says in her tiny voice.

I breathe in deeply. Eve wasn’t ready to meet my father, not that she ever could be. I'd rather wait until there's no deal hanging over our heads. Not to mention my father's favor to Sasha. “I’m not—”

“I’m going,” Eve interrupts with a more forceful voice. She eats her food and avoids my gaze.

“Eve, I’d rather you not meet my father. Maybe when this is all settled.” I shake my head, knowing I’m lying to her, but it was to protect her.

“Do you love me?” She stops eating and turns all of her attention on me.

“Of course I do.” Didn’t she understand I was doing this because I love her? “He’s not a good person, Eve. I don’t want you on his radar.”

“I’ll be fine. There’s nothing you can say to stop me, Ash.” Eve pushes her plate away from her.

Our perfect morning ruined. The day I’d planned for Eve and me, also done with. “Okay. But they can’t know we are together. Not yet.”

“Agreed.” Eve nods.

“Just take notes, like you usually do. I have to keep it professional so you can’t get mad at me.” I lay out the ground rules.

“Got it.” Eve nods her head. “Can I ask you something?”

I pause, afraid of what she could want to know. “Yes. You can always ask me anything.”

“What about your mom? You’ve never mentioned her.” Eve’s voice is soft and caring.

“We don’t speak much. She never really wanted to be a mother, I guess.” My mother was someone I didn’t speak about. I held no hard feelings for her; she struggled with three boys, and my dad was always off with other women.

“Does she live close?” Eve’s eyes soften.

“No, she’s overseas. Has been for years.” I gather our plates from the table and scrape our leftover food into the garbage.

“When did you see her last?” Eve’s body is turned to face me.

“Babe, I really don’t want to talk about this. I need to get into a certain headspace to meet my father.” My shoulders slump forward, and my brain wants to shut off. Was this deal reallyworth all this stress? I just wanted to fuck off for the day with Eve and show her things she’s never experienced before. Seeing her happy was a high for me.

“I’m sorry.” Eve approaches me and forces herself between me and the chair, settling on my chest with a tight squeeze.

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