Page 40 of Mafia Rules

I zone out of the conversation at the table. I desperately want to reach out to Eve and touch her skin to make sure we are okay. Make sure her opinion of me is the same. I glance down at her, but she doesn’t look at me.

Hardy catches my attention, nodding at Eve. “Eve, maybe you should sit outside for a bit? You don’t need to see our mess,” Hardy says, standing up and pulling her chair out, not giving her an option.

I stand up as well. “I can take your things.” I’m hoping for a quick one-on-one opportunity with her.

“I can manage.” Eve grabs her stuff, shoves them in her bag, and ignores me completely. She leaves quickly, not looking back.

My instinct is to follow her, but if my father catches on that there’s more between us, he’ll make sure it ends—at whatever the cost.

Hardy stands behind me. “She shouldn’t be here,” He mumbles in my ear. “Keep her away from these two.”

“Easier said than done.” I wait until she’s out of sight before sitting back down at the table, a weight off my shoulder that I can speak my mind now—a small mercy.

“I booked a lodge for you and Sasha to stay in while you contact who we owe money to.” My father hands Sasha a paper.

“That’s so sweet of you, Ardan.” She reads the paper. “And I won’t argue with that lodge.” Sasha’s excitement is obvious from how her face lights up.

“I’m not fucking spending any time alone with her.” As I search for the papers containing the list of names, I tear it apart carefully to split it evenly, handing half to Sasha. “Your half.”

“That won’t work. Some are related, and we need to strategize for each one. This will take some work. You know some of their vices, just as I do. We need to work together.” Sasha puts her best debate forward.

“How convenient for you,” Hardy says to Sasha.

“You kids enjoy the challenge together.” My father stands up. “I have another appointment.”

“Another woman,” Hardy mumbles. “I love a good family gathering.”

Standing up after him, I hastily collect my items, my heart set on catching up with Eve and finding a way to make things right.

A wave of discomfort washes over me as Sasha's hand makes contact with my arm. “It was nice seeing you. I look forward to working with you, just like old times.”

I shrug her hand off and leave, wanting to get out of there as quickly as possible.

23

EVE

Ithrow my work bag in a garbage can as I pass by it, vowing never to see Ash again. Was he planning on keeping me a secret to pursue Sasha? It is the one thing that seems to make his father happy with him.

I walk as quickly as these high heels allow, almost falling over on the rocky path, needing to get as much space between us as possible so I could breathe again.Just his secretary?

How could he make those promises, tell me he loves me, then partner up with Sasha as if nothing mattered? Like I didn't matter. As if I was beneath him or wasn't good enough for him and hisfamily business.

As I turn the corner of the building, the sound of distant traffic reaches my ears, causing me to pause. Practicing my box breathing to calm myself down, I struggle to keep the tears from spilling over, my emotions on the verge of overwhelming me.

I feel my phone vibrate with a text.

Ash:Where are you? I'm outside looking for you.

I put my phone on silent to drown out any attempts he makes. He would head back to Sasha soon.

Just as I'm about to step out from my hiding place, I see him walking around the courtyard, looking for me. I step back behind the stone wall, not ready to see him. I take my phone out and call Macy.

"Macy." My voice trembles when she answers. "I need help."

"OMG! Is it Dereck? Did he find you?" Macy's voice trembles. "Do you want me to call the police?"

"No, it's not Dereck. I'm downtown and need to get out of here without Ash seeing me."

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