Page 49 of Mafia Rules

“Hi.” I wave awkwardly, unsure how to act around Hardy and what he really thought about me and Ash being together.

“Well, Ms. Eve. It’s a pleasure to see you here. I don’t know how you put up with him, but he's a nicer guy these days.”

“Or so you think, because you’re drinking too much because our father is around.” Ash laughs, drinking his smoothie.

“Could be some of that too.” A chuckle escapes Hardy's lips as he teases himself.

My words fail me as I stand there, a soft smile on my face. Despite his kind appearance, there was a hint of darkness in Hardy that I couldn't ignore.

“How did you two come to meet?” Hardy focuses his attention on me.

My eyes shift to Ash, silently pleading for him to take the lead with the story. My lying skills are lacking.

“Eve. You tell this story best.” Ash's sly grin is accompanied by a playful wink directed at me.

“Umm, well, a job interview.” Unsure of Hardy's intentions, I observe the exchange between the brothers, questioning if he was toying with me and privy to the dirty details. I mean, they were brothers.

“Yes, she arrived a little early.” Ash baits me with more details and pauses while my face turns slightly red. “She had a great interview.”

“Have you worked in an office before?” Hardy asks.

“No. but I’ve done some admin-type stuff,” I add.

“Well, that’s all you need for a great interview.” Hardy savored the last sip of his drink before placing the empty glass back on the table.

“Your thoughts on Sasha?” Hardy asks, looking at Ash and laughing.

“Don’t answer that,” Ash says in a harsher tone, his arm reaching across me as if protecting me from Hardy.

“I fuckin’ hate her too,” Hardy says to Ash. “You know why Dad brought her on. Just to fuck you.”

“I might need you to step in.” Ash says.

Hardy sits back in his chair, inhaling deeply, his lack of response hanging in the air. His gaze casually wanders over to me, and our eyes meet, and then back to Ash. “I will.”

Ash nods in agreement, a small smile playing on his lips, seemingly surprised by Hardy's unexpected agreement. "I appreciate it."

“I’m not doing it for you. I’ll do it for her. She’s the best thing that’s happened to you.” Hardy nods to me.

Ash nods his head, looking my way. “She’s is.” His hand squeezes my knee.

As I smiled back at them, I couldn't help but notice the contrast between their intimidating reputation as Mafia members and their friendly demeanor. It almost made me think itwasall rumors.

“Can you give us a moment, Eve? We need to discuss some things that I don’t want you involved in.”

I nod, thankful for being able to retreat. I felt safe with Ash, but he acts differently when other people are around. He’s not entirely my Ash.

Ash

I watch Eve leave the room and wait until she’s out of earshot. “She doesn’t understand.”

“How could she, Ash.” Hardy laughs. “Our family is fucked up.”

I nod my head, but it was more than that. Eve was sweet and pure. She’d never understand how we live our lives. “I need youto be the middleman because she doesn’t want me near Sasha. And I don’t want Sasha near her.”

“Sasha is already zoned in on her.” Hardy shakes his head, knowing what that means.

“She knows about me and Eve?”

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