Page 50 of Mafia Rules

“Everyone that was at that fucking table knows. The way Eve looks at you. I’m fucking envious, but you know Sasha’s fucked up. Keep them apart,” Hardy advises.

I stand up and walk over to the right to ensure Eve is not listening. “Dad is pushing this getaway with Sasha. He’s texted me several times to confirm dates with him.”

“Lane is pissed.” That seems to bring Hardy joy, as he chuckles, “He’s scared you and Sasha will get married, and he won’t be the favorite anymore.”

“Fucking Lane.” I shake my head. “If he didn’t look so much like Dad, I’d make him take a DNA test.”

“But seriously, Eve’s a sweetheart. She’s no match for Sasha,” Hardy says.

“I’m trying, but she wants to be at every meeting now.”

My phone vibrates, interrupting our conversation. I didn’t need to look to see who it was. I ignore it, and Hardy’s phone vibrates next.

“Sasha. Does she have a camera in here?” Hardy's laughter fills the room as he glances around.

“I’m not looking at mine. She can wait,” I say.

Hardy pulls out his phone. “Well, you may want to have a look. She’s on her way over.”

“Here?” My heart races as I clumsily check her message to me. Sure enough, it was a warning she’s on her way to discuss business. “Fuck.”

“Put some fucking clothes on and slip Eve out the back, brother.” Hardy stands up and pats me on the back, grabbing his coat.

“Where are you going?”

“The fuck out of here.” Hardy walks toward the door, stumbling as he moves forward.

“You’re drunk? It’s not even noon.” I help him up. I was aware of Hardy's drinking habits, but it seems more excessive of late.

“It’s one of those days.” Hardy pushes the elevator button.

“You said you would be my middleman,” I remind him, canceling the elevator.

“Just don’t let her up here.” Hardy pushes the button again.

“I never changed the code.” A heavy sigh escapes me, and I feel a wave of stupidity wash over me like a cold shower.

“From when she lived here before?” Hardy narrows his eyes, trying to comprehend how I could be so dumb.

“I know. She left, and I couldn’t be bothered.”

“Everything okay?” With a concerned look, Eve stands off to the side.

“I just drank too much.” Hardy presses his back firmly against the wall for support, his words slurring.

The elevator door dings, and Eve looks at me. “Who’s that?” she asks. The door opens, and Sasha steps out.

“Is this our going away party, babe?” Before I could react, Sasha wraps her arm around me and presses a kiss to my cheek.

“Ash, what’s going on?” A wave of red spreads across Eve's face, and her brows furrow.

I push Sasha off of me, but I’m not quick enough.

“Oh, he didn’t tell you? We are leaving for a little getaway.” Sasha smiles evilly at Eve.

28

EVE

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