Page 49 of Vito

I sigh again, making him smile like he enjoys my exasperation. "Edwill make a short appearance."

Chapter 15

Vito

Thisdayisdraggingon longer than I ever imagined it could. I've lost count of the glasses of bourbon I've had, watching the door. Eden hasn't arrived yet.

She promised she'd come.

Ever since her office that night when I was ready to detonate the bomb on the line that separates us, she's been under my skin more than ever. If Massimo hadn't called that night, I'm sure I would've obliterated the line altogether.

The days betweenBabbo's death and the funeral were filled with supportingMamma, making all the arrangements, and keeping on top of urgent business. Our enemies don't show compassion, and we've had more fires than ever to put out. Marco, Raf, and a team just returned from LA this morning after settling some shit the Czech mafia had tried to stir there. But during all of it, in whatever I'm doing, Eden is always in my head.

But seeing her today for the first time since I left her office that night…

Seeing her in the congregation as we exited the church—she came to honor my father and family—made my chest squeeze in a way it never had in my life.

Then, seeing her unguarded look of hellish, tortured pain… I wanted to take her out of this city and never return.

Raf refills my glass as I finish it but eyes me with concern. "Have you eaten anything today?"

He is as much family to me as my blood brothers; he was there when we said our goodbyes toBabbo. But I don't want him right now. The only one I want is Eden. And it's not even to fuck her, I just want… her.

My scarred hand rubs my face.I'm so fucked.

Raf studies me and claps my back. "I got you, brother. I'll get you what you need." Then he disappears down the hall.

Sipping my bourbon, I don't think further about Raf as my mind is pulled back to Eden and the hellish look on her face. She's still grieving Aiken, probably made worse by his unsolved murder. Add to that, at Aiken's funeral, I had disturbed her grieving for both her brother and her sister, Fenton.

But that hellish, tortured look I witnessed today wasn't all just from grieving Aiken and Fenton. I recall the night her parents came into the bar and Eden's instant, intense reaction. The way her hands shook in her office. Something very traumatic happened to Eden. Not that she'll open up to me about her past, but in my drink-addled brain, I really fucking want her to.

As much as I physically want Eden, I also want to know her. What makes her smile? What makes her laugh? What's the cause of that hellish pain and anguish I glimpsed?

I want her secrets as much as I want her moans and writhing body under mine.

Jesus... I need to lay off the bourbon and eat something.

Before I can go search for some food, the front door opens, and just like every other time the past three hours, my eyes snap to it. This time, though, I freeze.

Eden came.

She looks around uncertainly as she enters. I move to her at the same time as Massimo. He extends his hand. "Thanks for coming, Ed."

A tsunami wave of jealousy washes over me that he got to her first. I need to fight theintenseurge to punch my brother in the face.

Obviously, the amount of alcohol I've consumed hasn't been wise.

Setting the glass down on the side table, I mimic Massimo's professional aloofness, even though I want to pull Eden to my chest and bury my face into her hair.

Her smile has a touch of wariness as she looks at me. "Sorry I'm late. Gilly's was packed." She turns to Massimo. "I know this isn't the best time to bring this up, but I'd like to request a meeting with the Chamber soon."

"Is everything okay?" I ask before Massimo can.

He's the Chamber's convenor and can call impromptu meetings; I, on the other hand, have nothing to do with its operation. He eyes me before turning back to Eden.

She gives me an odd look, then directs her answer to Massimo. "Two FBI agents were waiting for me outside Gilly's when I was headed to the funeral. I want to debrief as soon as possible."

Massimo's brows pull together over his dark brown eyes. "Ash, Dom, Amazu, and Lixin are still here. We can do it shortly."

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