Page 48 of Reed

“Family,” I murmur.

CHAPTERTWENTY-FIVE

REED

TakingGia to the scan in my brand-new, family-friendly SUV was somewhat life-changing. Not because of the vehicle, but because of the realization my bump is indeed a baby. Seeing him on screen for the first time and his heart beating caused something to change inside me. How the fuck could my father have treated me and my brother as if we’re disposable? We’re not, nor is my child. The knowledge of my previous actions burns beneath my skin, and I push it aside, willing it away like an idiot.

When I dropped Gia off at home today, I took her inside, along with the dozens of bags from shopping for our baby. I never considered shopping, always having opted for a design team to come to provide me with everything I needed, but being able to see things firsthand and choose items for our baby boy was surprisingly amazing.

As well as multiple outfits and blankets, I chose a baby-blue lion soft toy for him, which Gia was over the moon about, then I insisted on going to a shop which I’d googled to track down the McDonald’s toy I’d thrown from the car window. After paying the moron at the counter way more than multiple meals at the place, I walked out of the shop happy with the action toy for Bryce. I only wish I was around tonight to witness his face when he received it. Instead, I’m delivering my promise to Shaw and acting as his wife’s plus one at an event I’ve no interest in.

Emi looks stunning in her red fitted dress as I lead her through the crowd toward our table, but she’s not my girl, and already, I feel awkward with another woman on my arm even though she’s family.

I don’t blame Shaw for not wanting to be here; we’ve barely been in the building for twenty minutes, and I already feel like I’m suffocating under the scrutiny of the press and Shaw’s in-laws.

Outside was a shitshow of epic proportions. Having to pose for photographs is not something I enjoy doing, and I can’t imagine my friend does either, but Luca and his family are huge benefactors to the event, so it was expected of Emi to be a part of photos.

We reach the table, and I pull out the chair for Emi to take her place. “When do we get to meet Gia?” she asks, sliding into the chair, and I take the one beside her.

Her question startles me. I’ve been living in a Gia bubble for a few weeks now, and the fact those closest to me are wanting to integrate her into their lives too has my chest swelling with pride to introduce her and Bryce to what is essentially my family. “Oh, you could bring her to Eleanor’s birthday party at the end of the month.” I crinkle my nose as she continues. “Eleanor would love to see you there too. You’re all she’s been talking about.”

It’s on the tip of my tongue to tell her I’d hardly call it talking; she can barely string a sentence together, but I don’t want to burst her bubble of enthusiasm.

“Has Gia had a baby shower yet? If not, you could help organize one?”

The waiter places champagne on the table, and I throw it back. “I thought baby showers were for women.”

Emi scoffs on a smile, then wafts her hand about. “Times have changed, Reed. Anddd, I think the men enjoy them more than the women.” She giggles, and I blink at her. Yes, she’s serious. Poor girl has, after all, been raised in a shroud of secrecy, all in the name of the Mafia. I highly doubt the men enjoy baby showers at all, but hearing her discuss baby plans has my attention like never before.

“How was the scan?” she asks while searching my face with all seriousness.

My heart thumps rapidly whenever I think of our baby growing safely inside Gia. “Amazing,” I state, and she nods as if understanding, which, of course, she does. My friends all do, except Mase. He’s the only one of the five of us not to have a family now, and out of all of us, he’s the one most desperate for it. The thought sends a flash of determination through me. First thing Monday morning, I’m putting the pressure on. Mase needs his divorce settled once and for all. His bitch of a wife, Tara, needs to go, and my friend needs closure to allow him to move on and give him what he’s always wanted.

“Oh God. My brother is on his way over here,” Emi grumbles, and I smirk.

Luca Varros is the capo of the notorious Varros Family Mafia. He also forced Emi and Shaw to marry after she got pregnant on a one-night stand. At the time, I thought Shaw was full of lust, not love, because he gave in so easily to Luca’s plans, but now, knowing how I feel about Gia, I can admit one night can change your life for the better.

I stand to greet Luca and hold out my hand, but he glares straight through me. Arrogant prick. He side-eyes Emi and gifts her with a smile as she stands, leaving me feeling awkward, so I drop my hand only for him to hold his out in greeting.

Jesus, he’s a fucker.

Choosing to ignore his need for dominance, I greet him as if he isn’t being an overbearing prick. “Good to see you, Luca.” Lies. He squeezes my hand roughly.

“Mm,” he muses, as if seeing right through me. “Where’s Shaw?” he asks but aims the question at Emi.

She lifts her chin to face her brother. “He has the flu.” Her cheeks redden, and Luca’s eyes narrow.

Then he lifts an eyebrow. “And?”

Emi’s mouth drops open and fire burns in her eyes. “And he didn’t want anyone to get it. So he stayed home, and Reed was kind enough to offer to accompany me.” He looks at me with sheer contempt, then his gaze flicks back to hers. “You wouldn’t want to take the flu home to Camille and the children, would you?” Her lip twitches.

“No,” he says, then finally drops my hand. One of his bodyguards speaks in his ear, and he nods. “I’ll catch up with you later.” He nods toward Emi. “Oh, and I’ll send a doctor to check on Shaw.”

Her eyes widen. “Wha-what? Luca, no, that’s not necessary.”

His lip twitches, as if pleased at her reaction. “I insist.” Then he simply nods toward me, turns on his heels, and leaves.

“Great. Just fucking great. Shaw bows out of the event, I lie to my brother, and now we’re about to be caught in a lie.” She slinks back into her seat with a heavy huff, and I chuckle at my friend’s demise. He can barely take a shit without Luca being informed, so how he thought he would get away with not attending this event is beyond me. Still, I got what I wanted, and that’s all that matters.

---