Page 54 of Kissing the Villain

“Before your mom ran away, she was supposed to marry Arlo. When she left, she embarrassed the Salvatores. The news of your mother’s betrayal rocked the town. It made Arlo look weak. The Founders Society rebelled against their family. But your grandfather did his part and handled the backlash.”

“I hate politics,” I groaned. “And all the bullshit in this town.”

Sonny bent down and whispered, “If you want out, there are ways to leave Devil’s Creek… if you know the right people.”

I tipped my head back to look at him. “And you’re the right person?”

He gave me one of his golden boy smiles and winked. “I have my ways.”

“No, I have to marry Luca.”

My voice sounded confident when I felt the complete opposite on the inside. A marriage to Luca only benefited him.

What the hell was I getting from the deal? That part was never clear. Not even Pops could explain it in any way that made sense to me.

“You’re a tough girl,” Sonny commented as he surveyed the room. “Most people would crack in your position. Your mom did.”

“Good thing I’m not most people.”

23

ALEX

Luca studiedme from across the ballroom. He sat beside Marcello on a throne-like chair, whispering to his brother without looking away. Whenever we were in the same room, I felt his presence.

Sonny looped his arm through mine and spun me in the opposite direction, and as we walked toward the bar, Kali Marx approached us.

She waved. “Hey, I’m Kali. You must be Alexandrea. I’ve heard so much about you.”

“Call me Alex.”

Kali curled her hand around Sonny’s bicep, flashing a grin. “I’m sure this one has told you a few things.”

“Are you calling me the town gossip?” Sonny held his hand over his heart and feigned a sad expression. “You wound me, Kali from Cali.”

Kali rolled her eyes. “I’ve lived in Connecticut long enough that you can dropfrom Cali.”

Sonny slid his arm behind Kali’s back, pulling her close. “You’ll always be an outsider. But that’s okay. We still love you.”

“Founders are such snobs,” she cooed.

He pointed a finger at his chest. “Not this one.”

“That’s debatable,” I interjected. “You asked me to take a ride on your yacht.”

“Maybe I wasn’t talking about my boat,” he quipped.

The three of us burst into a fit of laughter. I was having fun for the first time since I’d moved to Devil’s Creek. Around Sonny, I could be myself while discovering the truth about my family and this town.

Of course, the Salvatores shot daggers at us from across the room.

To hell with them.

“Do you have plans this week?” Kali asked me. “We should grab lunch at Blue Moon Cafe.”

“Sure. That sounds good.”

“I love the chili fries at Blue Moon.” Sonny licked his lips. “I’m coming with you, pretty ladies.”

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