Page 28 of The One Night Match
And I’ll do whatever it takes to keep her safe.
THIRTEEN
RILEY
His eyes have been on me since I walked away with his sister, who might actually be the only other Mafia princess I’ve ever met who’s not kind of an asshole.
My sisters included.
Yes, I know I shouldn’t say such things about my family, but it’s not their fault they’re the way they are. It’s how they were raised.
It’s also how I was raised, but I went out of state for college and always had a much stronger sense of self that they couldn’t teach away, no matter how hard they tried.
“His teenage years were disgusting. I thought I was living with a wild animal based on the smell coming from his bedroom,” Lexi tells me, her dark eyes the same as her brother’s, but full of more…life. I don’t think that’s wrong to say. He’s had to do things that any civilized person would consider unredeemable, so it stands to reason his soul paid the price.
“I’m sure he’s not so bad now he’s an adult.” I take a long sip of my glass of champagne, enjoying talking to someone who doesn’t seem to expect me to throw a dinner party or pop out as many kids as my body can manage.
“Only because he has a housekeeper. God, I hope he’s planning to keep her. She’s a saint, and she makes the best Oreo cheesecake you’ve ever tasted. Last year, for my birthday, she made me one, and I ate the whole thing in one sitting.”
I wince. “My stomach could never.”
She laughs, her head falling back. “Mine wasn’t happy. But fuck, it was worth it. If you could put in a good word for me this year, you’d be my favorite sister ever.”
“Aren’t I kind of your only sister? And only by marriage.”
Lexi slaps my arm. “Don’t come at me with that kind of logic, Riley. Leave the logic to Cruz. We can bask in chaos.”
I shake my head, but the smile that’s been tugging at my lips since I first met my new family has my chest warming.
You hear a lot of horror stories about in-laws. Of course, not every mother-in-law feels like their new daughter is trying to steal their baby boy, or every sister-in-law thinks they’re losing their best friend, but still, I was prepared for it. Now that I’ve met Mary and Lexi, I realize I couldn’t be more off base. They’re both so warm, and I find myself comfortable with them immediately.
“God, I’m so glad you’re not one of those prissy princesses. I don’t think I could have handled finally having a partner in crime and her being an asshole.”
I snort out a laugh, which has me covering my face in embarrassment, only to see Lexi doubled over as her whole body shakes from laughter.
“Oh my god. You’re the best. I’m obsessed with you. Can we be best friends?”
I drain my glass and wrap my arms around her. “Fuck yeah.”
“Okay, ladies, I’d like my wife back now,” Cruz says, the amusement clear in his tone.
“No, she’s mine now,” Lexi argues, clutching onto me.
“You can see her in a few days once she’s had a chance to settle in. Okay?” he barters.
Lexi sighs heavily, as if the proposition is the most inconvenient thing in the world. I can’t quite tell if she’s usually like this or if it’s the alcohol talking. “Fine. But I want proof of life tomorrow.”
Cruz nods. “I’ll get your number set up in her phone so you two can text whenever.”
“Thanks, big brother,” she beams.
He wraps his arm around my shoulders and presses a kiss to my temple as if he’s done it a million times before.
As much as I hate to admit it, I feel comfortable with Cruz, a rare feat most men have struggled to accomplish.
I’m not sure if it’s because we’ve already slept together under the guise of a one-night stand, taking the awkwardness out of being forced to kiss in front of thousands of people when we’re perfect strangers.
Or perhaps that’s all wishful thinking, and I’m just deluding myself into thinking that when we’re alone for the first time, it won’t be uncomfortable.
