Page 29 of Corrupted Heir (Mafia Kings: Corrupted 1)

“Mimosas usually get the juices flowing for you,” she said. She gestured for me to sit across from her by the breakfast nook where we could both work on the baked goods in the same space.

“It’s early,” I said. “But I’ll never say no to mimosas.”

“That’s my girl. And no, it’s nearly afternoon.”

I took a deep sip, gulping down a few times before taking in a deep breath. “What’s the occasion, really?”

“My friend’s having a hard time and she’s not telling me everything,” Corinne said. “Here, start on creaming the butter and sugar. I’ll zest and juice the lemons.”

Thanks,” I said while tears stung my eyes. It always happened when she did things like this, taking care of me in a way I hadn’t experienced in a long time. “I’m sorry I didn’t tell you from the get-go. It’s just such a strange situation because my dad’s so desperate for this to work.”

I measured out the soft packed sugar and regular white, leaving the butter for last. When that was done, I began whisking the mixture until it was fluffy.

“It’s okay, hon. Why do you think I brought all this stuff? We’re gonna be slaving away in the kitchen all day and get your mind off of things,” Corinne said.

My bottom lip quivered. Corinne and I reached our hands over the table and gave each other an affectionate squeeze.

“Dominic makes me so confused,” I finally admitted after a long period of silence.

The clean, sharp scent of citrus filled the apartment. She had just finished zesting and juicing three lemons. On the menu today was lemon cookies. They were soft, and cakey, and would have a lemon-flavored glaze drizzled over the top. Corinne brought ingredients for my favorite cookies, confident that it would butter me up.

“There it is.” Corinne looked up at me with a smirk. “And why is that?”

“I think he’s a despicable person. No, that’s a little harsh. We just don’t get along, right?” I said.

Corinne nodded as she measured out the dry ingredients of the recipe.

“My mind doesn’t like him, but my body does. God, that sounds pathetic, doesn’t it?” I cringed as I spoke. I was not the kind of woman who let herself be led around by her hormones, but here I was, letting myself get wrapped up in the way Dominic’s tall, broad frame filled out a suit. The way his heat had seeped right through his suit and into my body when he’d held me against him. The feel of his lips, even the way he’d grabbed my wrist and not my hand. Everything about him seemed to ignite me in one way or another.

“I still haven’t seen a picture of him,” Corinne said, waggling her brows.

“We haven’t cozied up enough to be taking selfies together. And something tells me he wouldn’t be into being photographed, anyway.” I handed her the bowl of creamed butter, and she dumped the wet and dry ingredients together.

“But that’s not all, hmm?”

I nodded, but my thoughts were all over the place, and I worried my words would come out in a jumbled mess. “Even though we argue, it’s kind of a breath of fresh air, in a way. I have the guts to stand up to him. I speak my mind. And the conflict is… thrilling.” I hadn’t really understood what I was feeling until I got the words out, but it kind of made sense now.

“So, that’s why you’re doing it. You’re bored. You shouldn’t be beating yourself up over it. Go on this one last date and enjoy it for what it is—some silly drama.”

“I guess so.” I didn’t love the idea I was doing this just for cheap thrills, but it felt better than thinking I was letting myself be led around by my vagina. And it was even better than doing it because I was just too spineless to stand up to my father. And really, didn’t I deserve the occasional cheap thrill? “I haven’t done much with my life but work and hang out with you the past few years, huh?”

“Yep. I get more action and suspense in a weekend than you do in a month,” Corinne added.

I huffed, crossing my arms over my chest. “Come on, now you’re just rubbing it in.”

Corinne put her hands up in front of her. “Sorry, sorry. But seriously, don’t be so glum. So what if you find the confrontation fun? I’d love to be in your shoes, honestly.”

“Is that only because he’s a potential billionaire playboy?” I squinted at Corinne.

“Okay, yeah, sure. You got me. Maybe you could send him my way if things don’t work out.” Corinne stuck her tongue out at me.

“And get my sloppy seconds?” I made an exaggerated sound of disgust. “Gross.”

“Hey, I haven’t had the best luck. Maybe someone like him would be exactly what I need.” Corinne lined a baking sheet with paper and had me help roll the cookie dough into balls. She made a double batch, as she usually did, because she knew what our plans would be for the day: Binge-watchSupernaturaland eat ourselves into our respective food comas.

And we did exactly that. Thanks to Corinne, I already felt better about a third date with Dominic. I just needed a little excitement in my life. Someone to spar with. Unlike my father, I didn’t have to care if I hurt Dominic’s feelings—not that I was entirely convinced he had any feelings to hurt. And the fact that he was drop-dead freaking gorgeous, well, that was just a nice perk.

One more date. One more chance to go another round in the ring with the man who seemed to excite me and frustrate me to no end. And then I’d never have to see Dominic Luca again.

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