Page 9 of The Mafia's Desire

“Thank you. I had no idea what I was going to do about her.”

“You know she might be good for you, too.”

Ethan pinched the bridge of his nose. “The last thing I need is a woman in my life. It’s still fucked up from what happened months ago.”

“Don’t let your mother ruin the rest of your life. This was all on her, and she fooled every one of us.”

“Technically, I know that, but I don’t know how to describe it, except for feeling lost. It’s like the rug was pulled out from under me and left me floundering.”

“I can’t imagine what you’re feeling, man. She wasn’t my mother,” Alastair said. “But don’t let her take anything else from you. You just have to decide to take the next step.”

“I had Ben here to check her out, and he told me what he did to get Angus to feel better. Besides getting him drunk, he told him he wasn’t God and then said he needed to stop being pissy because the rest of the family needed him.”

Alastair laughed. “He’s right, and I think this pertains to you, too.”

Ethan paused. He hadn’t thought of that. “It’s something I’ll think about. I’ll be bringing her by in the next hour.”

“I’ll get Martin to get the room ready and tell the girls.”

“Thanks again.”

“That’s what family is for, dumbass,” Alastair said.

Ethan laughed and hung up.

Chapter Five

Sara moved her leg and then moaned when pain shot up her thigh. She tried to open her eyes, but it felt like they were swollen shut, and she didn’t understand it until she remembered what had happened.

The pain intensified when she stiffened as she tried to listen for anything. She heard a rustle of clothing a few feet away and waited for more pain.

“Hey, are you awake?” a woman said softly.

She was even more confused.

“I’ve been waiting for you. There’s nothing to fear here. My name is Beth, and I’m going to help take care of you.”

“Wh…” Sara stopped and tried to clear her throat.

“How about a drink?”

“Yes, please.”

She felt a straw touch her lips and then sipped. The cold water felt amazing in her mouth, and she drank until she couldn’t anymore. “Thank you.”

“You’re welcome.”

“Where am I?”

“You’re at the Maclean mansion,” Beth said.

“I’ve never heard of it. Why am I here?”

“Ethan put you here so we could care for you.”

Her body stiffened again. “When can I leave?”

Beth snorted. “You just woke up from a fourteen-hour nap and have bruises and cuts all over your body.”

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