Page 15 of Forbidden Bond

“Who?”

“Him,” Jameson says, pointing in the direction Topher just left. “The third son of the D’Angelo family. I was going to tell you he was coming but I didn’t want to freak you out.”

“Oh no,” I say as it finally dawns on me.

That’s why his name sounded so familiar. I’ve heard it several times when my father has mentioned Topher’s family. My heart practically drops.

“I-I need to go,” I tell my friend.

“You okay?” Jameson asks worriedly.

“Yeah. I’m just going to go home. I’ll tell you everything later, okay?”

“Do you want me to take you home?”

“No, I’m fine. I promise.”

Jameson doesn’t say anything for several moments. Then he moves forward to give me a hug. “I’m sorry about tonight, Katie. I never should have forced you out of your comfort zone. And I never should have used you as a bargaining chip to get D’Angelo here.”

“Why did you need him here, anyway?” I ask, pulling away from the hug.

“Because his presence means everyone will be talking about this party for a while. He’s a D’Angelo, Katie. The wildest of them all.”

The wildest of them all—and I was about to go on a date with him. I think I’m going to be sick. Jameson lets me leave after I promise to call him the next morning, and I step outside the building, taking in a shaky breath. My original plan is to head home without having to face him again, but of course, Topher finds me. His brown eyes peer at me, taking note of the expression on my face.

“What’s wrong?” he questions.

“You’re a D’Angelo.” The words sound like an accusation.

It takes a moment for my statement to sink in. And when it does, his expression is immediately guarded, closed off. But not before I catch the way his eyes flash with hurt.

“Is that a problem?” Topher asks slowly.

A laugh bubbles out of me. “You have no idea who I am, do you?”

“Is there something I’m supposed to know?” He sounds really confused.

“My last name is Malone, Topher. Katherine Malone. My dad’s the director of the New York FBI office.”

That startles a reaction out of him. He blows out a breath.

“Fuck.”

Fuck is right. Because I’m pretty sure our families are mortal enemies. I grew up hearing my father rage about the D’Angelos. Every time he tried to throw one of them in jail, they’d find a way out of it. Murderers and thieves and traffickers. They’re not good people, never have been, never will be. And Topher’s brother is the head of all of them.

He’s probably just like them.

Topher smirks. “You have no idea how open you are, do you, princess? I can practically see your thoughts.”

I swallow. “What do you mean?”

“You probably grew up hearing all about my family. Your dad told you stories, scary stories, and now that you know who I am, you’re scared. Am I wrong?”

There’s nothing kind about his words.

“I just know you’re someone I have to stay away from. I knew you were trouble, I just didn’t think you’d be dangerous.”

He scoffs. “Like I said, Katherine Malone, you don’t know shit.”

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