Page 10 of Forbidden Bond

“I’m not going to say no to a triple dare,” I mutter.

It’s a stupid tradition we made when we were teens. A tradition I have unfortunately been unable to forget.

Jameson lifts me up into a hug. “It’ll be amazing. All you’ve got to do is dress hot, have a few drinks, and enjoy yourself.”

“It’s going to be a disaster,” I say cynically.

CHAPTER 4

Topher

In New York City, the name D’Angelo signifies a crime syndicate. One of the powerful mafia families that rule the underworld in the city. The name inspires fear and, as my brothers like to believe, respect. The motto of our house is “Feared and Respected.”

I’ve always thought it was bullshit. I’m sure we’ve got the fear down pat, but as for respect, I wouldn’t be so sure. Christian likes to believe that one connotes the other. As long as he’s feared, he’s gaining respect. But real life doesn’t work that way. Respect is earned, not forced. And by spreading fear, forcing respect is exactly what my brother is doing.

I don’t blame him—as the Don, that’s his job. It’s all he’s ever known. Christian has been training to take over from our father since he was sixteen years old. He might not have been given the title until our dad died, but everyone knew he was meant for it. I was the least likely candidate. Unworthy.

Deep down, I know my father hated it. He hated that I wasn’t a made man. He hated that he had been unable to force me into being more like him. Sometimes I imagine making him proud for once, but the only way to do that would probably be by grabbing a gun and shooting a few people.

They all think I’m a coward, but what I’m truly scared of is crossing that line—and being unable to ever find my way back to who I really am. Despite all my misgivings, I own three guns. Because regardless of my philosophy and my belief, I’m still a D’Angelo. And our family name doesn’t just earn me respect, it earns me a lot of enemies as well.

My phone starts buzzing as soon as I step outside.

“What?” I ask, picking up the call.

“Are you on your way?” Max questions. I can almost hear the smile in his voice.

“I’m leaving my condo right now. Are you going to tell me the reason you’re so excited for tonight? This is the second week in a row you’ve dragged me to NYU’s campus.”

“You didn’t show up last week, asshole.”

“I told you, something came up. I had to give a girl a ride and by the time I dropped her off, I wasn’t feeling like partying anymore.”

Which was weird. It was the first time in a long time I had actually felt comfortable and at ease with someone. Even when she left, I still couldn’t shake off that sense of calm. Katherine barely even talked to me the entire ride to campus, but it was nice regardless. A part of me is hoping I’ll run into her tonight. But then again, she doesn’t strike me as a party kind of girl.

“Whatever, just get here quick. I need your help charming this girl. For some reason, chicks seem to drift toward you, so if you could please help me out.”

That gives me pause. I knew he only wanted me to come for selfish reasons. I could turn around and go back inside; I’m not exactly pumped to play wingman for Max tonight. But staying in on a Friday night just seems sad.

“You can’t charm a woman on your own?” I drawl, unlocking my car.

“This girl’s special,” he mumbles.

Hmm. He actually sounds like he likes her.

“Fine. I’m on my way. Don’t hit too much of the happy juice until I get there.” If he wants this woman to like him, then he’d better be sober while I work my magic.

Max hangs up and I start the two-hour drive to NYU. With any luck, this guy that’s throwing the party has some empty rooms at his house because I’m sure as hell not driving back home tonight.

When I arrive, I stop to wonder who the host actually is. The party’s in a luxurious penthouse building a few minutes away from the campus—which tells me whoever this guy is, his parents are probably pretty wealthy. I wonder how much visibility his family has in New York. If they’re influential, there’s a chance this party could escalate into something that’ll be discussed on every blog and in every magazine in the city.

This night might just be interesting.

The party’s in full swing by the time I arrive. There are at least a hundred people here and I’m almost positive it will be impossible to find Max in such a dense crowd. But then someone recognizes me and the crowd parts like the sea did for Moses in the bible. To make matters worse, the music stops.

Great.

The whispers start up immediately, and my name travels through the room like wildfire. Thankfully, the D.J has enough sense to start up the music again. Just like that, the party continues, but they know I’m here now. Everyone does.

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