Guilty Stars: A Five Families Novelette (The Five Families) by Jill Ramsower

Author:Jill Ramsower [Ramsower, Jill]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2021-02-11T18:30:00+00:00

“So what exactly do these mean?” I traced one of Michael’s star tattoos. He had an eight-pointed star inked just below each shoulder. We’d stayed in bed, enjoying the feel of one another’s bodies, and I’d been asking about some of his particularly interesting tattoos. I knew the stars had to do with the Bratva, but I didn’t know their precise purpose.

“They’re given when a new member enters the Bratva—first on the knees to show that we kneel before no man. Then the stars are placed on the chest when we’re given more responsibility. Because my father was a part of the life, I was elevated to a higher rank more quickly than some. Originally, the tattoos were a part of prison life. A way to broadcast a man’s associations and accomplishments. In this day and age, few of the men here have ever been to Russia, let alone a Russian prison.”

“Were your parents born here?”

“Yeah. Some of my mom’s family is around. My dad’s parents came over from Russia but died when he was young, which is probably how he ended up involved in the Bratva.” He held a lock of my hair in his hands above us, running the strands through his fingers reverently as if it were spun gold.

“If you hadn’t gone into business with your father, what would you have done?”

He took in a deep breath. “Something with cars. Maybe racing—part of a pit crew or something like that. I love everything about fast cars.”

“You don’t drive particularly fast,” I mused. I’d been in his car several times and not once felt in danger.

He peered down at me from under thick lashes and grinned. “That’s because I had precious cargo.”

I giggled at his sappy explanation and pinched his side. “Some mobster you are.”

“I never said I was a good one.”

Our laughter sobered when a knock sounded at my front door.

Michael sat up, brows drawing together. “You expecting someone?”

“Not aside from you.” I leapt off the bed and threw on some clothes. Michael slipped on his jeans, then headed for the door without waiting for me.

I scurried after him, slipping my arms into my shirt as he opened the door. I was surprised he took the liberty but also glad to have him there. The freedom of living alone was great when a stranger wasn’t pounding on my door.

Michael blocked a majority of the entrance with his broad body. I peered around him and gaped at my stepfather.

Donald’s eyes narrowed as he glared at Michael. “It’s you, from the bank. What the hell is going on here?”

What was he talking about? Had Michael been to Donald’s bank?

I pushed Michael to move aside and crossed my arms over my chest. “Why are you here?”

Donald’s confused expression morphed to palpable disgust when his gaze slid to me. “I have called and called you.” He pointed his finger and sneered. “I don’t know why I expected better from a spoiled child, making me come all the way over here. You never have cared about anyone but yourself.

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