Mafia Prince by Vi Carter

Author:Vi Carter [Vi Carter]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: CARTER BOOKS
Published: 2023-11-09T00:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER TWENTY

MAEVE

He is worse than I thought. It’s moments, it’s glimpses that I think I see something more in his eyes for me, and then he goes and reminds me of our contract—of what is hanging over my head. I pick up the beer; I don’t drink, but right now, I’m not doing so well, so I partake in something I hate. When Jack sits beside me and drags my chair closer like I’m a possession, I drink more and focus on the red and white tablecloth. The liquor has a funny effect on my system. I shrug out of my leather jacket as heat that I hadn’t felt before starts to fill my body.

Cian returns, and everyone starts to eat. Dana and her mother keep the chat flowing. All the men seem to smile and nod at whatever they say. I love their relationship. Everything Dana says about college and her trip to Italy, Svetlana’s excitement for her daughter, is genuine; she wants to know everything.

My gaze skims the men. Bastards. Each and every one of them.

They are all the same, just like my father. I drink some more until I gain Dana’s attention.

“You’re drinking?” She leans forward while folding a napkin. Her attention is focused on the napkin, like what she’s saying isn’t important.

“Just the one.” My voice sounds defensive, and I curl in on myself when I gain Liam’s attention. I hate how he looks at me. I glare at him as I drink, getting a bit braver. How I’d love to call him out on the cruel things he said when I was a child. I should laugh at him and say, look at me, sitting at your table, eating your food, pretending to fuck your son.

Jack’s hand touches my leg, and I know the hostility is pouring off me. I swallow my pride and look up at Jack with a smile pressed to my lips. It’s a smile that is keeping all the pain in, and I won’t let it go because I fear that if I do, I will fall apart at this table. Considering right now, even though I’m angry, this is perfect. Sitting here with Jack as my boyfriend, enjoying food with his family and Dana, my best friend. I’m surrounded by a darkness that presses on our backs. Within these four pillars, it’s like we are safe, encircled in fairy lights. It makes me think of my bed-time prayer that my father said with me every night.

“I lay my body down to sleep, I pray the Lord my soul to keep, and if I die, before I wake, I pray to God my soul to take. All four corners of my bed, all four corners of my spread, Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John, bless this bed that Maeve lies on.” My father’s voice whispers in my ear, and pain lances my heart. I used to picture the four angels, each holding a corner of my bedspread.

Jack leans in slowly, and presses a kiss to my lips that I accept.

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