Craving the Mafia Prince

Chapter Nine | Brotherhood

After our meeting, I watched from the corner of the room as Miles disappeared into the throng, probably searching for his new fiancée. It was no secret he wasn't ready for marriage, though he wasn't rejecting the idea outright either. Trevor's eyes were glued to his date, tracking her every move as though she might land in serious trouble if she left his sight. Ryan was downing drinks like a thirsty sponge.

Spencer, however, stayed by my side, staring blankly at the partying crowd of rich guests. He looked angry, visibly contemplating confiding in me.

"Is this about Miles?" I asked, curious if he was upset about our earlier conversation.

"What? No," he said, snapping out of his daze. He shook his head before facing me. "I'm going to Vespera. Need to handle some business." He took a glass of champagne from a waiter's tray and sipped the fizzing liquid.

"Spencer," I said sternly, "you've avoided that place for years. We all have—ever since Brandon."

Spencer's jaw tightened at the mention of Brandon. His eyes flickered with a mix of pain and determination. "I know," he muttered, looking away from me and back at the crowd. "But it's time. There's something I need to take care of. Something I should have dealt with a long time ago."

I was furious with Spencer because the city he wanted to venture into was no longer under our control. Betrayed by one of our own, we had suffered greatly—Spencer's dad had been grievously wounded in a brutal gang war. What was once our cherished vacation spot had now become a no-go zone, avoided like the plague.

"I will empty a magazine into your head if you do that," I growled, my voice low and dangerous.

Spencer didn't flinch. "You don't get it. I can't keep retreating into the shadows."

While he continued to talk, my eyes wandered, catching sight of Thea. She stood across the room, looking breathtaking in a rose gold gown. The fabric clung to her curves, the shimmer of the material catching the light just right. Her hair was styled in loose waves that framed her face, and her eyes, a striking shade of brown, sparkled with mischief and intelligence. It scared me how distracted she made me.

It was one of the reasons why I'd chosen to stay alone- to focus on the clan and protect my own. Distractions would cost me greatly, I'd learnt that working in the business over the years. If I continued to pursue her, she would be a liability. My weakness. A weapon and means of blackmail against me.

But I couldn't help myself.

I returned my focus to Spencer. "This is a crucial time, and Devin has already disappeared. I hope you know what you're doing."

Spencer and I ended the conversation with a tense silence, the weight of our choices hanging heavily between us. I turned on my heel and made my way out of the ballroom to get dressed for the party, my mind racing with the implications of our plans and the danger that lay ahead.