Falling For The Mob

48 Girlfriend?

Sam

My cousin's enthusiasm is contagious as he energetically rants on our drive into the city. "I swear they were on the fence about getting on their knees to beg or attempting murder. I have to hand it to you, Sam, I didn't want to come, but this was worth it."

With my father otherwise occupied, I need some form of backup. Luckily, his wife offered him to me on a silver platter.

None of my cousins have shown much interest in the Claymore group since my father's decision to legitimize. They each have their own flavor of destruction and prefer focusing on the parts that I need to distance myself from. This means an above-the-table business deal is boring to Lawrence. Still, he made a good right hand today.

We arrive at the restaurant at two, where we find Addy and Zoë sitting at a corner table.

She has her back directed towards the entrance, but Addy's face lights up when she notices her husband. In three long strides, he is on the other side, kneeling by her chair like the doting idiot she turned him into years ago.

Zoë turns around, meeting me with that same bright smile that ties my stomach in knots, yet I no longer find it as irritating as before. What a sight for sore eyes she is. My feet move of their own accord, quickly landing me in the seat by her side.

With tenderness, her eyes meet mine as her hand reaches to touch my skin. "How was your day?"

"Much better now, Love." I lean in, kissing her. For a moment I freeze as the sobering realization dawns on me that I have never kissed her outside closed doors. Never have I displayed any form of intimacy in public.

She smiles against my lips before pulling back. "Good." Her fingers lace into mine, holding me tightly throughout the entire lunch as chatter continues over the table between the three of them.

I pay very little attention to what is being said, as all my focus goes into studying the woman by my side. Her lighthearted smile mesmerizing, making people around her want to forget their problems, if only for a brief moment.

By the end of lunch, we find ourselves heading back to the hotel. The day is far from over, but Zoë insists we return. I have slept no more than six hours in the last two days, and she is persistent in keeping a healthy balance.

I may be the one constantly accused of being too stubborn, but she is also quite demanding when she sets her mind to something. She's just much nicer about getting her way.

The elevator swings open, and we all begin making our way to the suite down the hall when Lawrence begins his whining. "I don't get why you booked one large suite instead of two smaller ones, we would have much more privacy." For some off-putting reason, his comment causes his wife to blush.

I roll my eyes, not caring much for who sees. "Yes, as if I am thrilled to be sleeping near you rabbits again."

I feel Zoë shake against me with laughter. "I can't imagine all three of you living together. When did that happen?"

"During the first year of our engagement, there was a break-in at our apartment. We lived with Uncle Jack for a while, and Sam was also staying there back then."

"I hope nothing of value was taken." As Lawrence explains the simplified version of those events, there is a shift in Addy's posture. She becomes silent, and her pace picks up towards the door.

"The security team arrived just in time," Addy replies, making a sound for the first time. Her voice is strained and sore.

As soon as the door to our bedroom closes, her frown appears. Though I hate seeing her upset, there is an involuntary smile tugging at my mouth.