Romeo The Mafia Casanova

I squeezed Tristian’s hand tight. He lifted mine to his lips and pressed a soft kiss against my skin, mistaking the squeeze for love when it was hate, so much hatred for his brother.

His gaze came back to me, making sure I still had his attention; I refused to look away, lifting my chin in defiance as he continued to speak.

“I’m looking at all of the beautiful women who came out to celebrate this union, and while he’s got the happily ever after, I’ve got my pick of the room.” He grinned. “You think you guys will do this again next week?”

Everyone laughed, except me. Feeling the sting of his words. He guzzled down more of his amber liquid.

Was he drunk?

“From the first time we saw each other, I knew you were destined to be someone special in my life, and now I know you’re the woman who’s going to keep my brother’s bed warm.”

Once again, everyone laughed at Romeo’s remarks. To an outsider looking in, he was the doting brother who was simply wishing us well. I knew better; he was throwing digs at me.

“I promise I’m almost done.” He winked at me. “In all seriousness, I used to tease Eden about being a tomboy. After all, she was raised with us, fought with us, and cried with us often. And as I stand here and make this toast, I’m having a hard time imagining her all grown up I’ll always see the little girl with pigtails chasing after us. I’ll forever cherish that girl even though she’s grown into a young woman. What a hard truth to accept that even though I don’t see it because I don’t want Eden’s all grown up.”

I nearly jumped to my feet in outrage. Because that bastard knew. He knew his words hurt. I’d hit puberty late, hated that he called me little girl all the time, and now he was rubbing it in my face. All those private confessions where he told me I was perfect even though I had a flat chest and braces.

My first sloppy kiss was Romeo. At least he attempted it before I chickened out and nearly stabbed him.

It didn’t matter, because it was still a first. Right along with my first love, my first heartache.

And now he was deliberately hurting me, drawing a line in the sand, shoving any sort of love that was still left on my part off a cliff, and obliterating my heart in the process.

Raising his glass in the air, he added, “I will always hold a special place in my heart for…” Romeo paused for a second, and it felt like my heart did too.

Give me something. Please…

“… the love you and Tristian share.”

And my heart dropped to the floor.

He gave me nothing.

A single tear ran down my cheek, I tried to wipe it away before Romeo saw, but it was useless. Because Romeo Sinacore saw everything. His eyes flashed as he continued his toast.

“To my brother and his bride, congratulations. I wish you all the best and many years of happiness. Welcome to the family, Eden. Soon to be Mrs. Sinacore.”

He tossed back the last of his drink in finality and left the stage as the DJ turned up the music, motioning that the toasts were finished and the dancing should begin.

It was seamless, the itinerary for our rehearsal, was just like my future. Everything would be decided for me. To anyone who didn’t know, my life would be perfect, a fairy tale for a mafia princess.

My eyes followed Romeo as he disappeared behind Andrei, the Sinacore boss. And there I sat, watching the laughing couples as they raced to the dance floor and started slow dancing to whatever the hell the song was.

I could hear my shallow breathing, and I wondered if Tristian noticed the deadness in my eyes, the empty feeling in my soul.

“Hey.” Tristian stood and kissed the top of my head. “I’m gonna go grab some more food; you want anything? I noticed you didn’t eat a lot before the toasts.”

How considerate.

But that was Tristian.

Always thinking about others.

Putting them before himself even if it killed him.

“No.” I forced a smile. “I’m good.”

A wide grin spread across his face. I drank in his chiseled jaw and warm brown eyes. “Have I told you how beautiful you look tonight?”

“Only three or four times.” I kept my voice even, my smile small, to anyone watching they’d think we were having an intimate moment-how romantic, the soon-to-be bride and groom can’t seem to get enough of each other.

Only the bride wasn’t thinking of her groom.

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That the beautiful man in front of me consumed my thoughts and owned my soul.

Instead, it was the asshole who hurt me. No matter what Romeo did, no matter how much love or hate he tossed in my direction, he would always take up residence in my heart.

If I could quit him.

I would.

“Well, it’s true.” Tristian cupped my chin between his fingers, lifting my face toward him as he pressed a soft kiss against my lips. “Be right back.”

I took a deep breath when he left to calm my anxiety and the tightness in my chest.

The song shifted to one of my favorites, Lie by Jake Scott. I was almost tempted to go after Tristian when Romeo grabbed the microphone again and said. “I dedicate this song to the lovely” My breath hitched. “Celeste Gambino.”

He set the wireless microphone down next to the DJ and crooked his fingers at Celeste.

It was the final nail in the coffin.

She smiled in triumph as she stalked toward him, her strapless red dress so short it was indecent he’d have easy access. And she’d allow it. She’d wanted him for years.

We’d grown up in the same circles. I wouldn’t exactly call her a friend, more like an enemy, and Romeo knew that. She was the one woman I’d told him was off-limits. We’d made a pact when I was sixteen. She’d hit on him again right in front of me, and I’d nearly pulled her fake blond extensions from her tiny head.

He’d promised me he’d never touch her.

And now?

Now she was in his arms, her body plastered against his as they danced. He smiled down at her like he couldn’t wait to get her alone while she ran one of her hands through his hair, hooking it around his neck and pulling him closer.

He was doing it on purpose.