After all, you can’t deny Abandonato blood—it fights for what’s theirs.
“Come on.” I tugged her hand. “Let’s go clean up the blood.”
Epilogue
In vain I have struggled it will not do, My feelings will not be repressed, You must allow me to tell you how ardently I admire and love you. —Jane Austen, Pride and Prejudice
Ash
They were already married, so I wasn’t quite sure why they wanted to have another wedding and reception, other than Violet said she wanted her father to walk her down the aisle.
It took every ounce of strength I had to stand up there with Valerian while Violet walked slowly down that aisle—that and a shit ton of whiskey that Junior kept plying me with so I’d be numb enough to keep my anger in check.
I was self-medicating more and more.
And then I just stopped.
Because it made me dream of her.
If I drank too much, I saw her face, and then the nightmare would occur; I’d be in that emergency room with Nikolai by my side telling me to say goodbye.
I never got the words out, though.
They refused to pass my lips.
Because that would make it true.
She’s gone.
But I still felt her in my soul.
How was that even possible?
Annie eyed me from her spot next to Izzy. They were bridesmaids, and even half-drunk, I could appreciate the way her black dress hugged her small, curvy body.
And that was the fucking problem.
I was attracted to her.
I begged God, literally anyone but the girl I blamed for Claire’s death, anyone but the person I hated more than I could ever possibly love.
And yet every single time I saw her.
I burned.
“You may now kiss the bride!” Tex announced, hilarious that he was ordained; yeah, maybe I was a little past drunk if the thought of Tex holding a Bible made me chuckle and sway on my feet.
“You okay?” Junior nudged me.
“Never.”
“Oh good, you’re past the point of drunk, and now you’re going to get the sads again? Buck up, your family needs you.”
But who wants me?
I moved through a haze as I walked with Junior toward the reception at Valerian’s mega-house.
A white tent was set up in the backyard, and there were enough Italian and Russian associates to start an all-out war in the Pacific Northwest.
But everyone was smiling.
Even the ones that had tattoos on their faces.
Freaky as hell.
Savages.
Phoenix walked by then with Cruz Martinez, I tried not to gape, but the guy didn’t visit often which in my drunken state did not cause warm fuzzies to erupt. If anything, it meant there was trouble, and where there was trouble, there was Phoenix Nicolasi.
He held a black folder in his right hand.
Cruz snatched it away and opened it just as one of the Sinacore made men sauntered over; the guy had slayed half the bridal party—sexually, not actually killed them.
My lips twitched. Damn Sicilians, they knew how to score, I’d give them that much. All blue eyes, dark skin, and slicked-back hair, but this one? He was about our age; he had nothing but easy smiles and winks for the ladies, but now? Now, he looked lethal as he grabbed the folder and paled.
“Spying?” Junior whispered.
I sighed. “Let me spy in peace.”
“You’re slurring, and you don’t even know it.”
I shoved him away and stumbled to an empty chair that looked out onto the Puget Sound, laying my head back against the wood.
It didn’t take long for me to start spying again out of pure anguish, drunkenness, and boredom.
A guy I’d never seen before was currently making out with one of the cousins from the Alfero side, he was making her laugh, and it pissed me off that everything he did looked so fucking easy.
Every small caress of his fingertips.
Every lick of his lips as he leaned down and whispered something in her ear.
“He’s hot.” Izzy plopped down next to me. “Like so hot that I felt the need to point it out to every single girl in residence, where the hell did he come from?”
“No.” I jabbed a finger at her. “Just. No.”
“But—”
“—No,” I barked, earning the attention of a few people around us, including the mystery dude my little sister was currently checking out. He whispered one last thing to the girl he was flirting with; her smile fell, and then he turned his lethal eyes toward Izzy.
Oh, hell no, he was dying today.
He didn’t walk—he sauntered toward us, and I swear to all that’s holy it was like Izzy was watching him in slow motion as her jaw hung open.
The minute he was in front of us, I shot to my feet. “She’s taken.”
He held up his hands. “Wasn’t offering.”
My eyes narrowed. “Do I know you?”
His smile was slow, calculated. “Romeo Sinacore.”
Izzy let out a small gasp next to me.
Yeah, I knew of him, like the fucking black widow of the Sicilian mafia, he had just as many kills under his belt as I did, possibly more, but rumor had it they only sent him in to either go undercover or when he needed to flirt with some guy’s wife in order to gain intel.
Most made men shot first asked questions later.
Not Romeo Sinacore—no, he was rumored to use his body like a weapon, and his victims? They begged for death if only he kissed them, touched them, fucked them, one more time.
“You’re Ash, right? Ash Abandonato?” He crossed his arms in amusement like he didn’t literally have what looked like blood splatters on his hands; what the hell?
I plopped back on my seat, my eyebrow arching as I jerked my head toward his hands. With a curse, he shoved them in his pockets. Amused, I plopped back in my seat. He’d fit in just fine around here. “Yup, that’s me—look take your Casanova ways and point them in any direction away from my baby sister—feel me?”
“Unfortunate—” He winked down at her. “I’ve heard Abandonato women are great in be—”
I jumped back to my feet, ready to swing at him.
He jerked back, hands up, and burst out laughing. “I’m kidding, and that’s fine; I’m not here for pleasure anyway…” He eyed Izzy up and down one last time before whispering out, “Pity.”
And then he was gone.
Izzy had gone still as a statue next to me.
I wasn’t sure how long we stayed like that, but soon we were surrounded by my friends, my cousins, all of them trying to cheer me up as we swapped stories about growing up.
“Remember the time Ash stole all that beer from his dad?” Maksim laughed. “I came home so drunk, my dad refused to speak to me for a full week. I think it was worse than getting shot at.”
“Bro, you’re just pissed because he took away your calculator.” Junior laughed, and everyone quickly joined in.
“True.” Maksim nodded. “I was working on a love potion, sue me.”
“Is that the same one that gave you hives?” Serena asked.
“Yup.” Maksim nodded and took a swig of beer. “On my ass.”
“And his dick.” Valerian came over and sat. “Oh wait, was that a secret?”
“Duuuuude!” King burst out laughing. Even he was happy after being pissed off at the world for a week. “Did you scar?”
“Ask Izzy,” Serena teased under breath.
Izzy glared and then looked away, wringing her hands.
Even Maksim went quiet.
“Oh, come on,” Serena whispered. “It’s not like it’s a secret.”
“Andrei found them.” Violet sighed and sat on Valerian’s lap. “And let’s just say we’re all lucky they’re still alive.”
Ah, it made sense why she was checking out Romeo—she wanted to forget the heartache. It never helped when you jumped into bed with someone who wasn’t you
r other half; all it did was make you feel even more like shit. I’d have a chat with her later.
“I’m out.” Maksim stood. “I need more beer.”
He didn’t as much as look at Izzy.
She scowled after him then flipped him off.
“Easy, tiger.” Serena wrapped an arm around her. “Do you wanna talk about it?”
“If that annoying, little, brat Kartini, wouldn’t have ratted us out, things would have been different.”
At the mention of Kartini, we all turned, just as the music started, and wouldn’t you know there she was dancing with Sergio like the princess she was.
She was in the second half.
What we called the younger kids, because they never hung out with us, mainly because we were a really bad influence, and they were underage, but now that she was eighteen…
Things were about to change.
It didn’t help that she was drop-dead gorgeous.
“I’m surprised Sergio hasn’t locked her in her room yet,” I muttered and then cursed as Annie made her way over to us along with Tank.
I was just getting up when Junior snapped me in the thigh with the back of his hand. “Don’t be rude.”
I clenched my jaw.
“Nice party.” Tank clinked his beer with Junior’s. “Congrats, guys.”
“Thanks.” Valerian beamed.
I nearly choked on his happiness.
It should have been me.
Married.
With a family.
Her in a white dress.
“So how are things at Scary Dad’s house?” Valerian asked Annie.
Her body stiffened, and tension hung on the air. She gave a too-bright smile. “Perfect. Absolutely perfect.”
And in the back of my mind, all I kept thinking about was what we’d done, what I’d done, how I’d ruined her, and any chances I would ever have.
How I had done it on purpose.
How I’d hurt her.
How she let me.
And how I wanted nothing more than to keep punishing both of us just so I could feel something.
“Good, I’m so glad you have a safe place.” Violet smiled.
I almost snickered.
Safe?
She was living with a fucking monster.
And as I looked up into her eyes and saw them widen, I was beginning to think she preferred it.
Want more Mafia Royals?
Check out Destructive King, Ash & Annie’s story coming January 12, 2021!
Want to see what Romeo Sinacore is up to?
Check out Mafia Casanova coming this November from Rachel Van Dyken & M. Robinson!
Acknowledgments
I’m so thankful to God that I’m able to write books that make me feel all the things. This has been a hard year for everyone, and it was like my own brand of therapy being able to write and escape into this world!
Thank you so much to my amazing husband, who, during quarantine, took the little man and played with him all day every day while I got work done. Seriously, Nate, you’re a lifesaver!
Thank you, Nina and Jill, for holding my hand through this release, from edits to marketing, to plotting to making sure I don’t jump from a cliff because I haven’t figured out what to do yet and then BINGO (Jill lol)!
Becca, Angie, you always help so much, and I’m so thankful to have you guys on my team!
To my beta readers, Tracey, Jill, Georgia, Stephanie, Candace, Yana, Krista—you guys are incredible and always offer the best feedback. I’m so blessed to have you!
To Melissa and Serena, GAH, thank you for taking an early read and making me cry; I think we’re all even now, right? RIGHT? Are you still making voodoo dolls? Not cool. I’ll send wine!
It would take me forever to name all the authors who read this early, who helped me, who held my hand and told me I wasn’t crazy. Thank you for being so supportive in this community, thank you for being anchors during the storm; you know who you are. Kristen, Corinne, Kristin, Audrey, Monica, Lauren, Nana, Jessica—See, I’m just starting my list, and I’m like I’m missing so many people who have been my rocks along the way, so it’s so hard to list! But thank you, guys!
To Liz Berry and Jillian Stein, thank you for helping when I’m stuck or need marketing advice even when it’s not a 1001 Dark Nights book! You guys are epic.
And to the readers and bloggers, I am only able to do this because of your support. I don’t think you will ever understand what it means to get reviews, commentary, to see you share things, to see you react, it makes my world turn, and I will forever be in your debt for letting me into your worlds and being able to share mine.
Thank you, Rockin’ Readers, for putting up with all my crazy excerpts because I have no self-control, and if you want to join the friendliest group on Facebook, please be sure to go click Rachel’s New Rockin Readers! And join the family, blood in no out.
HUGS RVD
About The Author
Rachel Van Dyken is the #1 New York Times, Wall Street Journal, and USA Today bestselling author of over 90 books ranging from contemporary romance to paranormal. With over four million copies sold, she's been featured in Forbes, US Weekly, and USA Today. Her books have been translated in more than 15 countries. She was one of the first romance authors to have a Kindle in Motion book through Amazon publishing and continues to strive to be on the cutting edge of the reader experience. She keeps her home in the Pacific Northwest with her husband, adorable son, naked cat, and two dogs. For more information about her books and upcoming events, visit www.RachelVanDykenauthor.com.
Also By Rachel Van Dyken
Kathy Ireland & Rachel Van Dyken
Fashion Jungle
Rachel Van Dyken & M. Robinson
Mafia Casanova (Romeo Sinacore’s story)
Eagle Elite
Elite (Nixon & Trace’s story)
Elect (Nixon & Trace’s story)
Entice (Chase & Mil’s story)
Elicit (Tex & Mo’s story)
Bang Bang (Axel & Amy’s story)
Enforce (Elite + from the boys POV)
Ember (Phoenix & Bee’s story)
Elude (Sergio & Andi’s story)
Empire (Sergio & Val’s story)
Enrage (Dante & El’s story)
Eulogy (Chase & Luciana’s story)
Exposed (Dom & Tanit’s story)
Envy (Vic & Renee’s story)
Elite Bratva Brotherhood
RIP (Nikolai & Maya’s story)
Debase (Andrei & Alice’s story)
Mafia Royals Romances
Royal Bully (Asher & Claire’s story)
Ruthless Princess (Serena & Junior’s story
Scandalous Prince (Breaker & Violet’s story)
Destructive King (Asher & Annie’s story)
Mafia King (TBA)
Fallen Dynasty (TBA)
Cruel Summer Trilogy
Summer Heat (Marlon & Ray’s story)
Summer Seduction (Marlon & Ray’s story)
Summer Nights (Marlon & Ray’s story)
Covet
Stealing Her (Bridge & Isobel’s story)
Finding Him (Julian & Keaton’s story)
Wingmen Inc.
The Matchmaker’s Playbook (Ian & Blake’s story)
The Matchmaker’s Replacement (Lex & Gabi’s story)
Bro Code
Co-Ed (Knox & Shawn’s story)
Seducing Mrs. Robinson (Leo & Kora’s story)
Avoiding Temptation (Slater & Tatum’s story)
The Setup (Finn & Jillian’s story)
The Dark Ones Series
The Dark Ones (Ethan & Genesis’s story)
Untouchable Darkness (Cassius & Stephanie’s story)
Dark Surrender (Alex & Hope’s story)
Darkest Temptation (Mason & Serenity’s story)
Darkest Sinner (Timber & Kyra’s story)
Ruin Series
Ruin (Wes Michels & Kiersten’s story)
Toxic (G
abe Hyde & Saylor’s story)
Fearless (Wes Michels & Kiersten’s story)
Shame (Tristan & Lisa’s story)
Seaside Series
Tear (Alec, Demetri & Natalee’s story)
Pull (Demetri & Alyssa’s story)
Shatter (Alec & Natalee’s story)
Forever (Alex & Natalee’s story)
Fall (Jamie Jaymeson & Pricilla’s story)
Strung (Tear + from the boys POV)
Eternal (Demetri & Alyssa’s story)
Seaside Pictures
Capture (Lincoln & Dani’s story)
Keep (Zane & Fallon’s story)
Steal (Will & Angelica’s story)
All Stars Fall (Trevor & Penelope’s story)
Abandon (Ty & Abigail’s story)
Provoke (Braden & Piper’s story)
Surrender (Drew & Bronte’s story)
The Consequence Series
The Consequence of Loving Colton (Colton & Milo’s story)
The Consequence of Revenge (Max & Becca’s story)
The Consequence of Seduction (Reid & Jordan’s story)
The Consequence of Rejection (Jason & Maddy’s story)
Curious Liaisons
Cheater (Lucas & Avery’s story)
Cheater’s Regret (Thatch & Austin’s story)
Players Game
Fraternize (Miller, Grant and Emerson’s story)
Infraction (Miller & Kinsey’s story)
M.V.P. (Jax & Harley’s story)
Red Card
Risky Play (Slade & Mackenzie’s story)
Kickin’ It (Matt & Parker’s story)
Liars, Inc
Dirty Exes (Colin, Jessie & Blaire’s story)
Dangerous Exes (Jessie & Isla’s story)
The Bet Series
The Bet (Travis & Kacey’s story)
The Wager (Jake & Char Lynn’s story)
The Dare (Jace & Beth Lynn’s story)
The Bachelors of Arizona
The Bachelor Auction (Brock & Jane’s story)
Scandalous Prince Page 27