by Jarica James
“I can toast to that,” Ky grinned, raising his glass, and Keir followed suit.
“She just needs to remember that.” Keir’s deep voice was warm as he said it, probably the happiest I’d ever seen him outside of bloody torture sessions.
“Good fucking luck,” Dani said, walking in as she toweled off her face, sweat matting down her hair from working out in our home gym.
“Good luck with what?” I asked, getting up and grabbing another glass.
“Getting her to admit she needs someone else,” she clarified. “Especially for convincing her to stop pushing you away.”
“Was Eros that bad?” I asked, needing to understand the man behind our girl’s behavior and unspoken fears.
“Whatever you think… it’s worse,” she said, downing it all at once. “But I’m glad she has you. Sana deserves it.” With that, she slammed her glass on the table and walked down the hall to the guest room, leaving us in silence.
“She just needs time,” Ky reminded us. “For once we have to learn patience.”
“Not our strong suit,” I huffed, shaking my head.
“But for her, we’ll try,” Keir finished, leaning back on the couch and taking a deep breath like he was bracing himself for a battle. In a way, I guess it was. I just hoped in the end she’d open up and fight by our side, not against us.
After a lot of persuasion, they’d finally convinced me to go to a Family dinner. They’d worked half of the time, on and off their phones, but they’d never left Dani and me alone for long. I’d put it off long enough, finally giving in when the repairs on the shop finished up. And we’ve come too far to turn back now.
The Adrostos estate was even bigger and fancier than I’d anticipated. The wrought iron gates were twisted into an intricate floral and skull design that matched the tattoos on their palms. The drive wound around, the trees dense enough to block the building until we’d almost driven past. When it came into view, I was shocked. It was more of a fortress than a mansion, the house big enough to hold at least four separate wings off of the main house. We drove up the circle drive and parked in front, and it looked like more cars were lined up beneath an arched tunnel that seemed to cut right into the house itself. Like the carriage entrance of an old castle, it led to a larger lot around the back.
The dark stone was accented with green vines and intricate stone carvings, the whole thing beautiful in a gothic way. It was nothing like the place Dani and I’d lived in as kids or even when we’d moved in with Grandfather Eros.
“Jesus, does the Queen live here?” Dani quipped, letting out a surprised laugh as she stepped out of the car to take it all in.
“Not anymore,” Killian said, a hint of sadness in his tone. “Back when our grandparents were alive, that would have been true. She was the classiest lady around, but she was still grounded. She was always fussing over us all like a mother hen and cooking something for whoever was around.”
“Who stays here now?” I asked, trying to remember if they’d ever mentioned anyone else.
“We run the family now, but our uncle runs this house… or likes to think he does,” Keir explained. “He wasn’t pleased when we got the Family’s support to take over; he felt it was his rightful place, and if he could have handled it, it would have been. He’s too big of a gambler to have this kind of responsibility.”
“Fair,” I said, letting Keir take my hand as Ky’s moved to my lower back on the other side.
“Don’t let him corner you. He’ll try anything to shake us, and he thinks we don’t notice his attempts to undermine us,” Killian warned as we walked in the front door.
“Does he usually live here alone?”
“No, there are cousins and other families that settled here, including our great-aunt, Angelina. We take care of our own, so it’s open to whoever needs it,” Killian explained. Before we could ask anything else, a man walked out, his beaming smile bright and one hundred percent fake.
“Dear nephews,” he greeted with a grand wave of his hand in welcome. It was exaggerated and weird, but I gave a smile anyway. His dirty blond hair was mixed with silver and slicked back with enough gel that it appeared as slimy as his voice sounded. He looked like he belonged in a pool hall with his buttoned-up short-sleeve shirt. It was open at the top to show his gray chest hair, a thick silver chain tangling in it and making me want to cringe.
“Uncle Hector.” That was all the guys gave him, a nod and that basic acknowledgement before brushing past, Hector’s face falling as soon as they moved away.
The dining room they led me to had a table similar to the one in the cafe, but much more expensive-looking, the dark wood glossed to a perfect shine. The runner even looked like it was woven with pure gold, and the candlesticks running down the middle were polished to perfection, already burning in anticipation of the meeting.
“My boys!” an old woman crowed as she entered the large room, setting a huge bowl on the table before rushing around it. She was a tiny thing, barely five feet tall with a white ballerina bun. Her apron was covered in food, but the guys didn’t hesitate to hug her, sweet smiles on their faces. It was honestly the first soft side of them I’d truly seen. Who the fuck are these pod people?
“Aunt Angelina, it’s good to see you,” Keir greeted, wiping off his suit when she released him and moved on to Kyrell. After giving him an equally tight squeeze, she ended with Killian by pinching his cheeks and fussing over them.
“It’s a good thing you called a meeting; you look like you could use some of my cooking,” she chastised, waving a knotted finger at them.
“We always look forward to you spoiling us,” Kyrell said, giving her a wink.
“We have someone we want you to meet,” Killian said, and Angelina froze, glancing around until her eyes landed on me and Dani. Dani, the traitor, pointed at me, biting back laughter. She wanted no part of the spotlight, and I couldn’t blame her.
“Come here, Kitten,” Ky urged, holding out a hand. I stepped forward and gave her a bright smile. This almost felt more terrifying than any of the tests Eros had given me. It was less pressure than I figured the typical meeting the family drill was since I was already with the heads of the Family, but that didn’t mean I wanted them all to hate me. The scariest part was the unknown. It wasn’t like my family was a good example of most families, so it was hard to know what I’d encounter.
“This is Sana, our queen,” Keir said simply, like that bomb was no big deal, but both Angelina’s eyes and mine went wide. He’d always called me princess, but in a Family like ours, queen was a very different title. It was for the wife of the boss, the head of the family. It meant they were claiming me as the other figurehead.
“Sana, what a beautiful name for a beautiful woman,” she gushed, pulling me in for a hug. She smelled like spices and fresh baked bread, the comfort of her hug nearly breaking me. It wasn’t anything I’d had since my own mother had died when I was a kid. Mom had been my last protector, my father not caring that Eros was molding me into a monster. When she pulled back, she held me at arms’ length. studying me as if she could see into my soul. Her sharp expression promised that she would eventually figure me out, but a smile was slowly forming nonetheless. “She’ll be perfect.” With one last nod, she released me and rushed back through the other door to her kitchen if I had to guess.
“She approves,” Killian said, his laugh lighter as he picked me up and swung me around. “See, we knew we had the right one.” From the way they were treating it, Angelina was their unofficial queen and matriarch, and I couldn’t help but feel a bit smug that she’d liked me. At least until she finds out my last name.
“And this is her cousin Dani; she’s family now as well.” Keir’s simple declaration brokered no arguments from the few people in the room, offering her the same protection they’d given me. I was grateful beyond measure. We’d both made it away from Eros, even if it was just for now, and she deserved to enjoy that freedom in peace.
Before I could t
hank them, more of the family started trickling in, the enormous table filling person by person until the room felt like it was going to burst at the seams. It wasn’t just the people involved in the mafia side of things either; there were families, kids and parents, teens, enough of a mix that it looked like an average family dinner.
The noise level was near deafening, rising until I was overwhelmed, but the guys didn’t let me out of their sight until I couldn’t take it anymore.
“Hey, I need a bathroom,” I finally whispered in Kill’s ear, needing a moment to breathe before the dinner was fully underway. He studied me for a second and nodded.
“Sure, come on, Baby Girl,” he said, leading me out of one of the four doors branching off of the large room. It led to a long hallway, but we only walked a few feet before he gestured to a door. I grinned and leaned up on my tiptoes, kissing him roughly before escaping into the room. I didn’t bother to lock it since one of my men was standing vigil beyond it. Leaning over the sink, I splashed water over my face and took a few deep breaths. I studied myself in the mirror after drying off with a towel from the stack on the counter. My brown hair was wavy, but not unkempt, though I cringed at the lack of makeup and dark circles under my eyes. I was kicking myself as I took in my average appearance even though it had been my preference to not freshen up today.
“Some introduction,” I muttered to myself, tossing the towel in the hamper and going to open the door. When the knob turned, I smiled to myself, figuring Kill was tired of waiting. When it revealed his uncle Hector had pushed it open, I froze. “Where’s Killian?”
“Oh, don’t worry, princess,” he said, the sneer and disdain in his voice giving me pause. He practically spit out the name, and I bristled, ready to fight. “He got called away, but I saw an opening and took it. I just wanted to let you know that you aren’t the only woman they’ve brought around here, and you won’t be the last. You’re one in a million, so don’t think for a second you’ll be anything they need. Go ahead, ask them about Anastasia. They brought her last time and showed her off. Angelina fussed over her, and the family loved her, but she didn’t last long either. Just another trophy for their arm.” The words cut deep, my throat going dry as he finished his barely veiled manipulation. We both knew I wouldn’t say anything to them. They’d warned me about him, to stay away… but was his warning why they’d told me that?
No… that was hardly their style. I knew them better than that.
“Yeah fucking right, you prick. Move,” I growled, angry he’d almost made me doubt them. He laughed and whistled, still standing in the doorway. “Move before I make you.” My warning was laced with ice, and he looked more amused than surprised as he stepped away. Only to run into Kyrell’s chest. Hector’s face went white before he turned and rushed off, muttering an excuse about finding another restroom.
“Sorry about him, Kitten. Everything okay?” he asked, studying my face. I nodded numbly, so confused I didn’t even know how to feel. “Nope. We don’t lie here. What’d he say?” His warning had me freezing, and after a deep breath, I asked the question, knowing they wouldn’t stop until I finally admitted it.
“Who is Anastasia?” His eyebrows drew down at the name like he wasn’t quite putting it together.
“My cousin who moved to New York last year,” he explained, still not understanding. “What did he even say about her?”
“That she was your last trophy girlfriend and not to make myself too comfortable,” I said bluntly, and he barked out a laugh.
“Incest aside… he’s an ass. He was trying to shake you up. Are you letting it work?” he challenged, and I let out a long breath.
“Nope, it threw me off for a second because he sounded so sure, but I remembered your warning,” I shot back because I realized he had gotten to me. I hated that, not just because I let him get under my skin but because it scared me. The thought of me not being important to them was what did it. I wanted to be the most important person in their life, as they were in mine. “I’m good,” I admitted, Ky tapping my nose with a grin.
“That’s my girl.” He pulled me back to the dining room, the final bits of insecurity fading as everyone found chairs, two empty ones set aside at the head of the table with Keir and Killian waiting for us.
“What’s wrong?” Keir asked as we sat down, doing a quick glance of the crowd. Only one person was still missing, and understanding dawned on his face. “What’d he do?”
“Cornered her in the bathroom and made up some bullshit about us bringing girls here often,” Ky laughed as he took his seat, Killian snorting out a laugh.
“She’s the first. And last.”
“Exactly,” Ky said, giving me a pointed look. “He even used Anastasia’s name, likely so she’d hear it during dinner and make shit up in her head. He’s an idiot.”
“You’re it, Princess,” Keir said firmly. “Do I need to fuck you here like we did at the club? Mark my territory for everyone.” The horror at the thought of Angelina witnessing that had me choking out a laugh as I violently shook my head.
“Nope, I’m good,” I said quickly, tucking the napkin in my lap and only then realizing Dani wasn’t by me. I spotted her about halfway down the table, flirting with a girl who was blushing and hanging on to her every word. “Seems Dani found someone to flirt with.”
“The woman pulls off a suit better than I do. But I didn’t know that Helena was gay,” Killian said, sounding amused. Dani had insisted on stopping for a change of clothes, but at the time I was being a brat and refusing because they wouldn’t let me go back to the shop. “She’d be good for Dani. Looks sweet but has a hell of a bite.”
“Dani doesn’t settle down,” I told them, feeling a bit sorry for the girl already.
“We’ll just see about that,” Keir said, surprising me. He seemed pretty confident which spoke highly of the girl Dani had snagged.
“Dinner is served!” Angelina’s voice cried out as a row of what I assumed were more family members came out, each holding a huge platter of food. My eyes went wide as I took in all the salad, bread, and different types of pastas she lined the table with.
“I think I’ve died and gone to carb heaven,” Dani said, her voice loud now that everyone else had quieted down, but she didn’t look embarrassed. Instead, she smiled when Angelina beamed and came over to pile her plate full of food.
“Just wait until you’ve tasted my cooking, love,” she said, patting Dani’s cheek. “Eat up.” The last was an order for everyone else, the table descending into chaos as plates were filled. The room immediately quieted the moment the eating began.
“Here, try this one,” Keir said, scooping a few spoonfuls of a white pasta dish onto my plate, knowing I wasn’t fond of tomato sauce. He stabbed a noodle with my fork and popped it in my mouth. The rich flavors were so good that a moan followed involuntarily. It was perfectly spiced, a hint of a kick but subtle enough to not overwhelm.
“Keep eating like that, and I’ll make good on my threat,” Keir promised, but there was no heat behind it. Instead, there was almost something softer, an undeniable fondness in both his voice and his eyes.
Unsure of my place here, I silently observed the conversations around me, and I was more thrown off than anything because it was everyday conversation. Mentions of taking kids to practice, upcoming plans that weren’t mafia-related, and even exchanging ideas on owning businesses.
At one point, Hector came back in the room, his eyes landing on me, a smug smile splitting across his face. Well, until Keir cleared his throat, then he scurried to his seat, taking it and not looking back.
“You could ask Sana about that,” I caught Ky saying proudly, my attention snapping to the woman on his other side. “Sana, this is our cousin Ella. She owns a bookstore across town and was talking about advertising online and expanding her business. She needs a logo and some advice.”
“Oh, I found this website that lets you pick color schemes, and you can even use it to create a logo! It autogenerate
s ideas for you to tweak after you pick out a few example preferences. It’s a lifesaver because I’m no artist,” I admitted, picking up my phone and showing her my website.
“Oh my god, that sounds perfect!” she gushed. “My sister Anastasia helped me before, but now that she’s gone, I’ve been hopeless. Our brother Devin was no help; he’s all about weapons and strategy, doesn’t have time for big sis.”
When she mentioned her sister’s name, I wanted to laugh, but instead, I turned to their uncle and raised an eyebrow. He was unabashedly watching us talk with narrowed eyes, and I met his silent stare, wanting him to know he was caught in his lie.
“Well, anything you need help with, just let me know. I don’t know much I can do, but I’ll help if I can,” I promised.
“I approve. She fits in,” she told Ky, giving me a wink before someone else grabbed her attention.
“She’s right, you know,” he teased, though his cheer fell away when I didn’t hide my sad smile quickly enough. Not wanting to freak him out, I changed the conversation.
“So, is it always like this?” He frowned at my question, glancing around then giving me a confused look.
“So normal?” I clarified. The Priamos Family meals were like funerals, quiet and somber, and the only one who spoke was Eros. Unless he asked a direct question of someone, speaking could have deadly consequences.
“Yes,” he laughed. “We’re just having dinner, not a business meeting. That’ll be after, so relax and eat up.” Feeling more at ease, I dug back in, trying not to think about how comfortable I was among them now. Well… most of them.
Everyone continued to eat, Angelina and her other helpers replacing dishes as they emptied. Honestly, I was in awe of the amount of pasta that disappeared. But eventually, like a well-oiled machine, the table was cleared within minutes, all eyes now on Keir.
“Onto Family business,” he announced, and the remaining younger members were ushered out until there were only adults left. “Now, I asked around about anyone who hadn’t met check-in. Apparently, the only ones unaccounted for are Jason and Seth. Anyone know where they are?” Whispers erupted until a woman halfway down the table stood.