Page 5 of Born into Mayhem

When he offers me an espresso, I take it, waiting for him to tell me whatever’s on his mind. I know my cousin well enough to know there’s something eating at him. I can be patient, so I sip my drink and lean my ass against his counter while I wait.

Finally, he says, “Your dad called me earlier. We’re having some trouble in Italy. Nothing major yet, but it might turn into something.”

“What happened?”

“One of our men was killed last night. It looks like it might’ve been the Fontana family.”

“You think they’re trying to take over?” I ask.

“I don’t know. The families have always respected the pact we have with them, but Paulo Fontana died six months ago, and his son, Leonardo, took over. It’s possible he doesn’t want to stick to the agreement I made with his father.”

“He was always quick to anger when we were younger,” I say.

Dominic thinks for a second and then says, “I may need you to go to Italy. I’m not sure yet. I want to give it some time, but I have all our men on high alert over there. If Leonardo is behind this, I’ll make that little fucker wish he was never born.”

I grin at seeing the ruthless don come out. It’s easy to forget how brutal he can be when he’s surrounded by his wife and kids, but Dominic is the don for a reason, and he didn’t get to where he is today by playing nice.

“Sounds good,” I tell him. “Just let me know what you decide.”

I’m about to leave when Natalya comes rushing back in. Dominic takes one look at her flushed face and is at her side in seconds.

“What’s wrong,principessa?” he quickly asks while running a hand over her to make sure she’s okay.

“I’m fine,” she says. “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to scare you.” She holds up her phone. “Luka just texted. Lara went into labor.”

“Jesus,” Dominic groans, standing back up to his full height while putting his hand on his heart. “Baby, lead with that next time.”

She grins and pats his chest. “Afraid that old ticker’s going to give out?”

I laugh before I can stop it, ignoring the glare my cousin gives me.

Dominic looks back down at his wife. “I can’t believe you’re teasing me,principessa. I guess you’re due for a reminder of just how virile I still am.”

“We need to go to the hospital,” she reminds him.

My cousin laughs. “There’s no way in hell I’m taking you up there right now. She could be in labor all night. I’m not letting you sleep in a waiting room. As soon as the baby is born, I’ll drive you up there.”

When he grabs her ass, I start heading for the door. “I’ll let myself out,” I say. “Tell Luka I said congratulations.”

Dominic says he will, and then I hear Natalya tell him, “Don’t forget you promised our daughter you’d put her to bed.”

Right before I’m out of hearing distance, I catch Dominic’s, “And as soon as I’m done, I’m coming for your sweet ass,principessa.”

Leaving my cousin to his night of fun, I make my way to my motorcycle, refusing to admit how much I’d like to be grabbing onto Natalya’s younger sister right now for a night of fun.

Unable to resist, I check my phone before I pull my helmet on, and when I see a text from her, I’m happier about it than I should be.

MIA:

I didn’t let my guard down. I know you’re fucking with me. I need to skip this week’s lessons.

I frown at the last comment and start typing.

ME:

Why?

MIA: