Page 91 of The Mob: Shio Cuppacio

“It’s nice to meet you both. Neltz ishermano. He was nice too. Very well-mannered little boy.”

Everyone paused before laughs erupted.

“Girl, boo… You ain’t gotta lie. Neltz is bad as fuck!” Dasani cackled, and I didn’t know if I was being jested on an American TV show.

“Facts. Lil’ negro gone have all of us getting grey hair before our time. I’m too young and fly for that shit!” Mocha waved her hands, and Jisei and Scarlett were falling on each other, laughing.

Pia smiled while rubbing her belly. “Not too much on my firstborn.”

Everyone was tossing jokes back and forth, but I just looked on in bewilderment. To make sure Pia wasn’t offended, I offered more words. “Oh! Neltz is your son? Forgive my shock, but you look so young.”

“That’s because I am young, girl. Pushed his big-headed ass out when I was just a baby myself.”

I couldn't imagine having a child not only out of wedlock but also young. My father would have never stood for that, and I enjoyed my freedom seeing firsthand how my brothers wore Maura down even with nanny help. Being responsible for anything other than myself sounded repulsive. That's why I was going to figure out a way to get on birth control before I was handed off to my new family. I was going to stall extending the Rodríguez lineage for as long as possible.

As if she could read my mind, Dasani asked, “Do you have any children?”

I shook my head probably harder than I needed to. “I do not.”

“Good. Don’t fucking have none. This pregnancy is tearing my back up.” Pia’s hand went to her lower back while Discover rubbed her stomach.

“Yes, then it's two in here, so imagine how mine feel. I told Metavello this is it! I’m so done after this. I’m having a mommy makeover and getting my damn tubes tied. Three children is too close to ten.”

“Renello know to not even play with me on that level. Last I checked, it was only one in here. Hopefully it’s a girl. If not, tough fucking titty.”

“You two are married to the twins?” I asked for clarity.

Pia held her hand up, showing off her unique stone. “Engaged.”

“I’m pregnant by the other,” Discover emitted through some heavy breaths.

“Nah, for real. Demise thinks he can put a son in me. That nigga gotta be snorting that good shit if he thinks I’m carrying another one of his big-headed-ass babies. Delicate is bad as fuck. Pie face ass barely fucks with me like that!” Dasani was rolling her eyes, but the grin hadn’t left her face.

“Snorting?” I questioned as my hands tightened around the flute.

“Yeap! Gotta be snorting some good shit for sure.”

The ladies laughed again, but I was trying to stop myself from asking more questions. Clearing my throat, I looked around the ballroom. Everything was as elegante y precioso (elegant and precious). It felt as if I’d stepped inside a dream. I hadn’t been to an event more breathtaking.

“I don’t mean to pry, but what’s the occasion?” I asked to no one in particular.

“Oh.” Discover grinned. “It’s my surprise engagement.”

I drew back without intention. My puzzlement must’ve been funny to the ladies because they continued laughing in ongoing giggles.

“Listen, Metavello can’t hide shit to save his life. With the way Essex canceled his shows and insisted I had the nanny in town to get Discovery for the weekend, and how my man has been on edge all week, I already knew what was up,” Discover revealed, while Pia shook her head with a smirk on her face.

“Yeah, hood niggas can’t do shit right,” Mocha added.

Jisei raised her glass in the air. “Right. I’m still shook up that Ezio did mine right and without me knowing.”

“Same,” Pia chimed in. “I didn’t have a clue what Renello had going on. I just thought we were going to dinner for my birthday.”

“Well, mine tricked the fuck outta me. I’m still mad that nigga forced me to marry him,” Dasani said in a spat.

My limbs tensed. Before I could fully process what she said, a deep voice boomed, breaking up our girl chatter. “Fuck y’all over here gossiping ’bout? What I tell you about this clicking up shit? Making all the other wives feel like outsiders.”

Either this city was swarminghombres guapos(handsome men), or the organization had a requirement that you be very good-looking to join. A very attractive man wrapped his arm around Dasani’s slim waist, planted her rear to his front, and stared at her side profile. She didn't turn to face him as she said in the sassiest tone, “Nigga, fuck them hoes. You ain’t tell me shit, and if you did, I damn sure didn't listen. They can come over here if they want to. We ain't kissing no ass.” For extra flair, she rolled her neck.