Page 71 of Relentless Sinner
“Try not to look like a frightened rabbit every time I kiss you,” he adds, raising a brow.
“They caught me off guard. Perhaps if you give me a warning next time.”
“I’m not going to warn you every time I kiss you.” He chuckles. “Did you have a good day at the hospital?”
A pang of guilt sweeps through me but I force it away. “Yes. It was nice to be back there.”
“Good. Come on, let me introduce you to everyone.”
He slips an arm around my waist and ushers me toward the man he was speaking to, still standing by the bar.
“Gabriella, this is my best friend, Micah Delarosa,” Jaxon says.
It’s strange to hear that he has a best friend. I didn’t think he had friends because he’s never mentioned any. From Micah’s surname I’m guessing he’s from one of the high-profile families in the Italian Mafia that I’ve heard about.
“Hi, it’s nice to meet you,” I say.
Micah dips his head and gives me a welcoming smile. “Buona sera, signorina. It’s nice to meet you, too. Jaxon’s told me a lot about you.” In just those few words, I can tell that Micah has the same sort of personality as Jaxon—commanding and firm. So my initial thoughts were right. “I hope you enjoy the evening.”
“You too, thank you.” Under normal circumstances I would have been my usual playful self and asked if he’d heard good things about me. But I get the feeling that these aren’t the type of people who joke around.
“We’re gonna see my father. I’ll catch up with you later,” Jaxon says to Micah.
“Sure thing.” Micah glances from Jaxon to me and smiles.
Jaxon ushers me away and we head toward the arched doorways leading to the adjacent hall.
“How is your father going to be with me?” I mutter, hoping he’ll give me a heads-up.
“The same way he is with me.”
I glance up at Jaxon, knowing that answer isn’t exactly good.
As we’re about to go through the door Jaxon’s face hardens and his eyes darken with what I’ve come to recognize is fury. I’ve just never seen it so intense.
I look ahead to find what he’s looking at and spot two men walking toward us. They look similar enough to Jaxon for me to guess they’re related. They have the same dark hair, strong jawline and sharp features. The only real difference between Jaxon and them is that he’s more muscular and his hair is longer. He also has bright blue eyes while theirs are brown.
“Hello, cousin,” the tallest one says in a vibrant voice.
Cousins. I thought maybe they were brothers. I realize at that moment I don’t know if Jaxon has siblings.
His steps slow and we stop when we get through the door, then he gives his cousin a stiff smile. I sense that’s for my benefit. I may not know Jaxon that well or for long, but I know when he doesn’t like something. Orsomeone.
“Levka, Yuri.” Jaxon acknowledges the men respectively, giving them both sharp stares.
“This must be the beautiful bride-to-be.” Yuri smiles at me and holds out his hand to shake mine.
I shake it and smile back politely despite Jaxon’s clear animosity. “Great to meet you.”
“Likewise.”
Levka extends his hand next, taking mine. I expect a handshake but instead he brings my hand up to his lips to kiss it.
“The rumors are true. Youarevery beautiful.” He looks at me with open admiration that creeps me out.
“Thank you.” I’m polite again and try to remove my hand but he holds on to it.
“I’m jealous I didn’t get to you first.”