Page 88 of Single Malt Drama

I saw where this was going without her drawing me a freaking map. “Yeah, I do. Next you’re going to tell me I have the power to stop their executions.”

There were rules in the mob. Don’t hurt women and don’t steal were at the top of the list, along with never spill our secrets and don’t kidnap people. It was perfectly acceptable to kill them, but taking someone against their will, and holding them for ransom, was frowned upon. Go figure.

Evelyn had the grace to look away.

Gabe clamped a hand on my shoulder. “Come with me to get Enzo before there’s mutiny.”

I didn’t trust myself not to say something to my mother that’d earn me a trip to the confessional and a months’ worth of penance. “Sure.”

Once we were out of earshot, Gabe said, “What the hell did she say to you?”

I gave him the gist of it.

He tightened his jaw. “Smile, pretend everything is copacetic for Shanna’s sake. We’ll handle this first thing in the morning.”

“I’ll handle it.” I walked inside and flashed a happy-freaking-smile. “Enough sucking face. We’re starving and Ma won’t let us eat without you,”

Enzo flipped us the finger. “Go away. I’m busy.”

“What was that you said to me before my wedding?” Tapping his temple, Gabe turned to Enzo. “I remember now. You called me a sap and asked if I was sure I was ready to be tied down the rest of my life. Funny how the tables have turned.”

“You are a sap.” Enzo grinned. “Did you see tears on my face out there?”

“Wait until she’s walking toward you wearing a wedding dress.” Gabe said as he and Leo pulled Enzo away from Shanna.

Flashbacks of Nico in a white dress hit me like a sucker punch to the gut. I’d made vows to protect her, but I was helpless to honor them.

The news is going to hurt her, but the remedy is going to destroy us.