Page 50 of Explosive Union
I look to the ceiling, hoping for some Divine intervention or something.
“What?” Monica hisses as she steps closer to the woman who looks extremely bored by it all.
“Rocco’s a lot of things, none of them good, but I didn’t think he was stupid enough to get himself a stage five clinger. Girl, I get it. Seriously, we’ve all been there. The dick is that good, but trust me, no man is ever worth—" she waves her hand in the air, indicating all three of us, “this mess. The drama isn’t worth it. If he was the one for you, he’d have blown off this engagement and been with you. So, girl, be happy that you’re not bound to him for life and find a man who’ll treat you right.”
Monica hesitates for a second, seemingly stunned by the words Jade has just said. It takes her a few moments before she composes herself and nods. “You’re so right. Besides, the dick isn’t worth putting up with his family.” She spins on her heels and leaves.
“Well hello to you,” Jade smiles sweetly at me once Monica leaves. “You’ve had a fascinating evening by the looks of it.”
I ignore her jibe. “Are you still fucking him?” I demand. I need to know.
She blinks and then scowls at me. “Don’t worry, Rocco, once we’re married, I’m all yours.”
“Jade,” I snap. I’m in no mood to fucking play.
She sighs. “You’re jealous. You’re actually fucking jealous,” she says incredulously.
“I’m close to finding the ass and breaking his fucking hand for touching you.” I don’t care if she says she’s not, I still may take his hand. Nobody touches what’s mine.
“No,” she tells me. “I’ve not fucked him in a long time. But touch him, Rocco, and we’re going to have problems. I didn’t touch your plaything and she put her hand on your chest.”
I narrow my eyes. “And just how did you know that?”
Her smile is bright with victory. “I know everything. You should get used to it. You’ll never be able to keep anything from me.”
Now it’s my turn to smile. “Jealous were we?”
She glares at me, but I take that as yes. It’s good to know I’m not the only one in this predicament with these fucked up feelings.
She storms away and takes a seat at the table, then reaches for the glass of champagne that was mine.
“Hey, convict, you didn’t tear her to shreds. I’m thoroughly disappointed,” Elio says with a smile.
Jade shrugs. “Eh, she wasn’t worth it. It’s not her fault your brother’s an ass and led her on.”
“I fucking didn’t,” I hiss in her ear as I take the seat beside her.
“Jade, the Italian is right. I’m thoroughly disappointed,” Hayden comments. “This shit is always boring. Liven it up, will you?”
Jade flips him the bird. “I am not your entertainment. But if you’re that bored, I can call Rocco’s plaything back for you.”
Hayden grimaces at her words. “You’re a bitch, sis.”
She merely shrugs. “I’m surprised Granny Margret isn’t here. That old bat loves free food.”
Hayes chuckles. “Her and Ma had an argument. Ma threatened to make good on your threat of putting her into a home.”
Jade’s grin is filled with mischief. “Well, if Rosemary’s baby wasn’t a fucking bitch all the time, I wouldn’t have to make threats.”
“You and her are just the same, sis. It’s why you don’t get along,” Hayes says while he continues to laugh, and his wife elbows him in the gut. Of course, he doesn’t feel anything. These Irish fight for fun. Every single man in the family is a prolific fighter. Hayden is the undefeated champion in the underground fight club here in Chicago.
“Be careful, brother. Don’t forget I know where you live and will set Granny after you. I know all your secrets. Besides, Granny loves turning up unannounced.”
Annemarie glares at her sister-in-law. “Oh, don’t I know it. Seemingly, someone taught her how to pick locks. It happens to be the same person that taught my daughters the same skill, along with how to attack their brother if they need to.”
Jade simply smiles sweetly. “Every young girl needs to know how to defend themselves if the time should ever arise.”
Hayes’ lips twist into a scowl as he narrows his eyes at his sister. “Really? And twisting Harry’s nipples is doing what, exactly?”