FULL NOVELXO Chapter 33
I walk into The Silver Ring and glance around the luxury bar. It’s busy, but I spot Cade quickly. He’s sitting at the bar, looking all kinds of mafia royalty.
He’s wearing one of his best suits—Armani, by the looks—and is drinking a martini. On his wrist sits a huge timepiece, and his hair is slicked back.
Cade slides a cosmopolitan cocktail a few inches along the marble bar when he sees me. Standing, he kisses both my cheeks. “Mia, thank you for forgiving me. Sit, please.”
“You didn’t need to get dressed up for me,” I say, running my hands along the green dress Sienna loaned me. We’re the same size but with different shaped bodies. The material is cheap, but I don’t care. It’s the cowlneck which is bothering me—it shows off way too much boob than I would like. Especially for a drink with my brother.
Connor would growl.
Fuck Connor.
Cade studies me. “Sister, you look a little pale. Are you unwell?”
May as well stick to one set of lies. “Yes, I’ve been feeling off today.”
“Not pregnant, I hope,” he says, staring at me closer.
God, I hope not. I take my birth control religiously. But I can’t help the twinge of emotion flickering at the edges of my consciousness when I imagine having Connor’s baby.
Imagine him holding my hand as I birth it and the joy on his face.
The fucking traitor.
“I know you don’t like Connor,” I say, thinking he saw something when I didn’t. Just as my father had. “But please, don’t bash him tonight. I’m not in the mood.”
He raises both his hands.
“Hey, fine. The fiancé is off the menu,” Cade says, dropping them. “How’s work, then?”
I narrow my eyes. He’s trying too hard. I glance around and then ask, “What do you want, Cade? Is this really about apologizing?”
He laughs. “I’m trying to be a good brother.”
Taking a sip of my cosmo, I sigh.
I need to chill out and stop mistrusting everyone. I’m losing my mind—can’t even have a drink with my brother without thinking the worst.
“Sorry, I’m just not feeling that well.” I take another big sip because damn, I need this alcohol right now. Ice cream didn’t help at all, except for making me all bloated.
As the liquor takes hold, I relax and remind myself I need Cade’s help to get home. If I use my cards, Connor will track me.
“Can I ask you a favor without you making a big deal out of it?”
Cade nods once. “What is it? Anything.”
I relax further, feeling safe for the first time in hours. I should’ve known I could rely on my family. They’re the only people you can really trust.
Even if they are mafia.
“I need to go home. To Long Island,” I tell him. “Tonight. Can you arrange transport for me? Or drive me?”
He glances around the room, and his brows drop.
“Mia, where is your security?” Cade asks. “Don’t you have a driver?”
Oh, that.
“Gave them the night off,” I mumble, taking another sip.
He knows I’m lying.
“Sure. Wherever you want to go, Mia. I’ll take you.”
“Thanks,” I reply with a smile and finish my drink. I decide I can have another one before leaving the city. Now, I’m safe, so I slide my glass toward the bartender, hoping to catch his eye.
Then the room wobbles.
“You okay there, sis?” Cade stands, and his hand lands on my hip.
I stare up at him and find a cold, dark expression that looks nothing like my brother.
Oh God.
No!
“What have you done?” I ask, my words coming out drunk.
“Sorry, Mia. Things are about to change.” Cade lifts his head and nods to someone.
The world is a fuzz. I hear she’s had too much to drink, and I’m led out of the bar, then feel myself being placed into a vehicle.
He drugged me.
My fucking brother drugged me.
I feel my body tremble as I go in and out of consciousness.
Where are they taking me?
Despite what I saw today, the only person I want suddenly is Connor. I know without a shred of doubt he would kill my brother and every single man responsible for this abduction.
And I know I will never see his face again.