Kira
The mafia women’s function – held at the Ritz hotel – has always been the bane of my existence. It’s fun to gossip with the ladies but I always leave feeling annoyed at all the catty behavior. However, it’s a good chance to see Irina and Natasha. Ever since Enzo touched me, I’ve been antsy and restless.
My ankle is fully healed now so I don’t need the crutches, which is good since Irina and Natasha won’t report back to their husbands about what happened between me and Enzo.
When I enter the tearoom at the hotel, I immediately spy my friends seated at a table… with Francesca and Gianna there.
What the hell?
I keep my composure as I head over to the table. “What are you doing here?”
Francesca huffs. “That’s no way to speak to me.”
“I thought you were going back to Connecticut.”
“We did but it’s not a long drive to New York. Gianna and I like to come into the city from time to time. I didn’t know that was a crime.”
“But this is a get-together for Bratva women. Not ones that belong to the Italian mafia.”
Francesca sneers at me. “Well, considering you’re a part of the Italian Mafia now, I don’t think you have any right to say that.”
Damn her.
“Kira, sit,” Irina offers, nodding at the seat next to her, which is inconveniently directly across from Francesca. “How have been things between you and Enzo? You look good.”
“I am doing good.” I don’t offer anything else. Francesca will just use it against me.
“My nephew is a good man,” Francesca cuts in.
“He did kidnap Natasha who’s sitting right next to you,” I snap.
Natasha doesn’t say a word, knowing this isn’t her battle.
Francesca waves a dismissive hand. “That was in the past.”
“And he shot my brother,” I fire back. “So no. I don’t think your nephew is a good man. But I’ve come to terms with being married to him. So…”
“You don’t have the right to speak ill of my nephew. Not with your reputation.” Her eyes rake over me with pure disgust.
“What reputation?”
“That you’ve slept with every man in the city.”
Natasha, who’s in the middle of taking a sip of her tea, spits. “What? Kira hasn’t done that.”
“Thank you. I’m not some slut, you know.”
Francesca shrugs. “That’s not what I’ve heard.”
Damn it. I let Enzo think I’ve slept with other men and somehow word has gotten out. Now everyone is going to think I’m easy. I have to hope this doesn’t get back to my dad because he’d be so disappointed in me when I haven’t done what I’m being accused of.
“Well, you heard wrong,” I snap. “And I don’t have to sit here and listen to this. I’m going.”
“Kira, wait,” Irina says. “Stay. I’ve missed you. I haven’t spoken to you all week.”
“That’s because I’ve been dealing with her annoying nephew. So blame it on him.” I storm out of the tearoom and to the nearest restroom to calm myself.Get yourself together. I can’t let Francesca get under my skin.
The door to the restroom opens and someone enters. I’m surprised to see that it’s Gianna. Her eyes are downcast so she doesn’t see me. She doesn’t say a word as she goes into one of the stalls. After a moment, I hear the sound of gagging.