Total pages in book: 118
Estimated words: 108926 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 545(@200wpm)___ 436(@250wpm)___ 363(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 108926 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 545(@200wpm)___ 436(@250wpm)___ 363(@300wpm)
The doorbell rang, and I left Carly with a kiss on the forehead to answer it. My mother shoved her way past me, practically knocking me into the wall.
“Where is that beautiful daughter-in-law-to-be of mine?” she asked as she hustled into the living room.
“Hello to you too, Ma,” I responded dryly.
“Hello, hello.” She waved dismissively and headed back towards the bedrooms when it was clear Carly wasn’t in the front. I followed behind her, shaking my head at being ignored by my mother in favor of Carly. To be fair, I’d ignore everyone else for her too. But still, she should spare a minute for her baby boy.
“Carly!” she exclaimed happily, lifting on her tip toes to grasp Carly’s cheek and bring her down a few inches for a kiss. “We have a lot to do, my dear. Pack a bag, and we’ll be off.”
“No, no fucking way,” I declared, then yelped when I received a hard pinch on the arm from my mother.
“Brandon!” she scolded.
I smiled sheepishly. “Sorry, Mamma. But Carly will not be sleeping anywhere but our bed tonight. I don’t care about traditions and shi—stuff.”
Ma put her hands on her hips and glared at me. Despite being twenty-three-years-old, a mafia enforcer, and a soon–to-be husband (and father?), I shrank back from her anger. I gave her my best smile, but she just shook her head.
“Smiles and puppy-dog eyes won’t change my mind, Brandon. You are already living in sin”—her eyes narrowed suspiciously—“and likely put your baby in her belly, out of wedlock. You will keep to the tradition of spending the night before your wedding apart.”
I looked to Carly for some support, only to find her trying to smother her laughter with her hands over her mouth. I lifted my brow, silently asking for her agreement, but she shrugged and dropped her hands, revealing a wide smile. There was a sassy sparkle in her eyes that did not bode well for my poor, neglected cock.
My mind ran through every excuse while they packed Carly a bag, and I even tried a few out loud but was promptly shut down by my mamma, who had apparently become immune to my charms.
In a last ditch effort, I asked for a few minutes alone with my fiancée, knowing she couldn’t resist me. The next thing I knew, the front door slammed shut in my face as my mother dragged Carly away from our home.
I stomped into the kitchen and started making breakfast. My irritation notched up another level when my door opened again and my brothers poured through it.
“Don’t you jackasses ever knock?” I snapped.
“What’s got your balls in a twist?” Luca asked as he walked to the fridge and started rummaging around.
Christian laughed and gave me a sympathetic glance. “Mom really did it, huh?”
I scowled at him, trying to decide just how much trouble I’d be in if I gave one of my groomsmen a black eye. “You knew and didn’t warn me?” I growled.
Christian raised his hands in surrender. “I overheard her talking to Papà about it, but I didn’t think she would actually go through with it.”
“Well, she did, stronzo. I don’t suppose any of you dipshits know where she’ll be staying?”
Christian shrugged, but Gavin piped up, “No, but I bet you know someone who could convince Mamma to have her stay with them.”
I perked up at his suggestion and pulled my cell phone from my pocket where I’d stuffed it earlier. I dialed Nic’s number and he picked up on the first ring.
“I was just about to call you. I have some—”
“Wait,” I interrupted, “I need a favor. My ma decided to steal my woman for the night”—Nic snickered and I squeezed my eyes shut, praying for patience—“I need you to have Anna call and convince Ma that Carly should stay with you tonight.”
“Actually,” Nic said, his tone serious, “that’s why I was about to call. Sean was spotted at one of the pubs and in your neighborhood as well. So, it’s probably best she stays with us if she’s not with you.”
Fuck! Rage ripped through me at the thought of that motherfucker anywhere near my girl. “Oh, she’ll be with me. I’ll pick her up at nine and have her back in the morning.”
Adam, in all his seventeen-year-old maturity, made a crude gesture. I gave Luca a look, and pointed to our younger brother who was standing beside him. Adam grinned until Luca punched him in the stomach. “Ouch! Motherfucker!” he wheezed. I rolled my eyes at his bellyaching, knowing Luca hadn’t hit him hard.
I talked with Nic for a few more minutes, discussing safety options for the wedding. I left the room when the conversation turned to other business matters, then hung up with the promise to be there to collect Carly that evening.
Walking back into the kitchen, I found my brothers all helping themselves. I pinched the bridge of my nose in irritation. “What are you guys doing here? Besides eating all of my food. If you touch that chocolate cake,” I warned Tristan, who had just pulled the lid off of the cake display, “Carly will have your ass.”