Pulling his head down, I rubbed my hand over his beard, holding him there so I could whisper. “I want to know everything about you, the good and the bad. You don’t have to protect me from the truth. You’ve shown me parts of myself I didn’t know existed, and this is what I can do for you. Please, let me.” He pulled his head back a smidge, staring at me for an extended time before he nodded, kissing my forehead.
“Okay, Spitfire.” He didn’t need to say anything else.
When I looked back, I found the others watching me. Smiling, I sat up, but I didn’t hide or feel embarrassed. “So, how are we going to use the mafia to take down my mother?” I grinned at the thought, a laugh wanting to bubble up.
“Easy, by throwing the most exclusive party at our estate in the suburbs and inviting her. We lead the rat to the cheese and then drop the trap. Never underestimate the value of good cheese, Lore.” Atticus smiled at me, and it was at such odds with our conversation, I couldn’t help but snort.
“And how will that help with Cami?”
“Exactly the same reason. We invite Darren to join us. And while the cat's away, we steal the mouse.”
“Bro, I’m kind of worried about your obsession with rodents as your metaphors,” Nicco jibed good-naturedly.
Atticus gave him a look, but I could see the tiniest tilt at the corner of his lips, and I knew it pleased him to hear Nicco call him brother. Seemed my cold-hearted Attie was melting, and I couldn’t wait to see the complete transformation.
“So, when is this event?” Wells asked, surprising me.
“Sunday.”
“As in this Sunday?” I squeaked in question, gesturing with my hands. “Two days from now?”
“Precisely.”
“You’re fucking insane!”
“On the contrary, I’m practically a genius,” Atticus countered, only making me laugh more.
“Why does that not surprise me?” I rolled my eyes, smiling at him. “So, what now?”
“What do you mean, Spitfire?”
“Well, we dealt with my emotional wringer, made a plan for two days from now to sort out our enemies, so, what’s next on the mafia agenda? World domination? Knocking some heads together? Capping some people in the knees?”
It was quiet for all of two seconds before all five men busted out into laughter. I sat back, a blush on my face, accepting the fact they thought I was funny.
In reality, I’d been mostly serious. Guess I needed to brush up on my mafia knowledge. Good thing I had three hot mafia men to teach me.