He bent down, his mouth inches from mine. “You’re wearing it for us.”
“What is happening here? Because I don’t understand why all of you showed up at my graduation and forced me to move here.”
Nico exited the closet, his back to me. “You’re trying to figure each of us out. Let me save you the trouble. Dante is an asshole and will never change. Stefan is a bit of a free spirit and does his own thing. Angelo is unhinged. He may seem okay at first, but when you get to know him, I doubt you will ever consider going anywhere near his apartment.”
“How about you?”
“You shouldn’t trust me either.” He stared at my lips. “I will always choose my family.”
ChapterTen
AVA
Ididn't even look like myself in the black Versace dress. It hugged my curves, making my waist appear slimmer. I also couldn't breathe in it. The leather was so damn tight it was like wearing a straight jacket.
Nico kept staring at me as we walked through the casino. I clung to his arm, gaining the attention of way too many people. Everyone knew Nico. Some people waved, while others tipped their heads to acknowledge him.
I felt like a queen on the arm of a king—a Boardwalk King.
I had to remind myself they were dangerous men who would hurt me if necessary. The Lucianos wouldn't think twice about killing me if it suited their interests. They were trying to buy me and make me forget what they would force me to do for them.
As we approached the hostess counter at Dolce, a blonde woman smiled at Nico. "Good evening, Mr. Luciano. Your family is already here." Then she stepped out from behind the desk. "I'll show you to your table."
Inside the Italian restaurant, you could see the private rooms on the second floor overlooking the tables spread throughout the main dining area. But you couldn't see into the rooms. It was one-way glass, tinted for privacy.
People waiting for their tables sat at the bar, tasting the wines. A delicious aroma of garlic and spices hit the air like perfume, and my stomach rumbled.
We followed the hostess up a flight of stairs. On our way, we passed dozens of tables filled with patrons. It surprised me they let anyone eat on this floor while the Don was in attendance.
Salvatore Luciano was cautious about his movements. After his wife's accidental murder years ago—a bullet meant for him—he became somewhat of a recluse. The family had been trying to solve the mystery surrounding her death for years. My dad said Dante and the twins never recovered from her sudden death. It explained why they were so distant and cold.
Dante, especially.
I didn’t have a mom for most of my life. When she was home, she drank so much that it annoyed everyone in the house. She was a horrible drunk, the nasty kind that yelled and said stupid shit.
Years ago, she started making accusations about the Lucianos in public. So Dad had no choice but to send her away. It was that, or they would have silenced her for good. She didn't even put up a fight. Mom wanted to go, and I wished she had taken me with her. Then I wouldn't have to launder money for a crime family.
The hostess opened a door at the back of the restaurant. My dad sat beside Salvatore at a round booth large enough to fit at least thirty people. I'd never seen a booth this big.
Dante was on his father's right with Stefan at his side. Angelo got up from the booth to let Nico in first, then me.
He palmed my ass like it was a basketball and squeezed. "Look at you, college girl. Not Daddy's little girl anymore, are you?"
I shivered at his words.
Why did I find him attractive?
Ugh, why did I like any of them?
I got into the booth beside Nico, surrounded by four gorgeous men. Angelo put his hand on my thigh, claiming it for himself. As I swatted at his hand, I thought about Nico's warning earlier. He said to be careful with him.
Well, with all of them.
I knew he was right.
"Ava.” My dad sounded surprised, his eyes wide as he stared at my dress. "You look so…"
"Hot," Stefan interjected.