Free Dangerous Beauty: Part Two: A Mafia Princess by Michelle Hardin

what they would say and hoped to God they still liked her.
    Carter tiptoed toward the living room entrance, hiding behind the wall. Leaning over, she peeked in the room to see who was there.
    The Originals
, Carter thought. Angelo, Cesare, Alessandro, and Bruno sat in the living room, hard at work once again. Déjà vu from the previous morning, except this time she knew who they were. She’d always referred to them as the Originals because they had created an empire, an organization, that was pretty incredible— like the original vampires on her favorite TV show. It was very “fan-girlish” of her, but she thought it was funny. And this way, she didn’t have to say all of their names. When they were all in a room together, all she had to say was
Originals
, and they knew to whom she was talking. It was genius.
    She took a long deep breath and prepared herself for whatever happened next. She walked through the large entrance into the living room and her eyes widened in amazement.
    This house is bad-ass.
    Carter couldn’t believe she lived here, that it was hers. Nathan had done a damn good job decorating. It was perfect. She slipped off one shoe, feeling the plush carpet against her toes. Damn, so soft. She wondered how much it had cost to get all of this finished so quickly. But then again there was no point in wondering. Nathan was the “spare no expense” type of spoiled rich kid. When he wanted something, he got it. For some reason, Carter thought that was the sexiest thing ever, but it might have been because she was hornier than ever right now. She still couldn’t believe Nathan had refused to give it up. He’d better be happy she dealt with it as nicely as she did. She had wanted to beat his ass, but that would have been wrong— he was just worried about her health. But she really did feel fine. Carter’s only discomfort right now was Doritos withdrawal. And speaking of Doritos—
    Carter’s thoughts were interrupted when she heard a throat being cleared. She looked up from where she had been staring deep in thought and tensed. Shit! She’d been caught up in her damn thoughts again. The originals were looking at her, brows furrowed and amusement in their eyes.
    Carter worried her bottom lip.
    Maybe she should open with a joke, try and lighten the mood a bit. No. She couldn’t do that. She was no comedian, and if they didn’t laugh, it would make this so much more awkward. Clasping her hands together in front of her, she slipped her shoe back on. Deciding to just go with being adorable, she smiled innocently. “Heeeyyy, Originals,” Carter sang, rocking back and forth on her heels. “Life’s crazy, huh?” Carter smiled.
God, it was so embarrassing.
    The Originals chuckled and stood. Angelo was the first to extend his arms. Carter smiled wide, ran to him eagerly, and jumped into his arms. Angelo laughed as Carter hugged him tight and chanted I’m sorry over and over again.
    “Carterina, you don’t have to apologize,” he said as he continued to hug her.
    Carter pulled back and looked into his eyes. “Yes, I do. I’m always causing trouble.”
    Angelo chuckled and pinched her cheeks. “And you’re worth every bit of trouble you cause, child,” he teased. Then he pinched her nose.
    Carter giggled, squirmed out of his arms, and ran over to Alessandro. “Uncle!” she yelled excitedly and jumped into his arms. He hugged her and laughed softly.
    “Il mio bel po’ mia nipote.
You gave us quite a scare,” he said softly. Carter loved Alessandro’s voice. It was as sweet as a lullaby, just like him. Well, to her he was sweet at least. But much like his son, Alessandro was a ticking time bomb. But Carter never had to worry about his or Lucca’s temper— they both seemed to have a soft spot for her, which she loved.
    “I’m sorry,” she whispered. “I was being a total bitch.”
    Alessandro chuckled softly, “Carterina, stop apologizing for events you couldn’t control. We are all a bit