Free YOU'RE MINE: A Bad Boy Mafia Romance (Carbone Crime Family) by Emma Spring Page B

everyone disagrees, I always take a vote, see where the majority lies and make my choice based on that. But this time I don’t need to, it’s clear from everyone’s reaction that Liam’s idea is by far the most popular one. I’m not sure if it’s because they’re just scared, or because it’s the smart thing to do, but I’m forced to listen regardless.
    “Okay,” I sigh deeply, feeling bad for straying from what Diego wants. “Let’s information hunt for now. Find out everything we can about Aiden and the new structure of the Irish Mafia. We can also scout out some good locations for our first attack, alright? Once we have everything that we need, then we’ll make our move.”
    I shoot Diego an apologetic look, but he simply shrugs as if he can see that we have no other choice. He might be annoyed on the inside, but even he can see that he’s outvoted.
    “Right, I’m going to get a round in,” Liam insists, jumping up from his seat. “What does everyone want?”
    I know that this is my moment to refuse and to go home, but the memory of Sophia’s angry face fills my mind once more and I stick to my seat, wanting to avoid that scene again for just a little while longer.
    “Whiskey, please,” I ask him, knowing deep down that I’m probably making a mistake…

    * * *
    B y the time the cab drops me off at home because I’m too drunk to drive my motorcycle, it’s just past 1:00 a.m. I feel a little bad that I allowed myself to get so carried away, but everything has just been getting far too much for me, and I felt the need to blow off some steam.
    I avoided all the chicks, which is unusual for me, and I just had a laugh with my buddies, but that was enough to have me feeling a little better. Sure, things are crazy, and more than a little shit, but it’ll be alright in the end. It has to be. I need it to be.
    I know that I’ll do whatever I can to ensure that it is.
    “Sorry, guys,” I slur at the men standing at the door. “I’m back now, so you can go home. Was there any trouble whatsoever?”
    “Thanks, and no. Not a sign of anyone.” They sound totally bored, which I’m not surprised about. I would be too if I’d been forced to wait for hours outside someone’s home without any action. Much as I’m glad that there’s been no trouble, I feel a little guilty too. So I slip them a wad of cash each to sweeten the deal, and I send them on their way. “See you soon, boys.”
    I stagger up the stairs towards my apartment, feeling my head spin. I probably should have stopped drinking when my brain started to go fuzzy, but I was enjoying it too much. I liked not being able to think about anything serious for a while, but now I can see how dangerous that is. If someone was to attack me now, I wouldn’t be able to do too much about it.
    Then how could I help Sophia?
    Idiot!
    I crash through the door as quietly as I can, and I tiptoe through the apartment, just wanting to see her face again. I know my men have been on the case all night, but I also know that I won’t be able to feel totally confident in her safety until I see her face.
    I quickly find her still lying on my bed, snoring lightly as the sleep that she so desperately needs claims her. I stand in the doorframe for a while, just committing her sleeping form to memory. She looks so peaceful lying there, with her gorgeous face worry-free. I wish that I could make her entire life like that – she deserves peace and happiness more than anyone I know.
    I’m sorry, I think, having an imaginary conversation with her. I didn’t mean to upset you and to make you mad. I only have your best interests at heart. I just… I need to keep you safe. You’re my wife now, my responsibility, and I honestly don’t know what I’d do if anything happened to you.
    I almost want to creep into bed beside her and to wrap her up in a deep and comforting hug, but I know that I can’t. Especially not when she hates my guts – that would be a horrible wake-up