Mafia Stepbrother Boxed Set Read Online Free PDF Page A

to cry to hubby now.”
    I almost choked on my wine. “She’s married to Mr. C.?”
    Abri nodded. “Proof that wealth and power don’t provide good taste.” She scanned the room until she found Cole talking with a tall, tan man with a thin moustache and dark hair that was going grey at the temples. “Now my husband, on the other hand, has exquisite taste.”
    I followed Abri’s eyes. The man looked vaguely familiar. “That’s your husband Cole is talking to?”
    Abri nodded. “Two gorgeous men with power and vision.” She winked at me. “And the women who put up with their bullshit. Come on. I’ll introduce you.”
    Abri led me to the two men, who glanced at us as we approached. Abri’s husband shook Cole’s hand and leaned over, kissing him on both cheeks.
    “Sonny,” Abri said. “I’d like you to meet Cole’s better half, Danielle.”
    Sonny smiled and pulled me to him for an unexpected bear hug, kissing me on each cheek. “Welcome to the family, Danielle.” Keeping one arm around me, he wrapped his other arm around Cole and pulled him close. He looked at Abri. “Don’t we look like we’re going to set the world on fire, Baby?”
    Abri kissed her husband. “Absolutely.” The smile she gave Sonny was filled with love, but I had noticed something else that had nothing to do with love. Sonny’s jacket was unbuttoned, and when he reached out for Cole, I could plainly see a gun tucked inside a shoulder holster.
    Sonny released me, keeping his arm around Cole. “Honey, why don’t you and Danielle grab a couple more drinks while I finish talking with Cole.” He winked at me and grinned. “I promise I’ll return him as soon as possible.”
    It was the wink and grin combo that did it. I realized where I had seen him before. Mobster Sonny LaVista, accused of various crimes in Florida, had flashed that wink and grin any time a camera was pointed in his direction, loudly professing his innocence. The case never went to trial. Every charge was dropped and LaVista was a free man. He laughed off any mention of mob affiliation, saying people had watched The Godfather too many times, but people knew. It couldn’t be proven but Sonny LaVista was a dangerous man, and Cole knew him, seemed to be friends with him.
    “Dani?” Abri asked. “You okay?”
    I glanced at her. Did she know who her husband was? Of course she did. She had to. I had only known her for a short time but she didn’t strike me as an idiot. And I had been told ‘welcome to the family,’ not thinking anything of it. I had an idea now about which family I was being welcomed into.
    “Dani?” She sounded worried now. Worried because she thought I was sick? Or worried that I might have learned her secret?
    I nodded. “I’m fine. I just… I don’t know.”
    “You recognized him, didn’t you?”
    “What?” I looked around frantically. The door seemed miles away. Would anyone shoot at me if I made a run for it?”
    “Dani, relax. It’s okay.” Abri shrugged. “He almost got caught being a bad boy, but that was years ago. He’s more cautious these days. He won’t let anything happen to Cole.”
    What? She thought I was worried Sonny would get Cole into trouble. I was a rotten person because that thought didn’t even cross my mind… until now. “What are they talking about?”
    Abri shrugged. “Business. Something about the Texas operation but I don’t know the details.”
    “The mafia is in Texas?”
    Abri laughed. “They are now, thanks to Sonny and Cole. The family hasn’t really had any influence since the Dallas thing, but Sonny wanted to change that, and Cole was eager to be the guy on the ground.” She nudged me with her shoulder. “Can’t imagine why he was so anxious to come back here.”
    I grabbed another drink off Jasper’s tray as he walked by. Abri did the same. I looked at her. “Abri, I think I might be into something that’s way over my head.”
    “Oh mio Dio!” a loud voice exclaimed.
    Abri and I