Velvet Lullabies

Lucian wasn’t normally one to sit around and tap his heels, but he had been sitting outside of the Brown University for over 30 minutes.

“Any minute now.” He muttered, getting a snort from Nico who waited alongside him. He asked Nico to drive them tonight so he didn’t have to worry about parking or leaving Adelina alone. He doubted a Providence club opening was anything like a New York club opening, but nonetheless, he wanted to be safe.

“I don’t think I’ve ever seen anyone keep you waiting boss.” Nico chuckled.

“Yeah, yeah.”

Adelina was the only one who could keep him waiting and get away with it. Anyone else, and Lucian would be long gone.

When she finally emerged from the dorms with Gemma in tow she was wearing a skin-tight maroon sequin dress with sky high black heels. Her long brown waves fell effortlessly and her lips were painted a deep red. She stopped in front of him to ask: “How do I look?”

“Absolutely stunning.”

She blushed, a beautiful pink shade, and diverted her eyes. Behind her, Gemma gleamed.

“Thank you, Lucian.” Gemma cooed as Nico helped her into the back of the escalade. “My work deserves to be appreciated.”

He laughed deeply.

“She’s my stylist.” Adelina told him smiling.

“She’s hired indefinitely.” He leaned in to kiss her cheek. “But you’re always gorgeous.”

There was that blush again.

He could get used to seeing her like that.

Gian’s club was packed when they arrived.

“Drinks!” Gemma announced dragging Adelina with her to the bar.

“You made it,” Gian appeared, drink in hand. “I’m assuming my sister and Addy are somewhere around here then?”

Lucian smirked. “Yes, I believe your sister is plying my fiancé with tequila shots as we speak.” He gestured to the spot at the bar where the girls with taking shots and sucking on limes.

“Sounds about right.” Gian chuckled. He led Lucian over to the bar where he flagged down a waitress for another round of Whiskey.

“Fair warning, those two are trouble.” Gian said taking a long sip of the dark amber liquid. “Have been since we were kids.”

“How long have you known Adelina?”

“Her whole life.” Gian smiled. “My ma is friends with hers. Vinny was over at our house when she was born, and then my ma packed us all up to go to the hospital.” He took another sip of the whiskey. “We’ve had this little family of us kids since we were little. Theo, me, Vinny, Gio, and the girls. It’s always just been us against everything.” Gian chuckled again. “Sorry man, I’m reminiscing. Just ignore me.”

“I get it.” Lucian sipped his own whiskey. “You’re family.”

“This thing of ours.” Gian smiled. “Sometimes it’s good, sometimes it’s really good. Sometimes, not so much.” Gian polished off the whiskey. “Grab me if you need anything.” And he was off.

Lucian was initiated into la cosa nostra, this thing of ours, when he was 17 but had been a part of the family long before he was a made man. He knew that this life brought pain. Friends were here one day and gone the next. He couldn’t count on one hand or even two how many friends he had

lost to this life. Providence was in pain. They were bleeding out.

He would fix this.

For Adelina, he would try.

Lucian flagged down the bartender for another whiskey and look out onto the dance floor where Adelina and Gemma were dancing.

He could watch Adelina dance all night.