She chuckles. “Want a fucking cookie for it?”
I hold up the package, shaking the plastic. “Already got one.”
“You should sit with me so we can discuss your position with the Somervilles.”
“I know what you’re up to.”
She cranes her neck to look at me, turning away from the gorgeous view of the celestial garden now glowing with dazzling sun lamps. “And what is that?”
“You’re going after those kids.”
“What kids?”
I clench my fists at my sides. “You’re popping off those kids so they can’t claim what Daddy left behind.”
“You ungrateful shit,” she spouts while standing up. “How dare you accuse me of killing innocent children? I am a mother, Alexandra. Have you no faith in me?”
“None.”
Her cheek twitches with annoyance as her nostrils flare. “Truly, you have no idea the lengths I’m willing to go for you. The least you can do is thank me for securing your future properly so you don’t have to keep floating around in limbo.”
“Oh, right! Because being sold into slavery is so much better than getting raped.”
“Mind your fucking attitude, missy. You’ll marry Parker Somerville whether you like it or not. But first…” She pauses to sip her brandy and turns toward the large window overlooking the maze. “His father is going to teach you how to be a good and obedient wife.”
I scoff. “And just what the fuck does that even mean?”
“It means whatever it needs to mean.”
“So you would have a disgusting old man stick his hands all over me just to get me out of your house?”
She groans with frustration. “It doesn’t have to be that way, Alex.”
“No, you’re right—it doesn’t. You can protect me instead. You know that, right? What happened to being my mother?”
“You will do as you’re told. This is what your father would have done.”
Brimming with hatred, I shake my head. “My father wouldn’t have sold me like a goddamn mule!”
“No, he would have done everything in his power to secure your place in this world.” She spins around on her heel, gesturing widely to the den around us. “Do you like having protection? Do you enjoy living the way you do? Having whatever you want? Do you?!”
I glare back at her, not bothering to answer.
“Of course you fucking do,” she bites. “Your life is the way it is because of your father. These aren’t just contracts, Alexandra. These are life preservers. How long do you think you’ll last out there on your own? Without any guards?”
I shake my head. “It’s better than living in a prison.”
She laughs. “Honey, out there is a damn prison. You’ll have no one watching your back and nowhere to land if you happen to fall. There are so many people who would be happy to claim you—however the hell they can.”
“You’re ridiculous.”
“And you’re an obnoxious little shit who needs to learn manners.”
Baring my teeth, I march toward her until I’m inches away. “I wouldn’t act this way if you would just stand up for me. Like the mother you claim to be. You just want to be on top.”
“Yes, I do, sweet girl. I want to be on top.” She shoves her hand into the center of my chest, pushing me back toward the couch. “Do you know what happens to those of us on the bottom? Even the ones who live in the midst of other mob families? They don’t get any respect.”
When my ass lands on the couch, I stay there, knowing my mother will follow me wherever I try to go. It’s just best to stick it out when she’s on a roll with a lecture. She’s been drinking. It makes sense. It’s nothing like Marie, but it’s still a lot.