Ruthless Princess (Mafia Royals 1)

I gave my head a shake and slowly walked out of my room and down the hall toward the massive gourmet style kitchen.

The long wood table was piled high with enough food to feed a small country. Then again, we were Italian; we weren’t really fans of portion control.

Broken heart? Have some bread!

Broken finger? Try the wine; it’s a Malbec!

Near death? The pasta should help!

My eyes darted around the table. Dad was already seated at the head, staring down at his phone while Mom moved around him and kissed him on the head.

He grabbed her by the waist and spun her around until she was on his lap. “Missed you today,” he said in a rough whisper before kissing her.

She sighed into his embrace. “Missed you too.”

“Get a room, guys, get a room,” I said with a laugh.

“Look who wants another sibling!” Dad teased while Bella sat at the opposite end of the table, giving them a huge grin. She was in the whole I want a baby sister so I can mother her phase.

I made a gagging motion much to their amusement and pulled out one of the black wingback chairs and winked at Bella.

The front door slammed, and then Junior was sauntering in, with a girl draped all over him.

The first thing I noticed was I could see at least two blond extensions, the next was that her fingernails looked like they could seriously harm someone if they got too close, and third?

She was giggling.

The fun part?

Nobody had said a damn word.

So, she was just filling the air with her annoying giggle for absolutely no reason.

And Junior? He seemed to like the sound of it even though my ears were bleeding.

If a goat could laugh.

It would sound like extension girl.

I gripped my knife in my right hand before realizing what I was doing, then slowly set it back down and counted to three.

The giggle picked up.

Bella made a face in my direction.

Same girl, same.

“Sorry I’m late, guys,” Junior announced. “Coco and I just got a little…” He grinned at her. “…sidetracked.”

She honest to God touched her neck where a hickey was already forming and let out another ear-splitting giggle.

“Coco.” I nodded. “Cool name.” Was she a stripper? I mean, really…

She was wearing a black tube top dress, bright red lipstick, and two-inch heels.

Fuck my life.

“Thanks.” Her heavily shadowed lids lowered into slits. “Are you Junior’s sister?”

Deep breaths, Serena, deep breaths. “Kind of, I’m more of a sister-wife.”

Her eyes widened. “Whoa, I had no idea he was into—”

“She’s kidding.”

Coco frowned. “Oh, so you guys aren’t.”

“Nope!” I answered a bit louder than I should have. “And this actually isn’t Junior’s house; those aren’t his parents; he’s staying here as a guest for a few weeks while his parents go on a mission trip to South America where they’re going to rescue endangered teacup pigs.”

Her jaw hung open as she swung her head back to Junior. “You must be so proud!”

“Yeah, I’m something.” Junior shot me a glare while my mom snorted a laugh into her wine.

“Serena.” Dad’s voice held a warning edge, but I could see his mouth twitch.

“Cool lip ring.” Coco eyed my dad like he was on the menu right alongside Junior. I fought not to throw up a bit in my mouth; she’d probably have a stroke if she came over for family dinner.

Dad gave her a chilly expression that made me want to duck under the table. “My wife thinks so too.”

Message sent.

Unfortunately, goat-giggler did not receive.

She laughed again and reached for her empty wine glass then held it out to Junior like he was her servant.

I rolled my eyes as he poured her a glass and then started putting food on her plate.

“Gonna cut up her pasta too?” I mumbled under my breath.

“What was that?” Coco asked, twirling a piece of hair that looked minutes away from detaching from her head.

Sigh.

“Nothing,” I said it quickly. “So where did you two meet?”

“Oh, it’s the funniest story!” Coco took three gulps of wine. “My car broke down on the side of the road, he pulled over to help, and the rest is history, right baby?” She reached for his hand.

He took hers and kissed it while I was still waiting for the punchline in her “it’s so funny” story.

“Wow.” He was an idiot. “When was that?”

I took a sip of wine as she spit out, “Two hours ago.”

I choked down what was left in my mouth. “Wow, you guys move fast. When’s the wedding?”

“Serena.” Mom shook her head at me like I was the crazy one. “Let’s not tease our new guest.”

Coco waved Mom off. “Oh, it’s fine, I can handle the teasing. Actually, can someone let me know where the bathroom is?”

“Down the hall,” I answered before anyone could. “Just turn around, walk, first door on the right.”