Off the Record (With Me in Seattle Mafia 3)

And have.

“I don’t think I’ve ever been better.” His smile is soft, lazy, and a little proud. “You’re amazing, babe.”

I grin and rest my head on his shoulder. When I draw circles on his chest, he clasps my hand in his, kisses it, then holds it against his heart.

“I wish we could just stay right here, forever,” I whisper.

“Me, too.”

“What do you think will happen?”

He sighs. He knows exactly what I’m talking about.

“I don’t mean to ruin this night,” I rush on. “Forget I said anything.”

“You didn’t ruin anything,” he assures me and kisses my forehead. “And the honest answer is, I don’t know.”

“We’re meant to be together,” I continue. “I mean, how else do you explain that we randomly chose the same college? And on the east coast, no less? This isn’t a fluke. It’s destiny. Maybe we can convince our families of that. Eventually.”

“Maybe.” He kisses my forehead again. “Eventually.”

* * *

Two years later…

I’ve been summoned to my uncle’s office. I don’t quite know what to make of that, given that it’s never happened before.

I smile at his assistant, who nods and says, “You can go on in, Annika.”

“Thanks.”

I push through the milky glass doors and am surprised to see not only Uncle Igor but also my father.

“Close the door, please,” Uncle Igor says. He’s sitting behind his enormous desk, looking more powerful than any man I’ve ever seen.

But he’s never frightened me. He’s always been loving and generous with me.

“Is something wrong?” I ask as I sit in the chair across from my uncle, next to my father.

“No. Actually, we have some good news for you. But first, I want to congratulate you on doing so well in college, my little firefly.” Uncle Igor smiles proudly. “You finished your bachelors in just three years, and you’re on track to finish medical school in only two years.”

“That’s right. And I want to thank you for the opportunity. I know it’s not inexpensive, and I appreciate everything the family has done for me.”

“I know you do. You’re a good girl, Annika.” Uncle Igor and my father share a look. “I wanted to let you know that you’ll be moving to Denver for your residency.”

I frown and shake my head. “I don’t understand.”

“You’ll be switching schools in the fall. You’ll complete your residency in Denver.”

What about Rafe?

“Why? I’m doing well here, and I like this college. I have friends here.”

“I know.” He folds his hands on his desk. “And a boyfriend, eh?”

I blink rapidly. I hate lying to my family. “No, of course, not.”

He tosses several photos on the desk in front of me, and I swallow hard when I see images of Rafe and me, walking hand-in-hand on campus, laughing while seated at our favorite restaurant, and kissing on a bridge where we like to take walks.

“You’ve never been a liar before, firefly.”

I feel my father shift next to me, and tears immediately threaten.

“I don’t like lying now,” I confess and swallow hard.

“You know that the Martinellis are off-limits.”

I clasp my hands tightly in my lap.

“Look at me,” he says, but his voice is gentle, and his eyes hold compassion when I meet his. “You fancy yourself in love, do you?”

“Yes.”

He nods and turns to look out the windows.

“He was sent here to follow you.”

I blink, certain I’ve heard him wrong.

“They’re keeping an eye on you and trying to get information. The fact that they’d stoop so low and use my innocent niece as a pawn is unforgivable.”

“No, that’s not what’s happening. Rafe was surprised to see me. We didn’t know we were attending the same college.”

“Annika,” Papa says beside me and reaches for my hand. “You know this is not possible. It’s forbidden.”

A tear drops onto my cheek. “I didn’t mean to fall in love with him any more than I can be to blame for his family tree.”

“You’re smarter than this,” Uncle Igor says. “And I’m ending it. Now. Your last day of class is Friday. You’ll be packed up and moved by Saturday afternoon. I’ve already arranged for the movers. This is not up for discussion.”

My world is crumbling out from under me.

“What about Ivie?”

“She’ll go with you. I know she’s your closest friend and your confidante. I’m not a monster.”

I have to try. I have to fight for what Rafe and I have. “Please, Uncle Igor. If you could just listen. If you could maybe talk to Rafe...”

“I am not at fault here,” he replies, his voice hard now. “You know what it means to be a part of this family. You know that the Martinellis are off-limits. You need to remember your place and be grateful that simply changing schools is your punishment for defying me.”

He’s all boss now. I know better than to talk back.

So, I simply nod.

“Yes, sir.”

“Good. End it today. I have an apartment waiting for you and Ivie in Denver. It’s in a nice part of town and is newer than the place you have here.”