No Strings Attached

CHAPTER 38

TW: DOMESTIC VIOLENCE
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Vincenzo knocks on the door, adjusting the cuffs of his sleeve before taking a step back beside Alessio.

For some reason, a sick feeling settles in my gut, probably just nerves.

The door opens, revealing a smiling young woman, her smile faltering as a loud voice carries through the house.

I study the girl, probably my and Lea's age, her body thin and face hollowed, her silky black dress hanging loosely on her body. She's pretty.

"Please, come in," she says, as if rehearsed as she steps aside and opens the door wider.

"He's still fucking crying, do something about it!" I hear a loud voice shout, and I look to see a man walking over. "Izaria!" she snaps, and the girl gives us an apologetic look.

I look over to see Alessio's jaw lock, his body stiffening as his eyes don't leave the girl. He slowly turns to face the man, and I fear that if looks could kill, he would be a dead fucking man.

"I'm so sorry, I have to go get my son, but I'll do proper introductions soon," she says, laughing nervously before disappearing into the house.

"So glad you accepted our offer," the man says, putting his hand out for Vincenzo.

"It's just dinner," Vincenzo says coolly, politely shaking his hand.

The man looks around and his gaze settles on me, "A new face for the De Santis family, I'm Ryan Walker, second in command of the American Mafia," his voice is silk as he puts his hand out for me.

"Anastasia Mancini," I return, trying to hide my pure disgust as he takes my hand and kisses it.

I hear Vincenzo clear his throat and Ryan drops my hand, his eyes travelling down my body before they snap to Vincenzo. "Is John here yet?" he asks, his eyes boring into a now visibly uncomfortable Ryan.

"He will be here shortly," Ryan says, "For now, come into the living room, Izaria will finish up dinner in no time,"

We begin to follow Ryan through the house but the sound of laughter pulls me back, turning to see Izaria holding a laughing baby. I frown as Ryan seemingly ignores his girlfriend and child and continues walking.

"I'll stay with Izaria," I murmur to Vincenzo, who nods.

"Who's this?" I ask, unable to help the smile spreading across my face as I look at the grinning boy.

"This is Samuel, wanna say hi Sammy?" Izaria smiles, waving his small arm.

"Hey Sammy," I laugh, smiling as his small hand wraps around my finger.

"Do you need any help with dinner?" I ask, looking up at Izaria.

"Company might be nice, I've mostly finished though," she says, her eyes lighting up as I nod.

"How long have you and Ryan been together?" I ask, immediately regretting my question as her body stiffens.

"Almost two years now," she says, a persistent smile on her face.

Isn't she almost 20?

"How long have you and Vincenzo been together?" as asks,

"Oh, uh, we're not together," I say sheepishly, feeling my cheeks burn red.

"Oh shit," she murmurs, quickly recovering as she gives me an apologetic look, "I'm so sorry, I just assumed you were by the way he looked at you," she says, a hint of laughter in her tone.