Taken_ A Dark Mafia Romance - Piper Stone Page 0,12
think this was all right on any level without warning me. The red flags were flying high. I wanted to turn around and leave; however, Roberto stood behind me, perhaps fearful that I would run. I glared at him before shoving my way past the sea of hired help to the grassy area just off the patio. After only a few seconds, I found my mother fidgeting over a large crimson bow on one of the tent posts.
“Do you mind telling me what the hell is going on?” There was obviously no time to mince words.
Her face fell as she turned toward me, but her usual demure attitude was gone, replaced with a level of fury I’d rarely seen in her. “Don’t you dare talk to me that way, Winter. Your father and I are trying to do something special for you and not only are you late, but you have a nasty attitude.” The slight Irish accent she’d kept after all these years was heavier than normal.
“I’m late because of weather, Mother. Why didn’t you tell me you were planning a spectacular event?”
“We wanted to surprise you. You are our only daughter.” Her mouth twisted after saying the words, her eyes flashing in the old method of trying to keep me in line. My father had never been the nicest of men, often taking out his frustration on his family. I’d learned early on what keeping the peace had meant.
Sighing, I noticed my father was already watching our confrontation from a distance with several of his drinking buddies in tow. The king and his court. They were early for the damn soiree. Even as the sun began to set, I was able to recognize several of his esteemed guests.
Members of several precincts of the police, a few from the fire department, two state senators, and a partridge in a pear tree. I hated the loathsome politics my father had played his entire life, his wealth obtained by favors bestowed.
The moment reaffirmed why I’d left home as soon as possible in the first place. One night. I could get through this to keep that peace, but this was the last time. Period. “That’s bullshit, Mother, and you and I know it. Is this godforsaken party about the sect?”
She offered another glossy-eyed smile. “Well, if you mean will there be community members here as guests, yes, of course. They are our friends.”
“Friends? You told me you hated these people.”
The way her fingers dug into my arm was painful, the horror in her eyes throwing me off guard. “Don’t you dare ever say anything like that. This is our home and our friends are important to us.”
Jesus Christ. What the hell was going on?
Hold your tongue. You can do this. My little voice wasn’t comforting. Maybe it was time to find out what was hidden behind the veil that had been draped over the entire community since the beginning of time. “Fine. Have it your way. However, I don’t have a damn thing to wear, Mother.”
Her face brightened as she released her hold, her hand shaking. “Oh, don’t worry, darling. Your father and I purchased some new treats for you. They’re already hanging up in your room. You should hurry. The party is starting soon. You won’t want to miss a thing.”
“I’m sure you’ve thought of everything.” I hated the nastiness in my tone, but I wasn’t going to be used as a pawn to gain another level of power.
She nodded and the look reminded me of a bobble-head doll. I adored my mother, had always loved hearing her laughter. We’d been close once, but everything had changed when I’d gotten older and I’d never been able to figure out why. “You should go ahead and retreat to your room in order to get ready. Make yourself lovely, darling. This is a very special night.” She turned away immediately, once again fiddling with a bow that was already perfect.
Just like her stunning emerald green dress, thousand-dollar shoes, and her long red hair pinned in a tight bun.
Just like the good little wife my father wanted her to be.
The words coming from her mouth were even more stilted than usual. “What exactly does that mean, Mother? Why don’t you tell me why this is going to be so damn special?” I dared her to admit the truth.
Her smile had returned when she looked at me. “Simply that your father and I wanted to make this special for you. Nothing more. Now, run along.”