Page 98 of Knocked Up by My Dad's Mafia Boss

I keep reading the same page, over and over.

I flip on the tv and a marathon of the survival show I’d watched with Samantha is airing. I bark out a bitter, surprised laugh, and turn it off.

Finally, I just lay on the bed, staring up at the ceiling. My mind runs in circles.

She wants to settle down, now? Suddenly? After flirting with everything that moves, driving me crazy for years, she wants to getmarried?

I try to think about it. Her meeting someone tonight. Falling in love. Getting married.

My stomach rolls and I sit bolt upright. I manage to keep down my breakfast, but it’s a near thing.

Fuck.

My mind won’t even fucking go there. I’m Elio’s friend. I’d have to be there, at the wedding.

Watch it.

Stand by while Samantha says her vows. Takes someone else’s hand.

I glance longingly at the half-empty bottle of scotch on my nightstand. But I can’t drink it.

Not tonight.

I need to stay clear-headed in case my fears come true. In case Ricci really does have someone else on the inside, or among Elio’s allies.

Although if I’m honest, having someone to kill wouldn’t be the worst possible thing right now. Because every time I think ofsomeone else’s hands on Samantha’s, my hands tighten into fists.

She was never yours, I tell myself.

It doesn’t help.

I finally get up and head to the shower, letting the water beat down on my head in some attempt to clear it. I don’t know how well it works.

I dress in a black suit, no tie, just a white undershirt. I check my watch when I button it up. It’s almost eight. The guests will have already started to arrive. I can’t put this off any longer.

I walk out, and nearly run into Samantha as she hurries out of her room with Sofia, that friend of hers.

Sofia gives me one look and clears her throat, then disappears down the stairs after squeezing Samantha’s hand.

Samantha looks up at me and gives me a little smile that cracks what’s left of my heart.

She’s wearing this white dress that compliments her olive skin. It’s got a sweetheart neckline. She looks beautiful.Understated.

Gorgeous.

Her dark hair is curled lightly at the ends and she tosses it back. “Do I look okay?”

I swallow hard. “You look incredible,tesoro.Listen, about last night?—”

“I know. It was a mistake,” she says quickly, setting her lips in a hard line.

I frown. “Tesoro,I?—”

“You won’t have to worry about me much longer. Okay?” She places a hand on my arm and then moves away, hurrying down the stairs.

I look down at where she touched me, barely breathing.

Tonight may fucking kill me.