Chapter Fifty Four

***

Long Island, New York

Alessandra

I rinsed my hands in the bathroom sink, releasing a small breath as I freshened up my makeup, my eyes alit with mirth and vibrancy unlike ever before. The meal went better than I had anticipated with the food and conversation flowing all around. The tension had been curbed by excellent food made by my mama and Aunt. All topics on work had been avoided, knowing well enough that the tension would be back with a vengeance.

Draken had engaged in the conversation mildly, more than anticipated. Seeing him interact with my brother and cousin warmed my heart more than ever, bringing me unbidden happiness. We seemed almost normal, like a big, happy family. And definitely not a gathering of some of the most dangerous men in the world.

I stared at myself in the mirror, releasing a small breath as I dried my hands. The smile I had been sporting the entire day was wide, just as much as my gaze. I was happy, happier than I had ever been in a long time.

And this