Masuk"There seems to be a misunderstanding," Elena stated sweetly, "because though my mother would love to cook for you all, I'm not sure your kitchen could handle it."Mrs. Winslow scoffed. "I doubt that, dear.""Alright," Elena said, getting up from her seat, "let's see about that."Without another wor
The week quickly flew by as Elena continued to take shifts as the Golden Gates Hospital. Before she realized it, the date of the dreaded Winslow family dinner was upon them. Elena took some solace in the fact that neither Noah nor Sloane looked especially excited.As the matter stood, Sloane tried t
Elena knew she was unlikely to get out of attending, but she remembered the importance of negotiating."You know, Jack was telling me how the wives and kids don't normally attend," she said slowly. "That seems so unfair. Why don't we make it a real big, proper family dinner and have everyone attend?
Cameron and Jack Winslow both took open seats in the nearby open living room. Noah quickly shot Elena and Sloane an apologetic look as he hurried through his breakfast, but it was clear to Elena that he wouldn't be telling his brothers to leave. By now, Elena had learned that Noah had more of a "gri
Elena hoped the little wolf was okay, and that it forgave her for leaving so suddenly. Surely, Massimo would take good care of it?Massimo sent Elena so many presents. He was trying to be sweet yet ended up being incredibly showy, too—in a way only Massimo could be.Elena was happy but also conflict
It was late, so Elena wasn't surprised that Noah and Sloane had already headed to bed for the night. She was a little disappointed though. Seeing them would've brightened her mood—plus they might've known why there were a bunch of packages for Elena.But since Elena was alone, there was only one way
The two split up. While there were other women laying in the bunk beds, they looked sick, not under-age.Massimo checked under one of the bunks and found a thin, spindly woman. She could maybe be a teenager."Who are you?" Massimo asked softly. "How old are you?""Emily," she answered weakly. "I'm t
Elena felt her skin turn pale. "Trafficking children?" she repeated. "How could anyone do that?""They've forgotten the rules of the mafia—rules I've made," Massimo said solemnly. "All things considered, perhaps I've been too loose in my rules.""Mafia Kings tend to be fairly hands off," Luca defend
Elena held back a sigh. Between Lucilla previously trying to flirt with Massimo and Massimo's generally unfavorable view of women, Elena could feel the atmosphere of the room already turning awkward. She did her best to save the situation.Elena guided Lucilla to a seat on the opposite side as Massi
"I'll consider it," Elena said. Honestly, she was more than a little surprised that Massimo was taking an interest in her social circles—maybe he just wanted her to strengthen ties with the Abano family."Speaking of parties," Elena said, "have you heard back from any of the mafia families about our







