The Mafia Contract Series

The house next door is so different from ours. As we walk up the path, loud music greets us, and it appears that every light is on in the place.

Laughter and loud voices tell me it’s packed already, and couples are already making out against the painted wall, making me slightly nervous.

This is what I imagined college parties to look like, and Emma edges a little closer.

“Are you ok?” I’m still a little concerned for my friend because even though she has grown in confidence, she’s still not used to being in places like this and would still be happier locked in the library with her books.

“I’m fine, excited really.”

She smiles and I think how pretty she’s looking tonight. Her hair is freshly washed and gleams as the artificial light catches it, and she has tried extra hard with her make-up which covers her acne almost entirely. She’s ditched the glasses for contacts and is wearing a top that enhances her generous cleavage and well-cut jeans that complement her curves rather than draw attention to her size. In fact, I don’t think I’ve ever seen Emma looks so amazing and I credit Flynn with that. He’s given her confidence, which is the best gift a person can get, and it’s made a huge difference. In fact, she’s almost unrecognizable from the girl I first met, and I see the respectful glances thrown her way as we pass through the crowds. Word has got out about the company she keeps, and I love the mixture of envy and fascination she now enjoys.

I feel a little nervous because for the first time we’re away from the watchful eyes of my brother and his friends and even though Baron is here, he is nowhere near as intense as the guys we live with.

Claudia shrieks when she sees us coming and waves furiously from an open doorway in the corner of the room.

“Winter, over here.”

We head her way, and she rushes up and hugs me hard before smiling at Emma. “Glad you made it. Come and grab a drink.”

She leads us into the large modern kitchen, and I stare in awe at how amazing this room is. It appears they have every modern convenience going and the polished marble counters don’t fit with the usual basic functions of a college kitchen. Not for the first time, I wonder about Max Augustus and his friends. Duke, Gabriel and Baron all make a tight-knit group that are the envy of every kid in Rockwell Academy. Seriously loaded and totally gorgeous, they don’t have a regular girl between them, much like the sinister house next door. However, unlike our house of battered souls, this one is light and drama free and I smile as Claudia leans in and whispers, ‘There are quite a few guys here with you in their sights tonight. Joey told me half the team is stoked you’re here, especially without your brother keeping watch. Is there anyone you fancy getting to know? I could play cupid if you like.”

I doubt she’s wrong because several pairs of eyes are glancing our way with interest, and I feel a little nervous yet excited about that.

“No, I’m good, thanks. Maybe just see what happens.”

She nods. “Well, just shout if you do.”

The music changes and she squeals, “I love this song, come and dance.”

She’s like an over eager puppy as she grabs my hand and pulls me outside into the yard, decorated with strings of fairy lights and a place to dance.

Emma shakes her head as I make to pull her with me and laughs. “I’m fine here watching, thanks.”

I feel bad as I’m swallowed up in the crowd and as Claudia starts dancing madly, I’m caught up in the excitement of it all and let myself go for once. In fact, I don’t think I’ve ever felt so free in my life and as I dance under the blackened sky, the stars twinkling like diamonds looking down on me, I feel giddy with a moment of normality that’s been a long time coming.

Claudia’s boyfriend, Joey, muscles his way in and grabs her, almost devouring her neck as she grinds against him, leaving me on the edge dancing alone. I don’t care about that because this is so liberating and as I dance, I allow myself to believe in the impossible for once in my life.

I look out for Emma and see her laughing at something a guy is whispering in her ear, and I look at him with interest. He seems nice and genuine looking as she points to something and whatever he’s saying makes her laugh out loud. Watching her from a distance, she looks more at home here than I ever thought she’d be, and I feel so happy for her. Maybe sex does that for a girl. Take away the mystery surrounding it and set you free to explore life without fear. Extinguish that feeling of your mind clouded with mystery and whispered tales of an act that sounds frightening and wrong on every level.

A hand slips around my waist and startles me and I stare up at a guy who must be over six feet tall and just as wide. Nowhere near as big as Ivan or Alessandro but a lot less scary.

He looks at me with amusement. “Hey pretty lady, you’ve been allowed out to play for once. Fancy dancing with me, I don’t bite.”

Feeling a little on edge, I don’t think I’m ready for this and step back and smile nervously, “I’m, um, good thanks.” He presses in. “Don’t be like that. I don’t bite, not unless you want me to.”

He pulls me closer and just feeling his hand around my waist makes me panic a little and then, like a knight in shining armor, I hear a low voice say darkly, “Move on, Jace.”

His hand drops immediately, and he backs off. ‘Sorry man, I didn’t know she was with you. I apologize.”

I’ve never seen anyone back off so fast and look at Baron with a mixture of relief and curiosity. He grins and half bows. “At your service.”

“Idiot.” I grin as he nods toward the side where a couple of high stools are leaning against a high table. “Time out?”

I nod, following him and sitting down with relief.

“Thanks. Who was that guy?”

“Jace Richards. Wide receiver and asshole of the most annoying kind.

Hits on every fresh face going, thinking he’s irresistible. I’ve done you a favor there, actually I’ve probably done him one because he wouldn’t have been able to resist hitting on you, which could have cost him his future career.”

“It’s not that bad.” I laugh, but we both know how bad it really is.

Baron’s right, one word of any guy hitting on me reaching Angelo’s ears would cause trouble for whoever dared to try.

“I’m surprised you’re here.”

“Why?”

He pushes a glass of water toward me. “Angelo’s a protective bastard who would hate seeing you hit on by every jock on campus. It must suck.”

“He means well.” I sip the water and wish I could drink a beer at least, but it appears Baron has decided I’m not to be trusted, which makes me angry. He sips his own beer and places it on the table, and I swoop in and grab it before he can blink. Chugging it down, I drain the bottle. What was left anyway and stare at him defiantly as he laughs.

“Point well made.”

I grin. “I could use another.”

“Nice try.”

He appears amused, and I look at him with interest. “Where are you from, Baron?”

He shrugs. “All over. Mainly New York, I like it there.”

“Not that far from us in Boston. I wish I could say we could meet up after graduation, but I doubt that will happen.”

Once again, my future resurfaces and reminds me of how shit my life is, and Baron shrugs. “Never say never, Winter. I’m a great believer that you make your own luck in life and remember what I said to you. Bide your time and use it wisely. Search out weakness and exploit it. Craft your own future with the tools and materials you’ve got and don’t be a victim. You’re a smart girl, you’ll work it out.”

“You know, Baron…” I feel a warmth spreading through me that’s not just down to the beer. “I like hanging with you. You make me feel good about things, which isn’t easy.”

He nods as he scans the room. “I like you too and if you ever need any help, you know where I am.”

I feel the attention on us and see a group of girls openly staring at Baron and I nod my head toward them. “You have a fan club, it seems.”

He looks across with a blank expression. “They’re probably pissed I’m with you.”Property belongs to Nôvel(D)r/ama.Org.

“Is one of them your girl?” I’m curious because I’ve never heard any gossip regarding Baron about who keeps him company and he shakes his head. “I don’t do relationships, Winter. Like your brother and his friends, there’s no point because once I leave Rockwell Academy, I have a particular future lined up for me. We all do.”

I know he’s referring to his own group of friends as well as mine and I say with curiosity, “What will you do?”

“Business.” He smiles. “Big business that requires a clear head, and no strings attached. College is good for many things, but I’m not intending on forming a relationship with anybody here unless it benefits my future.”

“That’s cold.”

“So is life.”

Emma heads across with the guy she’s been speaking to. “Hey, Winter, this is Corey. He’s in my math class.”

I smile at the rather nervous guy who is looking as if he wants to be somewhere else entirely and I expect it’s because Baron is like the lord of darkness, watching him with a hooded expression.

“Hi, Corey.” I smile and he nods nervously as Emma says lightly, “We’re going to grab a drink. Can I fetch you one?”

I flash Baron a determined look and say quickly, “I’ll come with you.”

Jumping down, I say over my shoulder, “Thanks for the chat, Baron.

Catch you later.”

He nods and the slight smirk on his face makes me smile. For some reason, I like the rather sinister guy who sits on the side-lines of our group looking in and always seems to be there for me when I need him most.

However, I also need to let loose for one night and I intend to make the most of every hour of freedom I’ve got.