Forbidden Temptation My Mafia Fiance's Alpha Father

Chapter 54

Chapter 54

Brooklyn

A whistle escapes my mouth as we walk into the country club. This place has a grand, old-fashioned kind

of charm, with freshly buffed fine oak floors, brass chandeliers, and sweeping views.

As soon as we enter, waiter comes up to offer us champagne.

This is one of those times where I wish alcohol had more of an effect on me. My shifter metabolism processes it too fast, so any relief for my nerves will be short-lived.

Aden doesn't make eye contact with him, merely saying, "Whiskey, neat," and surveying the guests. Hudson is more polite, nodding and smiling as he takes two glasses from the tray, passing one to me. We only get a few steps into the room before we are bombarded with attention.

"Is it really you?" an older woman says, hurrying over and reaching out a hand to take mine. "Our darling Brooklyn?"

"Um..." I try and smile, already a little overwhelmed. Okay, so maybe this isn't going to be as bad as it was with Louisa. "Hello-"

"Yes," Aden says, stepping forward, not letting the woman pull me away. "This is Brooklyn. We're so pleased to be here, Emily."

The woman pauses, smiling at Aden. "Well of course, we're always glad to see you, Aden." Her eyes dart between us.

"Emily is your aunt," Aden tells me, accepting the glass of whiskey that the waiter is quick to bring back. He takes a sip, looking to me, apparently allowing me to continue the conversation.

open my mouth, wondering what to say, but

were a baby, of course," she says, gushing, waving several people over

hard to imagine that all these people knew me. That I had biological aunts and uncles

knew that I had. Everyone

are here, too. Fewer, of course, but several cousins

meet them all, but I admit that I'm surprised that Aden stays at my side the entire time. Sometimes interceding with the answer to a question before I can provide it, sometimes guiding me towards or

my back stays warm long after his

doesn't interfere-but he is a constant presence

work our way across the floor, I see that we're heading towards my father and his wife at the

The children are there Logan stands on a

I'd like to...visit the bathroom," I say, "before I

"Dad," Hudson says, his face frustrated as he steps in front of us. "I'll take her." He shakes his head. "You've

says, frowning at

we head towards the alcove with the little restroom sign. Hudson pushes the point further. "Seriously, Dad," he murmurs.

can't, Hudson," his father snaps, taking an aggressive step

might be dangerous for her to talk

whose fault is that?" he asks, his anger not quite masking the hurt in his voice. "You never

been interested in the family business-always more interested in college, and books, and whatever the hell it

and in

what you're doing in this world? Suddenly you're a boss, a Don, in the business? Know how to navigate everything it takes

his arms across his chest, clearly hurt. "I can handle

down, that his