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.

to say, but Emily picks it up for

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

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

in the large family, a family I never knew that I had. Everyone wants to say hello, pressing my hand, telling memories they had of

from Hudson's side are here, too. Fewer, of course, but several cousins with the same dark hair and green

time. Sometimes interceding with the answer to a question before I

try to ignore the way my back stays warm long after his hand

interfere-but he is a constant presence

see that we're heading towards my father

are there Logan stands on a chair to wave at me before his

the bathroom," I say, "before I take that

says, his face frustrated as he steps in front of

says, frowning at

point further. "Seriously, Dad," he murmurs. "You can go, I'll stay by her side. I

can't, Hudson," his father snaps, taking an aggressive step towards him, cutting me off in

be dangerous for her to talk to-who is

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

Before tonight you've never been interested in the family business-always more

pause hangs in the air, and in that moment,

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

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

that his father has