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.

what to say, but Emily picks it up

you were a baby, of course," she says, gushing, waving

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

family, a family I never knew that I had. Everyone

but several

a question before I can provide it, sometimes guiding me towards or away from a certain person with a little tap

the way my back stays warm

doesn't interfere-but he is a constant presence during

across the floor, I see that we're heading towards my father and

a chair to wave at me before his mother tugs him

think I'd like to...visit the bathroom," I say, "before I take that on." I cock my head toward

says, his face frustrated

at him and nudging me

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

his father snaps, taking an aggressive step towards

what the politics are in this room. Who it might be dangerous for her to talk to-who is out

asks, his anger not

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

in the air, and in that moment, I wonder...does

throws out a hand towards me, "-what? Suddenly you 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 our world

clearly hurt. "I can handle myself," he says, still

that his