His Promise: The Mafia’s Babies by C. Tamika

Chapter 372

“Eat as much as you can.” Christian spoke, sitting at the table. “Serena didn’t touch anything-so we’ll live.”

The three laughed, and I felt left out because I couldn’t understand the joke. Maybe this was karma for inviting myself to a lunch I wasn’t even invited to,

“I can’t cook. I can’t even boil an egg. It’s tragic.” Serena tapped my arm, explaining. “Christian made everything.”

“Everything?” I questioned, wondering how he even found the time. The table was filled with bread. pastries, meat, salad, and everything one could think of

“Yes, he baked the breath and everything. Serena praised her husband, rolling her eyes seductively. By the looks of it, Christian was someone who liked to get stuff done.

“What about all those maids?” My words came off as rude-a reminder to myself why I had to keep my

mouth shut.

“Personally, I think eating a homemade meal feels more sincere,” Christian explained, not feeling offended. “Do you cook, Aria?”

“Yes, I love cooking.” The first two days, I went full out to cook a nice dinner for Vince and Luis-but they didn’t seem to care. The two did whatever and returned home late, going their separate ways.

I was hesitant to confront him, but the streets were dangerous-he knew it as best, and someone as young as Luis shouldn’t be alone.

“She’s a great cook.” For once, Vince had something good to say about me.

“Do you hear that, Siena? Next time we’re eating at uncle Vince’s place.” Serena called out to the kids’ table, where Siena and Lucio were seated.

“Yes!” Siena cheered excitedly as the state of my restless mind was already in disaster, hoping it was nothing more than an innocent joke.

My family had yet to receive an invite because I didn’t want them to see me miserable. No one was allowed to come over and say, ‘I told you so.”

Not in my books.

“Have you already made her something, Vince?” Christian asked.

Shocked, I turned to Vince, smiling nervously as he had managed to escape from my eyes. Having someone you cared about cook a homemade meal was a big gesture, one I hadn’t received from my

parents.

“No, he hasn’t” I played with my fork, losing my appetite. I sensed Vince was a man who could be romantic if he wanted to-but I was not good enough to receive that treatment.

“At one point, he went to culinary school and said he would open his own restaurant.” Christian continued, not noticing Vince would rather have him change the subject.

“Oh-why didn’t you?” I questioned, trying to find out a bit more about my husband. “Did your dad not

allow it?”

that could’ve been covered with a normal conversation. Vince and I didn’t communicate, I didn’t even know his favorite

father….I wasn’t that lucky.” Vince replaced his

Good job, Aria.

always ask the right

Not only was I crashing their lunch, but I had also ruined

not end

on joining the circus, but my dad threatened to cut me off, and I haven’t

Christian shot me strange looks.

juggling?” I spoke shyly, regretting my whole

sudden laughter made me feel at ease. Vince slammed his arm around me and

at me, I looked at him and no words needed to be

cleaning your own mess.

his

for my education anymore and ended up… dancing elsewhere.” Serena laughed,

to Christian, waiting for him to reveal his secret. “Oh, me?” He scratched his neck. “I don’t know anything

and

my children don’t turn out like me, but Serena.” He kissed her cheek, making

that, and we all agree.” Vince laughed as

ask you something?” I asked.

good and healthy relationship,” I told them

“What’s your secret?”

covered his mouth, laughing-Christian turned the other way, and Serena dropped her fork. rubbing her hands.

one of Vince’s old flings and make her his assistant.” She

takes time.” Christian placed his hand over Serena’s mouth, grabbing all of our attention.

Time? Got it.

childhood, admiring him for his good and honest

hyped his friend until no more words were left while Vince remained humble and

the same. I wanted him to accept me, and yes-I was done fighting for his heart, but that

anymore.

hard she tried to include me in every conversation, pulled out a few

wasn’t worthy of their

into it with your brother, Beau, and said some things I shouldn’t have.” I gulped, closing my eyes

a few seconds.

do this

Christian shot him a look, telling

say?” His stare made my heart raise.

me?” Serena jumped in, rightfully assuming there must’ve

like ‘who, me or your stripper sister?’

Serena shrugged her shoulders. “I guess you felt the need to protect yourself because you don’t like the idea of me being around Vince.”

his eyes as he stared at Vince. Looking back and forth between the two, 1 could tell they were communicating in

sorry?” Christian words were directed to me, but his eyes stuck on