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“You know our family’s policy on tattoos, Matilda.” Oh lord, of course she's already digging in her claws. My fucking tattoos, being as they are on my body, are none of her damn business. But of course, she just had to say something. It’s her own way of trying to tilt the conversation into her power immediately. Not going to work, you evil wench.
“I do, but seeing as how I don’t work for the family, I figured it doesn’t matter.”
Tia shakes her head, raising her glass to her lips. “Even if you did, I doubt you would follow the rules. That never was your forte.”
I try to muster up a laugh, but it comes out as a bit of a choking noise. Tia ignores it and takes a sip of her drink, her eyes scanning the crowd. "Have you come to tell me something?"
"I came to support my sister. Dad’s death hit her harder than she lets on.”
Tia nods. "For all of us, I think. My brother was an incredible businessman."
It's the nicest thing anyone could say about the man, in my opinion. He was harsh and cruel but did make a great business leader. "I hear you own a surf shop in San Diego."
I try to hide my surprise, but my eyebrows shoot up anyway. "Erm, not really."
"But your name is on the small business loan, or your fake name, I should say.”
Pursing my lips, I try to come up with a more diplomatic response than the ‘fuck off’ that’s on the tip of my tongue. "It’s my real name now. I changed it ten years ago. And the loan doesn’t mean I have any say, I was helping out a friend."
"San Diego is a great city. Don’t you think?" There's something in her tone that tells me to be as careful as possible. Something deeper is going on, and I'm certain I won’t like it.
"It is," I manage to say.
"I’ve been wanting to visit for some time. I could use some sunshine. I would love to come by your store."
I swallow hard. Not a chance in hell, lady. But I have to play the situation carefully.
"I’d love to have you. But I’ll need to clear it with my boss. She’s a little uptight since marrying an FBI agent." Boom! Take that, you fanatical mob boss! Saying FBI is like a firehose on the campfire that is my aunt’s nefarious business practices.
But Tia doesn’t react to what I thought was my ace in the hole. "Former FBI agent," she says with a smirk. I almost swear aloud.
"Tia, I don’t want to be rude, but whatever you’re thinking, it won’t work. I told my father a long time ago—"
"Your father was weak when it came to you. I assure you, I will not be as swayed. You’re a part of the Cardenas family, Matilda. Whether you change your name or not." My voice catches in my throat, and Tia continues, "He allowed you to sow your wild oats, but the plan was always for you to take up a spot when you were old enough."
I shake my head. "Tia—"
"The surf shop is an opportunity. One that can’t be overlooked, Matilda." I’ve heard enough. I get up, my fists clenched at my sides, ready to explode on my aunt. But powerful hands settle on my shoulders. I look up and see Tommy standing over me.
Oh no. "Tommy? What’re you doing?" My voice is held at a panicked whisper, but he just smiles.
Holding out his hand, he turns the charm onto my aunt. "Thomas Hillcrest, you must be the aunt everyone is raving about." He's flashing a full-tooth smile, but Tia doesn’t take his hand. She rises to her feet, like she’s the queen of fucking England. I half expect her to shout out, ‘off with his head!’
"Yes, the boyfriend," she says, scrutinizing him with narrowed eyes. "I must insist that my niece and I—"
Tommy holds up a hand. I almost snatch it back down. No one interrupts the head of the Cardenas family. No one. "I’m really sorry, but Til, my mom is waiting on us. Did you say all your goodbyes?"
I wince, but Tia has already caught the words. "Ah yes, the mother with the catering company. Elegant Solutions? Right?"
Tommy eyes the woman carefully. "Erm, yeah. But she’s expecting us, so we should probably go. Lasagna doesn’t keep, you know?"
Tia’s jaw tightens. "Matilda, you will stay for dinner and some dancing. Your father deserves that at least. If this man needs to leave, that is his prerogative."
The order hits hard. I don’t take well to demands. Ever. But this is Tommy. He might not understand the veiled threats, but I certainly do.
I swallow down every curse word I want to scream at my aunt. "Ms. Hillcrest will just have to wait, babe. I’m sure dinner will be lovely here." I lean forward and give my aunt another kiss on the cheek. Our argument is far from finished, but I’ve endured enough for the moment.
Before Tommy can argue further, I interlace our fingers and stride away from my aunt’s table. I cast a look over my shoulder and see that the three stooges have descended on my aunt, and the four are watching us carefully. It’s the perfect family portrait, at least of them. They look like they’re waiting for the final kill order. Especially Keaton, he’s licking his lips like a dog about to devour a sacrificial lamb. Not today, buddy. Not my Tommy. I’m getting him the hell out of here. Straight out of OK Corral, no Peacemaker gun necessary. Although, maybe I really should buy that taser.
