Crazy Beautiful Love (The Martelli Brothers #1)(49)
Author: J.S. Cooper

“I figured we could order a pizza and a salad or something and play some cards.” I looked at them both casually. “Do you think that’s okay?”

“Sounds fine.” Jared shrugged. “Get ham and pineapple on the pizza.”

“What are we going to do about Dad?” Vincent looked worried. “He’s going to want to know who she is. What if he comes out of the living room?” He chewed on his lower lip and I could tell he was nervous.

“I figured we could play upstairs in my room or something.” I took a breath. “I don’t want to involve Dad right now.”

“Yeah, no point getting him upset over nothing.” Jared made a face. “It may not even work out much longer.”

“What does that mean?” I glared at him.

“You know what it means. Do you really think little Ms. Perfect is going to date you forever and Daddy is going to accept you?” He rolled his eyes. “But whatever, I’m not trying to be a jerk. Bad things come to those who wait.”

“What the f**k does that mean?”

“Her and her dad will get what’s coming. Whether you do something about it or not.”

“You better leave her alone, Jared.” I moved closer to him and I could feel my blood boiling. “I swear to God, if you do anything to her, you will no longer be my brother.” The kitchen went silent and Vincent and Jared looked at me with shock in their eyes. I felt sad that I had said the words, but I wasn’t going to take them back. Maddie was very important to me, and I wasn’t going to let anyone say or do anything to her that could cause her hurt or pain. I didn’t care why they were doing it. It wasn’t going to happen on my watch. I hated her father with a passion, but I loved her more than I hated him. My vision seemed to go blurry as the realization hit me. I loved Maddie. This was about more than like or a summer fling or crush. This was about more than seeing where a relationship could go and getting to know each other. I already loved her. I knew without a doubt in my heart that she was the one I would dream of until I was old and gray. And I wasn’t scared or worried. I was just happy and excited. And all I wanted to do was to see her and kiss her and hold her tight. I wanted to stare into her beautiful violet eyes and kiss her sweet luscious lips as her soft fingers played and tugged in my hair. I could lie next to her and stare at her for a million years and never feel bored or tired. I had missed her something rotten that week, and I knew that I didn’t want to spend my lifetime without her.

“Wow, you’re so far gone,” Jared finally spoke. “I sure hope it doesn’t blow up in your face.”

“Let me worry about that.” I ran my hand through my hair and sighed. “I just need you to be here for me and give her a chance.”

“Okay.” Jared looked away. “But only because I love you, brother.”

“Thanks, dude.” I choked up and looked at Vincent, who was laughing. “What’s so funny?”

“You guys have both gone so soft.” He shook his head. “What has happened to the Martelli brothers?”

“Whatever.” I rolled my eyes and turned away. “I’m going to go sort out my room.” I walked out of the kitchen. However, my lightheartedness was filled with worry. What Vincent had said was a joke but in fact, the opposite was true of what was happening to us. We weren’t becoming softer; we were becoming harder. Pulling off the Bugatti theft was going to be the biggest, most dangerous thing any of us had ever attempted to do. Just today, Tolstoy had asked us what we would do if someone with a gun were to appear. I froze as I remembered him asking if we had bulletproof vests. This was serious business. And there were so many potential things that could go wrong. But I knew we were in too deep; this was our big chance to change our destinies. If we pulled this off, we could stay out of the crime life forever.

***

“This is delicious pizza.” Maddie grinned at me as she took a big bite and licked her lips.

“Isn’t it great?” Vincent grabbed another slice. “This is absolutely the best pizza in River Valley.” He smiled at Maddie, and I tried to ignore my jealousy as she beamed at him. I knew she was just happy that Vincent seemed to like her, but it annoyed me to see her looking so happy at someone else.

“Yeah.” She leaned towards him. “So Logan tells me you want to be a lawyer?”

“That’s the goal.” He laughed, slightly embarrassed. “But I’ve got a long way to go if I want to see that happen.”

“You can do it,” she grinned at him. “And kudos to you, I’m not sure I would be able to make it as a lawyer.”

“That’s not a surprise.” Jared mumbled under his breath and I gave him a death look.

“Sorry, what, Jared?” Maddie looked up at him questioningly and we all paused. “I hope you don’t think I’m out of line here, but I’m not sure what your problem with me is? When we were both at Joey’s, you seemed quite excited that I wanted to get to know Logan, but now you seem to have an attitude, and I’m not sure why.” She spoke slowly, directly, and without hesitation, and once again I was reminded why I loved her. I saw Jared’s face turning red and I could see that he was surprised at such a direct question as well.

“I don’t know what …” He glanced at me and faltered.

“I’m not trying to make this uncomfortable for you. I know you guys don’t like my dad, for whatever reason. Logan won’t tell me.” She gave me a quick face, before turning back to Jared. “But I don’t want you to make any judgments as to my character until you get to know me. Logan and I, well, we…” she stumbled a little bit and blushed. “I just don’t want you guys to hate me, before you get to know me.”

“I like you already, Maddison.” Vincent rubbed her shoulder. “You have put both of my brothers in their place, what’s not to love?”

“Thanks, Vincent. I really like you a lot as well.” She gave him such an appreciative look that I was grateful that she hadn’t met him first. We all waited for Jared to respond, and he gave me a look and then sighed.

“Okay, okay. Maybe I’ve been a bit rash in my assessment of you.” He gave her a weak smile. “If my brother likes you, you can’t be all that bad.”

I reached over and held Maddie’s hand and squeezed it, letting her know that she had my support. I knew it was important to Maddie that they liked her, but I wanted her to know that it didn’t matter to me how they felt. I was still going to be here for her, no matter what.