Forbidden Temptation My Mafia Fiance's Alpha Father (Brooklyn and Aden)

Brooklyn

A thrill builds in the bottom of my stomach as I think about challenging Aden. Pushing him, trying him-challenging myself in the process.

There's a new Brooklyn developing in me, and I know it has to do with him.

I wonder if this is part of my heat. Me, finally coming into my true self.

If it is, maybe I shouldn't fight it.

Because a big part of me wants to get to know this Brooklyn more.

But another part? She's scared.

"I'll follow your rules, Aden," I say quietly, keeping my face blank. "But in exchange, I want to be treated with respect."

He opens his mouth to reply, but I interrupt him, holding up a finger.

"For example, I'm not going to be held here like a little caged pet. I understand that you want to keep me under your watch, but I can't spend my whole life sitting in my room."

My face softens, betraying a little of the misery that I sometimes feel here.

"I'm a whole person, Aden," I say, and I'm embarrassed by how vulnerable I sound. "A real person. I need to have a life."

He watches me, considering, and then gives a small nod.

Satisfied, I head out the door and down the long basement hallway towards the steps.

Just as I reach the bottom, I hear him call my name again.

I turn to see Aden standing at the door to the little records room, considering me carefully.

"Go and get dressed," he says, his voice even. "I can't take you to the stables, but I'll send someone else with you."

My face brightens, and I bite my lip against my joy, not wanting him to see quite how happy he's made

me.

I feel as if I've gained a little bit of an upper hand here, and I don't want to waste it.

"Thank you," I say, dipping my head before dashing up the stairs to get ready.

***

Twenty minutes later, changed and ready to go, I descend the stairs from my bedroom again. I hear a whistle and turn towards the kitchen.

There, leaning against the wall, is Lucas.

My face breaks out into a smile-Lucas, good. He's always nice to me, and funny to boot.

"Are you ready, Brooklyn?" he asks with a grin, standing up straight.

"Yup!" I say, hurrying down the hall with a big smile.

He pauses, the left side of his smile deepening as he looks at me, taking in my excitement.

Then he just laughs, shaking his head and moving towards the garage.

"Come on," he says. "Let's get going. Not every day that I get an assignment to go play with horses in the country."

I follow him into the garage. "Are you riding, too?"

"No," he answers, holding the

passenger side door of one of ĕ Aden's Escalades open for me. "No way Aden would let me ride one of his precious thoroughbreds.

He closes my door then and comes around the car, opening the driver's side door and climbing in.

I consider Lucas. "Sounds like you know what you're talking about, if you know their breeds."

Lucas smirks at me as we pull out of the garage.

"I spent four

years on the rodeo

circuit as a teenager," he says. "Turns out you can win a lot of money in the rodeo if you have. shifter reflexes... and if it's almost

swnovel

impossible for you to get e

"So, you cheated?" I cock my head to the side.

Lucas raises an eyebrow at me. "What, you've never done anything...bad, Brooklyn?"noveldrama

My voice catches in my throat, and I don't know what to say.

Lucas continues. "Anyway, that's another reason why Aden won't let me touch a horse."

Seeing my confused expression, he explains. "He knows I know what m

doing, but he doesn't want anyone

riding his herd like a cow would."

I laugh as Lucas circles a hand above his head, miming a lasso.

"Wow," I say, shaking my head at him and grinning. "Impressive."

"Stick with me, kid," Lucas murmurs, giving me a friendly smile. "I'm full of surprises."

Lucas pulls out of the driveway, and we're off. I rest my head back against the seat, feeling happier than I had in days.

My eyes catch Lucas's briefly.

Had I just never noticed it before? Or is Lucas really cute?