Hook

by Chelle Bliss

  “Ditka.” Pop’s beams. “I never thought I’d see him again after what happened.”

  I raise an eyebrow. “What happened?”

  “You don’t want to know.” Pop slides into the chair next to my ma and takes a sip of his beer, avoiding looking me in the eye.

  With my father’s past business dealings, anything is possible. The man knows half the city in one way or another. He’s never been completely open about shit, but I’m happy I don’t know everything. Some things aren’t meant to be public knowledge or even shared among family.

  “I’m so proud of you, sweetheart.” Ma touches Vinnie’s cheek.

  “Ma, there’s cameras.” He moves his head to the side and away from her hand. “Not here. You’re killin’ my cred.”

  She narrows her eyes as she holds her hand in the air. “I don’t care about your cred. I’ll kiss your face if I want to.”

  Vinnie grunts as the camera that was at the next table turns toward him.

  “Next up is Chicago,” the announcer says into the microphone as the head of the football league walks out onto the stage.

  “With the tenth pick in the first round, Chicago selects…”

  Although some people in the room are on their feet chanting Chicago, you could hear a pin drop at our table. It’s the only time I can remember the Gallos ever being completely silent.

  “Vinnie Gallo, Quarterback from…”

  It’s impossible to hear the rest of his statement because the Chicago fans, along with my family, are on their feet, screaming at the top of their lungs.

  As Vinnie stands, Ma grabs his face and plants a giant kiss on his cheek for the entire world to see. He doesn’t fight her on it, rolling with it because he loves his mother and he doesn’t want to look like a complete asshole to the millions of people who are watching.

  When she finally releases him, he jogs up to the stage to meet the team’s general manager and don the team hat for photos.

  “Unbelievable,” I mutter.

  The kid did it.

  Not only is he going to play ball for the home team, but he was picked in the first round, which means he’s the best of the best. I’m almost teary-eyed watching my kid brother on the stage.

  Tilly tucks herself into my side, screaming louder than I’ve ever heard her scream before. “Go Vinnie!”

  I peer down at my girl.

  “Fuck yeah!” Daphne screams, but it’s barely audible beyond our table. We get a few looks, but whatever. They can go fuck themselves.

  The moment is monumental but short-lived as the clock starts ticking down for the next draft pick.

  “He did it.” Ma claps. “My baby’s coming home.”

  My father wraps his arm around her back. “He is, sweetheart. Big things are coming for him.”

  If by big things, he means tons of money, fame, a crazy-as-fuck chick, and probably a head ten times bigger than he already has…then, yeah.

  “We have to celebrate,” I say, knowing this is Vegas, and the city never sleeps.

  I’m taking full advantage of a child-free weekend, and so is everybody else around the table. It’s rare that we all have this kind of freedom, but Aunt Fran insisted she and Bear could handle watching the kids for a few days.

  “Oh shit,” Daphne says, pointing toward the stage and the team owner’s daughter, who’s waiting for Vinnie near the stairs.

  “Fuck,” I groan, knowing she’s all kinds of trouble. The last thing Vinnie needs is a girl who’s nuttier than a PayDay candy bar chasing after his ass off the field and distracting him when he’s just starting his career.

  Tilly tightens her hold on my arm, following my eyes. “She doesn’t look so bad.”

  “She’s the worst kind of trouble.”

  “I’m starving.” Pop rubs his stomach and looks at my mother, who’s not even paying attention to him. “Let’s start with dinner, and we’ll see what kind of trouble we can get into. I have a friend…”

  “Oh, no.” Lucio shakes his head and holds up his hands. “We’re not going to some mafia joint. We’re steering clear of your old buddies.”

  Vegas, which was started by mobsters, is no cleaner than it was fifty years ago. They’ve just learned how to hide in plain sight better, flying under the radar of the public and the authorities. My father seems to know people everywhere we go in this city, and it’s not because of his charm or good looks.

  “You pick the place, then,” Pop tells Lucio.

  “Angelo and I already made dinner reservations for the family, and we’ll figure out the rest as we go. This is Vegas, and I’m not planning a night of drunken decadence.” Lucio glances at Delilah. “I want to enjoy my woman a little bit.”

  Delilah flings her arms around Lucio and whispers something in his ear. By the look on his face, I’d say it was scandalous and exactly how I plan to finish off my night too. Minus Delilah and Lucio, of course.

  “Vinnie said he’ll meet us at the restaurant,” Ma says as she glances at her cell phone. “Let’s go. Nothing else can outdo that moment.”

  I have to agree. No draft before or after this one will ever come close to the feelings of pride and joy I experienced hearing my little brother’s name being called.

  Daphne stands, placing her purse under her arm. “Let’s do this. I have liquor to consume.”

  “I feel a hangover coming on,” Tilly says as she slides her hand into mine, standing from the table. “Don’t let me get too drunk.”

  “I got you, baby,” I say against her lips. “Always.”

  The entire table is staring at the menu in silence as we sit in the swanky steakhouse at our hotel. We’re stalling and sipping champagne as we wait for Vinnie to finish up with the press. The day has already been monumental, and there’s one more thing that needs to happen to make it perfect.

  Something I’ve been planning on doing for weeks but haven’t found the balls or the moment to pull the trigger. This isn’t the most romantic location, but I don’t think Tilly will care.

  I lift my ass and kick the chair backward, dropping down on one knee. Tilly’s eyes widen. She knows what’s coming. I fish the ring out of my pocket after carrying it with me every day for just the right moment.

  “Tilly, will you do me the honor of becoming my wife?”

  Tilly gasps as tears fill her eyes.

  “Shut up.” Daphne peers over Tilly’s shoulder to get a look at the ring. “Say yes,” she begs her.

  Tilly covers her mouth with her hand and stares at me as tears stream down her face. “Yes,” she whispers so quietly, I barely hear her.

  I grab her hand away from her face and slip the two-carat princess-cut ring onto her finger. “I love you, Tilly.”

  She falls forward into my lap, almost knocking me over. “I love you, Angelo. Yes. Yes. I want to be your wife.”

  Epilogue

  Tilly

  I step in front of the full-length mirror and blink a few times. I never thought I’d be here again, wearing a dress made of decadent lace and the smoothest silk.

  The door opens, and there’s a small gasp. “You’re so pretty,” Tate says as she stands in the doorway at her grandmother’s side.

  She looks like such a little princess in her light pink lace dress, which matches mine exactly, and her crystal tiara I bought for her to wear today. This day is just as much about her and Brax as it is about Angelo and me. Their world is going to change forever, as will mine.

  I turn, motioning for her. “Come here, sweetheart.”

  She runs toward me and wraps her tiny arms around my body, smashing her face into my dress. “I’m so happy,” she says.

  “Can you give us a minute?” I ask Betty, wanting to talk to Tate before the wedding.

  “Sure, dear.” Betty gives me a quick nod before closing the door, leaving us alone.

  I take Tate’s hand and guide her toward the couch. She practically jumps into my lap, not caring that we’re all dressed up, ready to walk down the aisle. She swipes he
r long brown hair away from her face and stares up at me with her big blue eyes.

  “Are you ready?” I ask her.

  She nods. “I’m so happy,” she whispers, somehow containing her excitement, but she’s shaking.

  “How’s your daddy?”

  “He looks so handsome.”

  Angelo looks handsome in everything he wears. The man wears pajama pants like nobody’s business, and when he’s shirtless…don’t even get me started.

  “Is he okay?”

  She nods quickly. “He’s excited.”

  “Are you happy?” I ask, because nothing is more important to me than this little girl’s happiness.

  She turns in my lap and places her hand on the exposed skin above my sweetheart neckline. “I am.”

  “Good.” I squeeze her tightly, kissing her plump cheeks, careful not to smudge my lipstick or leave any behind.

  Her fingers find my diamond pendant. “Brax and I have a question,” she says, sounding so grown-up.

  “Anything, baby.”

  She glances down for a second and shifts. “We want to know if we can call you Mom.”

  My vision blurs. Never in a million years did I think this kid was going to ask me that question just before I walked down the aisle. My heart races, and my chest is so full of joy and love, I’m not sure my body can take much more.

  “Would you like that?” I can barely get the words out without bursting into tears.

  Tate nods. “We need a mommy.”

  “You have one, sweetheart.” I brush her hair off her shoulder. “She may not be here with you, but she’ll always be yours.”

  “Cole has two mommies.”

  “Yes, he does,” I tell her, but I don’t say anything more. I reach out and cup her face in my hands. “I’d be the luckiest woman in the world to have you as a daughter, Tate. Nothing would make me happier.”

  Her little body vibrates with excitement. “This is the best day ever.”

  “It’s almost time,” Roger says from the doorway, looking stunning as always in his pristine and overpriced suit. “Are you ready?”

  “One second,” I tell him before returning my full attention to Tate. I wrap my arms around her, hugging her tightly. “I love you, Tate.”

  “I love you too, Mommy,” she says before wiggling out of my arms and dashing to the door right past Roger.

  The tears I’ve somehow held in start to fall, growing in intensity as the power and importance of her last words hit me.

  “Oh shit. Don’t cry. You’re going to mess up your makeup.” Roger stalks toward me, pulling a tissue from the box sitting on the table near the doorway.

  “Did you hear her?” My words come out garbled because my face is scrunched up in the worst ugly-cry expression ever. It’s not pretty, and I’m glad she waited to say those words until we were alone.

  Roger nods. “Kid’s got timing.” He laughs as he bends down and hands me the tissue.

  I press the soft cotton to my face, careful not to smear my makeup, which I’m sure is already running down my face. Roger reaches into his jacket and fishes out two envelopes.

  “I have two letters for you today.”

  My eyebrows rise, and I know the floodgates are about to break wide open.

  “One from your past and one from your future,” he says as he places them in my hand. “Take your time reading them. The people will wait.”

  “Look at me,” I say through my tears, noticing the mascara all over the tissue.

  “I’ll get Martin back here. He’s the best drag makeup artist in Chicago. He can fix your face.”

  I laugh and cry at the same time, tightening my hold on the envelopes.

  “Breathe, Tilly.”

  I inhale, trying to calm myself down, even though there’s no use. Whatever’s inside these envelopes will undoubtedly do nothing to make the tears stop falling.

  “I’ll be back in a few minutes.” Roger pats my hands before walking toward the door.

  I stare up at him and take another deep breath. When he leaves, I glance down at both men’s handwriting, trying to prepare myself for the emotional ass-kicking I’m about to receive.

  I place Angelo’s letter in my lap before carefully opening the envelope from Mitchell.

  Tilly,

  This isn’t a goodbye. A love like ours will never have an end, existing like the greatest galaxies in the universe, but on different paths.

  Today’s your wedding day. Something I thought about when I made arrangements in case something unexpected happened to me. I knew you’d grieve my absence, close yourself off from the world, but I hoped Roger would help keep you going, reminding you of all the reasons life is so wonderful.

  If you’re reading this letter, you’ve found love again. I no longer have to worry about you being alone. I can finally rest, knowing you’ve found someone to love you like you deserve to be loved.

  Just know I’m happy. Today should be filled with celebration and not sorrow. Stop mourning what you lost and look forward to all you’ve gained.

  We’re lucky to have one great love in our lifetime. I was blessed the day I found you. But you’ve found something rare again. Hold on to that. Cherish it. Give your all and remember the preciousness of each moment.

  I’ll be with you today and always. You may not see me or feel me by your side, but I’ll watch over you until the day you take your last breath.

  As you take the first steps down the aisle, look to the future and not the past. Let go of the hurt, bury the sadness and grief deep, and move forward to your future.

  Live life well.

  Be fierce.

  Love strong and deeply.

  And know I’ll always love you.

  Yours Always,

  Mitchell

  “I love you, Mitchell,” I whisper as I fold the paper carefully. “Always.”

  Moments of our time together flash through my mind, playing like a sped-up movie reel. So much love. So much happiness. Then the grief of knowing I’d lost him forever.

  I lift Angelo’s envelope and close my eyes as I tear open the paper.

  Tilly,

  As you walk down the aisle today, know I’m only looking forward to our future. Although our dark pasts have brought us together, forging a love and understanding no other two people can fathom, our souls will be joined eternally in love and happiness.

  Our pasts define us. We cannot wipe away what happened or forget about what we’ve lost. Mitchell and Marissa will always be a part of who we are and the guiding force that has brought us together.

  Today, I take you as my wife, making you mine forever and giving myself to you completely. Not only am I giving you my soul, but my family too. Tate and Brax are completely in love with you, and I know you’ll love them as if they were your own.

  I will always protect you from anyone who wishes you harm, and shelter you as best I can from any pain until I take my last breath.

  Thank you for coming into my life and opening your heart, showing me that love is possible again. I thought my heart died that day, but you’ve brought me back to life and made me whole again.

  Now, come to me, my love. We have a future to live.

  I love you, Tilly.

  Yours,

  Angelo

  Vinnie’s coming! Vinnie’s coming!

  OMG!

  Vinnie. Is. Coming!

  * * *

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  Vinnie Gallo’s the hottest rookie in professional football. He’s a smooth-talker, good with his hands, and knows how to score. A notorious womanizer, he’s living every man’s fantasy.

  * * *

  Bianca Hernandez is immune to Vinnie’s charms. She’s not impressed by the glitz, glamor, or fame like most women. The hometown girl is mouthy, head-strong, and not easily won over.

  * * *

  But nothing will stop Vinnie from trying to score. Not a crazy stalker. Bianca’s two older brothers. Or the fear he’s falling in love with
the Hispanic princess.

  It’s about to get wild and sexy for this hot, new professional football player!

  … and he’s about to be brought to his knees.

  * * *

  Tap Here to Preorder HUSTLE!

  MEN OF INKED: SOUTHSIDE SERIES

  Maneuver - Book 1

  Flow - Book 2

  Hook - Book 3

  Hustle - Book 4

  Have you read the Original Men of Inked?

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  ALFA Investigations Series

  ABOUT THE AUTHOR

  Chelle Bliss is the Wall Street Journal and USA Today bestselling author of Men of Inked: Southside Series, Misadventures of a City Girl, the Men of Inked, and ALFA Investigations series.

  She hails from the Midwest, but currently lives near the beach even though she hates sand. She's a full-time writer, time-waster extraordinaire, social media addict, coffee fiend, and ex high school history teacher.

  She loves spending time with her two cats, alpha boyfriend, and chatting with readers. To learn more about Chelle, please visit chellebliss.com.

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