Chapter 3

“To the party.Pay attention to what I’m saying.Get your mind out of your pants,pretty boy.”

“My mind’s in your pants.”

Conrad bent down and put his strong hands on Steven’s face,his thumbs stroking Steven’s lips.His moments of gentleness started Steven sometimes.For such a big,burly guy who looked like he could take down a tiger with one hand,his quiet tenderness was disconcerting.“Russo has these parties once a month or so and it’d be a nice move to go.He is the boss,you know.I reallyshould show up.”

“Then go.I’d feel funny going with you.”

“Why?”

Steven shrugged his shoulders as much as he could with Conrad’s weight on them.“It’s a family thing,right?And I’m not family.”

“I’m not his family either.”

“You are in a way.Your family’s Cuban,he’s from Cuba…you know.”

“It’s all the guys from the garage and their wives.Probably tons of sons and daughters and cousins.Lots of good food,beer,volleyball in the backyard.”Conrad tilted his head to one side.“Pretty girls.”