“I suppose I could close down the Bar, say it’s being fumigated. And you, good soul that you are, offered me a place to stay.”
“Please, I know of six relatives off the top of my head who could eradicate termites at your Bar in under a minute. No, we have to go with something not only believable but also distracting and there’s nothing more distracting to the family than when money is involved.”
The infamous family betting books. “And exactly what would they be betting on when it comes to us?”
“Isn’t it obvious? Either the date our hot, hot affair fizzles out, or when we decide to take it to the next level and meld.”
“Whoa.” That sounded drastic and really unnecessary to Nico. The soft muted niggle on his senses changing its pulse, now beating in time with his heartbeat. All too tempting, he wanted to sink into that pulse. Lift up his feet and let it carry him forward. What the…? “I’m no actor. I doubt we’ll be able to convince anyone.”
“But that’s the beauty of it. It’ll keep the family guessing. Am I the one wooing you? Are you just stringing me along for sex? What exactly are your intentions? If we throw in a couple ofpublic displays of affection, the family will be so focused on the betting books, they’ll never guess what we’re really up to.”
“I—” Saint Medard. The cover Gigi was proposing was a good idea. The local residents were both relentlessly inquisitive and interfering. Keeping them looking left, meant he and Gigi, could deal with whatever was coming at them from the right. “Okay. Fine. How do we—”
“Start? Simple. I’m going to walk you home, to collect your things, very publicly, down Main street no less.”
“That does sound simple.”
“And you’re going to hold my hand.”
“It’s sounding less simple.”
“Please, I’m the one who’ll be doing all the hard work, smiling up at you adoringly, laughing at all your jokes.”
“What’s so hard about that? I’m adorable and amusing to boot.”
Gigi laughed, seemingly in surprise at his joke. Damn, he really had been acting the asshole this last week.
“Come on, Cookie.” Standing up, holding out a hand to help Gigi off the bar stool. “Let’s get this romance on the road.”
“What’s it going to take to get you to drop that stupid nickname?”
Leading the way downstairs Nico was surprised to find he was smiling. Dead bodies in freezers. Deities plotting world annihilation. Some mystery idiot hoping to use him and Gigi as their patsies, and here he was smiling. “It’s been a while since I’ve been in a long term relationship, but I understand pet names for one another is kind of a requirement.” The morning sun felt fantastic on his face as they stepped out onto the covered walkway. The air refreshing and cool with the promise of the day warming up a little later.
“I’m glad to hear you’re getting into the swing of things, when it comes to our cover.” Gigi batted her eyelashes his way, butthose purple orbs were shooting sparks of indignation. He did like getting under her skin. “Because I can feel our first public spat coming on.”
“Just how realistic are we going to take this? Careful.” He tightened his hold on her as she stumbled slightly.
“What do you mean?”
“You mentioned public spats and displays of affection. I’m thinking we should probably discuss where, when and how much contact should be involved between us.”
“We’re trying to sell it, but not be over the top. Remember, we’re at the stage in our supposed relationship unsure whether to call it quits or up for a bigger commitment. That’ll keep the betting books hopping. It would definitely help if our audience compromised two or more of the Sanctuary’s biggest gossips.”
“Say like the entire Senior Citizens’ walking club?”
“Yes, definitely, they’d be the perfect audience for our debut performance.”
“Then you’d better brace yourself.” He warned under his breath, swinging Gigi about abruptly, pressing her back against the nearest wall. Gorgeous eyes widening in shock as he closed in on her, lips descending, one of his hands sinking into her glossy blonde hair.
Bloody Hell, the second time he kissed Gigi DeWitt was even better than the first. This time though Nico was prepared for the zap of heat that ignited in his gut, and the accompanying raw need that invaded him like a tsunami. That little pulsing tempo that niggled at his senses double timed, as if it was matching both their heart beats and setting up a hypnotic rhythm.
He hadn’t imagined the taste of her. Pure lush temptation. Like the first raspberries of the season dipped in artisanal chocolate, with a tiny addition of chili pepper. A combination of sweet and heat that made Nico’s cock stir and clamour for Gigi’s attention.By The Saints. It was just a kiss, not even a real one. Although it felt real, damn real.
They broke apart. Breathing hard.
“What…?” Words. Gigi definitely needed more words.
“Morning Gigi, Nico, lovely day, isn’t it?”
