The unidentified woman releases a breath and it’s full of relief. That’s not the usual reaction I get from women. Most of the time they’re panting from being fucked or huffing out of indignation. Just like Sage is right this minute.
I ignore her, giving this mysterious woman my full attention.
“It’s Carina.”
There’s only one woman by that name in my psyche and she’s the daughter of Paolo Nardone, a cold-hearted bastard who I’d love to see buried six feet under. Suspicion spreads over me, coating my mind and therefore, my words.
“What do you want?”
“Please let me speak with you,” she says.
The desperation in her voice is far from artificial. If anything, the pitch and warble to her tone indicates a high level of stress. I’d go so far as to say panic.
“I don’t have to step one foot in your home, and you don’t even need to allow me upstairs,” Carina goes on to say. “If I could have a moment of your time in the foyer, I would be grateful. Please.”
Maybe it’s the way she says the word please, as though I’m the only person who can help her. That alone strokes my ego. Yet, there’s more to it than that. I know the life she’s been raised to walk in, which has taught her a lot about men in the underworld. Knowing her father, Carina is well versed in ways to speak, act, and dress. This plea from her could very well stem from this unique education, but the way she spoke to me is too raw to be pretense.
“Give the phone to Mike,” I say. Her sharp inhale reaches my ears and there’s a lot of displeasure in that. Once my employee is back on the line, I say, “Let her upstairs.”
“Yes, sir.” Then to Carina, Mike says, “He will see you, miss.”
I almost hang up, but choose to listen to however she responds. My curiosity is beyond piqued by her appearance, shrouded in secrecy.
“He will?” She gives a nervous laugh, and the delightful sound makes my cock twitch. “Oh, that’s a relief. Thank you, Michael.”
Mike, a man who isn’t scared to take a bullet or go up against someone twice as large as his six foot three frame, makes a sound at the back of his throat. Carina is obviously affecting him as well. Hearing this formidable tank of a human being flustered is astonishing. “Please select the top floor, Miss Carina. If you require assistance, I can help.”
“No, thank you,” comes the reply.
“Will you need anything else, sir?” Mike asks me.
“No, and thank you.”
I hang up the cell phone and toss it onto the couch. Then I secure the fastenings of my pants and fix Stephanie with a pointed stare. “Thank you for your company this evening. Unfortunately, something has come up and I’ll need you to leave.”
The blonde isn’t quite able to hide the anger that flits over her features before her mask settles into place. “I can wait. Maybe in your bedroom, until your visitor leaves?” There’s a hopeful note at the end of her question.
Too hopeful.
I get to my feet. My height isn’t as impressive as Mike’s but I’m still a solid six feet, towering over this woman, even in her heels. “That won’t be necessary. Let me see you to the door.”
When we walk across my living room, I ignore her subtle hints at wanting to stay or the way she basically drags each step as if that will give me time to change my mind.
“When will I see you again?” Siobhan asks, gazing up at with a pitiful expression. Once again she pouts her bright pink lips and I find myself pleased with the fact that the same hue isn’t staining my cock.
A knock on my door has both our heads on a swivel and I open it. Carina Nardone stands there with her eyes wide, her face pulled into tight lines and her clothing rumpled.
She’s fucking gorgeous.
I can’t believe I forgot how beautiful she is. No wonder Mike was mentally tripping over himself. I won’t do the same, but I can’t fault the man.
Carina’s gaze zips back and forth between me and the blonde, and something in Carina’s eyes darkens the hazel into amber. Disappointment? Disgust?
“Oh, I’m sorry,” she says, her voice tight. “I didn’t realize you were entertaining. I’ll try again in the morning.”
Before she can turn around completely, I wave a hand in dismissal. The action stalls her. “My guest was just leaving.” I glance at Stella and subtly jerk my chin. “Thank you for coming.”
I inwardly grin at my choice of words. Neither one of us came. But when I look at Carina, it’s not hard to envision fucking her and coming inside her.
