I sighed, rolling my eyes before glaring at Mia. “Where’s Mike, anyway?” I asked, feeling a bit jealous of his flirting.
I was bothered that he was flirting with her, but why? I shouldn’t have been. I didn’t like him. I wanted to use him. That was all. I wanted to have my way with him for one night and walk away unscathed. Jealousy wasn’t an emotion I was used to experiencing, and I sure as hell didn’t know how to deal with it.
“He’s dancing with his ma,” she replied, winking at me and mouthing, “Wow,” as James turned to look at me before returning his attention to her.
“Would you like a drink, Mia?”
She smiled, nodding. “Always.”
James motioned to the bartender as I walked to stand next to Mia.
“He’s sexy as fuck,” Mia whispered in my ear.
“He’s an asshole, though.”
“Nah, he couldn’t be. He seems to be a perfect gentleman.”
“Maybe you shouldn’t have another if you think he’s not a total prick.”
“You’re just too damn hard on men, Iz.”
“He’s cocky, Mia. He makes Mike and Joe seem like teddy bears.”
“I like him,” she said, her eyes raking over him.
“Hey, slutty Aphrodite, you’re taken.”
“I can look,putana. I’m not dead. I can tell you like him.”
My mouth dropped open. “What?” I whispered. “I do not.”
She smiled, nodding at me. “You do.”
“All right, ladies,” James said as he held out two glasses of Jack.
“To love,” Mia said. “And passion.”
“For fuck’s sake,” I blurted, bringing the cup to my mouth.
“I’ll drink to that,” James said, holding me in place with his stare.
I didn’t respond as I slammed back the drink, letting it slide down my throat. Instead, I started to picture sex with James. There was a simmering tension between us. An animal attraction that was undeniable. I wanted to slap him and fuck him at the same time. I wanted to let loose and show him what Izzy Gallo really had.
“Thanks for the drink, James. I’m going to find Mike. You two have a fun night,” Mia said, winking and smiling as she waved and walked away.
“Traitor,” I mumbled, turning to face James.
“You want to fuck me?” James asked, taking the drink from my hand.
“What?” I asked, wondering if he would be so bold.
“You in or you out?” he growled with his hand on my hip, gripping it roughly with his fingers.
“I don’t even know you,” I replied, as his hold on me felt like a branding iron under my dress.
“What do you want to know?” he asked, still touching my body.
“You could be a bad man.” That sounded stupid and childish, but I was trying to not seem too eager to jump in the sack with him.
