“Well, I’d really like to be a teacher,” I reply.
“Sounds like you’re perfect for the job,” he says, studying me carefully.
Our eyes meet and hold. He’s stern, but I can see that there’s something soft beneath all the bluster. I try not to broadcast my interest, but he must be aware of how hard I’m struggling to breathe.
“To be honest, I had a bad job interview,” I share, wondering why I’m painting myself in such a bad light. “That’s how Frankie and I met. I was running away from this horrible man who only wanted to hire me so he could look up my skirt.”
“Anyone I know?” Francisco asks casually.
“I don’t know,” I answer. “I don’t know who you know.”
“So, did Frankie take care of this man?” Francisco wonders.
I laugh. This guy is definitely mob-connected, but I’m not sure I care anymore. “No, he didn’t. I met your son on the street afterward. But he offered me a way to make ends meet until I can find a real position.”
“So you’re looking for other employment?” Francisco digs for more dirt.
“Yes,” I answer quickly, then at the look on his face, I contradict myself. “No. I mean. Um, I’m just trying to pay my rent.”
“Well,” Francisco says, still holding my gaze. “I appreciate what you’re doing for my son. He’s got his heart set on becoming a lawyer, and he needs all the help he can get.”
“He’s a good kid,” I respond, acutely aware that Frankie isn’t that much younger than me.
“Sometimes,” Francisco allows.
“I should go,” I announce, getting to my feet. I’m hot under the collar, and I’m afraid I’ll do something rash if I stay. It doesn’t look like he’s going to kill me, so I figure I’m free to leave.
“No one leaves until I say they can.” Francisco locks eyes with me, and I feel a lightning bolt of anger sizzle through the air between us.
I gulp, returning to my seat. But then both Francisco and his men laugh, and I realize that they’re putting me on. All the anxiety that’s built up in my gut over the past few hours quivers. It’s not a friendly laugh, and they know that I’m scared. But at the same time, there’s an equal amount of desire to balance out the fear, so I let myself play along.
Francisco looks pleased that I’m sharing in the joke, and waves toward the door. “Go on, get outta here.”
I give him a cold glare, letting him know that I’m no kind of delicate flower. I might be outgunned, but I’ve got his number. He considers that and drops the tough guy act. We come to an understanding with no words, and I walk out of the room with my head held high.
Unibrow follows me to the door, but as soon as I step out into the late afternoon, I’m on my own. I’m relieved to see my car is waiting for me right where I left it. It’s my ticket out of this luxurious prison with its attractive warden and all his goons. I’m fighting a thousand conflicting emotions and trying to let none of them show as I fold myself into the driver’s seat.
When the iron gates finally open and I coast out onto the street, I’m relieved in more ways than one. I survived my first tutoring session.
I sigh, sliding the car into third gear. What in the world was I thinking? I replay the scene in Francisco’s office repeatedly. Did I let on that I was getting hot under the collar? Did he see the desire radiating off me? I hope not. Because if I’m going to earn my rent for next month, I need this job.
I tell myself it’s just until I can find a more permanent position. I’ll keep looking for secretarial work until I can find a place with no mafia connections. Hopefully, it won’t be long.
I cruise back to my part of town, thinking about Francisco and his gorgeous bedroom eyes.
CHAPTER 6
FRANCISCO
Ican’t help but focus on Marlena’s ass as she walks toward her car. I can see her clearly through the window, even though she doesn’t see me. I know Marcello said the girl was a looker, but I wasn’t expecting someone so feisty. She wasn’t intimidated by me, and that was a big turn-on.
Marcello sees me looking, but like a good soldier, he doesn’t say anything. She’s too young for me anyway. I’m not sure how old she is, but clearly several years younger than I am. Still, she’s not a college kid. I had expected Frankie to pick up someone his own age, but this tutor is officially all woman. She’s got the curves and the experience to boot. And I know I didn’t imagine the look in her eyes when she first saw me. The attraction is mutual.
“What do you think, boss?” Marcello asks.
“I’m not sure,” I say, watching intently as she gets in the car and drives away.
There’s something more to her story than she was letting on. I can tell when someone’s lying to me. But I also don’t thinkshe’s working for any of the rival families. Her story is far more personal. Whatever it is she’s hiding has got nothing to do with me.
