"We're going to be late," Lu says, glancing at me pointedly. "Daniel's been waiting outside for fifteen minutes. Are we going or not?"
I run a hand through my hair, knowing I've lost this battle. The dress is inappropriate as hell, but I'll be there to handle any problems.
"Fine," I say, my jaw tight. "But you stay close to me all night, both of you. No wandering off."
Lu beams. "Does that mean you'll be dancing with us?"
The image of Zoe moving against me on the dancefloor sends a rush of heat through my body. Her in that red dress, my hands on her waist...
"We'll see."
I hold the door open, my eyes catching Zoe's as she passes. The subtle scent of her perfume lingers in the air between us.
Daniel holds the car door open as I follow Zoe and Lucrezia into the backseat of the Bentley.
The ride to Omertà passes in tense silence, broken only by Lucrezia's excited chatter about the club. My eyes keep drifting to the expanse of Zoe's thigh revealed by the slit in her dress whenever she shifts in her seat. Each time, I force my gaze away, only to find myself looking again moments later.
When we arrive, the line outside Omertà stretches around the block. Daniel leads us past the waiting crowd to the VIP entrance where Marsello, one of our men who manages the door, nods in greeting.
"Don Feretti," Marsello says, stepping aside.
Inside, the club pulses with pounding bass and flashing lights. Bodies pack the dance floor, writhing to the music while red and blue lights sweep across the crowd. I scan the room, cataloging faces, identifying potential threats.
"I've arranged a private table," I say, leaning close to Zoe's ear to be heard over the music. "Upstairs, overlooking the dance floor. Better security."
Zoe's eyes flash with defiance. "No."
"No?" The word comes out sharp. No one tells me no in my own fucking club.
"We didn't come to sit in isolation," she says. "Lucrezia wants the full experience."
My sister nods eagerly beside her.
"If you want to sit with us, fine. If not, feel free toleave," Zoe challenges, her lips curving into a smile that's pure provocation.
Heat surges through me—part anger, part something else I refuse to acknowledge. She knows exactly what buttons she's pushing.
"You're not moving around this club without me," I growl.
Zoe shrugs, victory in her eyes. "Then I guess you're coming with us."
I signal to Daniel, who nods understanding. He'll position our men strategically while I keep Zoe and Lu in my direct line of sight.
We secure a table near the dance floor—not where I wanted, but with a decent view of the exits. Within minutes of sitting down, I notice the first set of eyes on Zoe. A man at the bar, then another by the DJ booth, then a group of businessmen in the corner. The red dress draws attention like blood in water attracts sharks.
My fingers tighten around my whiskey glass as Zoe leans forward to say something to Lucrezia, purposely giving me a view down the front of her dress. When she catches me looking, she smirks.
I sip my whiskey, keeping my eyes on Zoe and Lucrezia. The music shifts to something with a heavier beat, and Lu grabs Zoe's hand.
"Come on! This is my favorite song," she shouts over the music.
Before I can protest, they're heading for the dance floor. I stand immediately, signaling to Daniel across the room. He nods, moving to a position with better sightlines.
"Stay close," I growl, but they're already weaving through the crowd.
I watch as they find a spot in the center of the floor.Lucrezia throws her hands up, moving effortlessly to the beat. But it's Zoe who captures every eye in the vicinity. The red dress catches the light as she moves, her body swaying in perfect rhythm. Her blonde hair falls around her shoulders as she turns, laughing at something Lu says.
Men around them take notice immediately. Hungry eyes track her movements. I drain my whiskey, knuckles white around the glass.
