“When I see something I want, I go for it.”
He’s got balls, and I admire that. The fact he’s not bothered about a little thing like a wedding ring, not so much, even if it works to my advantage. “I can see that.” I trace the tip of my finger along the rim of my glass.
“I like you.” He leans in closer, pressing his warm mouth to my ear. “Let’s cut to the chase, beautiful. Life is short, and I want you. I’ve got a room upstairs. Why don’t we take our drinks up there?” He eases back a little, peering into my eyes as he sweeps his fingers along my cheek.
“You want to fuck me,” I say, needing him to be clear.
“I do.” He lifts my hand, bringing it to his lips and pressing a kiss to my knuckles.
“I’m married.”
“I know.”
“Are you?”
“Does it matter?”
I jerk my hand back. “Yes.” I know it might seem like double standards, but I won’t be the woman who sleeps with another woman’s husband.
“I’m not married.” He shows me his hand, and I detect no imprint from a missing wedding band.
I shouldn’t be considering this. It’s risky for all kinds of reasons. But I have got zero fucks to give right now. “Okay.” I gesture to the bartender for the check.
My mystery man darts in, kissing my cheek. “You won’t regret it. I’ll make it good for you.”
Ignoring the memory those words invoke, I quirk a brow. “You’d better.” I haven’t gone this long without sex to be satisfied with some lackluster tangle between the sheets.
He chuckles as I remove my black credit card from my purse.
“I’ve got this.” He hands two crisp hundred-dollar bills to the bartender. “Keep the change.”
I should refuse because I can pay my own way. And I should probably ask what he does for a living or make small talk, but what’s the point? I’m never going to see him again.
My heart is racing as I let him lead me out of the bar and into the lobby. Placing his hand on my lower back, he steers me toward the elevator bank. He presses the button and then backs me up against the wall, caging me in with his arms. “I have wanted you from the second you sat down,” he admits, rubbing his nose against mine. “You’re sexy as fuck.” He kisses the corner of my mouth. “What’s your name?”
“Does it matter?”
He grins, presenting me a blinding white smile. “Touché, gorgeous.” His mouth descends on mine, and he kisses me confidently, not moving his arms, just casually gliding his lips against mine, in an unhurried fashion. My lips part, and his tongue slides into my mouth, awakening parts of me that have been lying dormant for a long time. I moan into his mouth as my cell pings in my purse, but I ignore it.
It’s probably my bodyguard. I gave him the slip at the restaurant, knowing he would just think I’m inside with his boss. I guess he’s probably figured out the truth by now. I know he won’t call Gino yet because he fears a bullet in his brain. He will try to find me and only call Gino as a last resort.
I haven’t decided if I want Gino to know I was there and saw him with his bit on the side or if it suits my agenda better to keep that knowledge to myself, until it’s opportune to use it.
A second ping rings out, confirming the elevator has arrived, but the hottie doesn’t break our lip-lock, and I’m in no rush either.
Ten seconds later, he’s gone, ripped away from me by my brother.
I expel a frustrated sigh. What’s a woman got to do to get laid?
Bennett thrusts the man at Ciro before rounding on me. “Do you want to tell me what you think you are doing?” His voice is lethally calm, and he has that blank expression on his face. The one I hate. It’s his don persona, and right now, I need my brother. Ben takes my elbow, pulling me away from the wall.
“Hey, take your hands off her!” the guy I was just kissing demands.
“Shut your mouth.” Ben wheels around and punches him in the face.
I have a mad case of déjà vu, and my heart aches, like it does every time I think of Mateo. I snap out of it before this man’s death warrant is signed. “Stop overreacting, Benny. He wasn’t attacking me. It was consensual.”
“What the hell, asshole?” The guy glares at Ben as blood gushes from his nose.
