“You caught that?”
“I’m not naïve, Cristian. I don’t need to see the guns to know your guys carry them.”
His knee brushes against mine. “Does it bother you?”
I vigorously shake my head as my eyes latch onto his lips. He has a gorgeous mouth, and I bet he knows what to do with it. Shivers cascade over my body at the thought of Cristian’s mouth all over me.
“Sloane?” Cristian snaps me out of it, and I realize I’ve been staring at his mouth like a lovesick fool.
My cheeks heat in embarrassment. “It doesn’t bother me. It’s the opposite, in fact. I feel safe knowing I’m protected.”
He nods slowly. “New York is a dangerous city, and yes, I have a gun, and I know how to use it. My father took me to the shooting range from a young age.”
“How young were you, and will you do the same with Elio?”
“I was six, and yes.”
“Wow, that’s super young.”
“Maybe.” He shrugs, knocking back the last of his wine.
This could backfire, but I’ve got to ask it. “Will you teach me? I want to know how to use a gun.”
17
CRISTIAN
“Why?” I ask, working hard to mask my surprise. Has Sloane figured some things out about me and my position withinLa Cosa Nostra? I come home to find her watching a mafia movie, and now this? Is it just coincidence? Or am I reading too much into it now I know for sure the cartel is targeting us?
“I think every young woman should know how to defend herself. Like we’ve agreed, there is a lot of evil in the world.”
“You could attend a self-defense class,” I reply. “There are plenty of them in the city.”
“I’ve already taken self-defense classes, but I’d like to know how to shoot. I want to get a firearm, but I don’t have a clue how to go about it.”
I study her pretty face, but I don’t detect any lies. It’s been a long day, and I’m way too cynical. Of course, it would be natural for any woman of her age to want to know how to fully defend herself. Watching a popular mafia movie means nothing. Sloane is smart, and she’s drawn natural conclusions. I’m pretty sure she has zero idea I’m one of the leaders ofLa Cosa Nostrain the US.
“I can get a gun registered for you,” I offer, “and I’ll teach you how to use it. There are a few ranges in the city, or we can use a private range close to the twins’ place on weekends.”
“I like the idea of a private range,” she says, her eyes lighting up. “Thank you.”
“We can’t go this weekend as Isa’s wedding is Saturday and friends have invited us to lunch on Long Island on Sunday, but I’ll organize a gun and take you for your first session the following weekend if you like?”
“That sounds great.” Her tongue darts out, wetting her tempting lips. “So, uh, does that mean I’m not needed this weekend?”
“Come to the wedding with me,” I blurt without engaging my brain. “As my nanny,” I add, cringing on the inside. “You know how energetic Elio is. I could use a second set of eyes on him.” That’s a perfectly logical reason for her to attend, and I should have asked her earlier. It’s got absolutely nothing to do with not wanting Sloane free to meet up with that asshole who stood her up last week.
“I’m not sure Isotta would like that.”
“There’s a plus-one on my invite, and she wouldn’t cause a scene at her own wedding. Besides, she’ll be too busy to even notice.” I hope. I don’t pull rank often, but I’ll do it on Saturday if I have to. She should be expecting Elio’s nanny to attend, and I’m not going to rescind my invite just because Isa has taken a dislike to Sloane.
“I don’t know. I don’t want to make an enemy of her or cause any trouble for you.”
I fear it’s too late for that. “I’ll smooth things over. Trust me, it’ll be fine.”
“Okay. If you’re sure?” She nibbles on her lips, and I’ve never been jealous of teeth before.
“I am, so that’s settled.” My arm slides along the back of the couch, dangerously close to Sloane’s shoulders. My every instinct implores me to lean closer and claim that lush mouth. I don’t know why I bothered wasting my time going to Club H tonight when there is nowhere else I’d rather be than at home with her.
