“As required.”
“Someday maybe you’ll explain more about what requirement you’re talking about.”
He leaned over the table, so close my breath was ripped away. “You seem surprised after you asked for honesty.”
“Not necessarily surprised. I understood what I read about you and your family, the… work you do.”
Another deep, throaty laugh brought a series of tingling sensations. “If you read about my family’s work then you know we’re highly engaged in the New Orleans community. Ourlittlestores have been a part of the French Quarter scene for over two decades. The brainchild of my mother. She demanded an entirely different legacy for the family and her grandchildren.”
“Grandchildren? Does that mean you want children?”
He lifted a single eyebrow. “Do I look like father of the year material?”
“No, but people change when they have a family.” Why was I bothering?
“Your first instincts about me were spot on.”
Something else that was good to know. I, on the other hand, not that he was asking, wanted a passel of kids. Four. Maybe five. I was beginning to believe that would never happen.
“The pictures of the restaurant and club are beautiful. That I can admit. The choice is not what I would have expected for such an important legacy.” I allowed myself to laugh. I certainly hadn’t told a lie.
“The photographs don’t do the business justice. I’m curious. What do you believe that legacy should entail?”
Shrugging, I wasn’t certain if he wanted my truths. But I gave it to him anyway. “Illegal drugs. Weapons. Extortion.”
“Just like the article.”
“Well, yes. Are you denying your family thrives based on illegal activities?” Now I leaned over. The delicious scent combination of sweet peppers, garlic, onions, and the man’s aftershave was a scintillating feast for my nose.
“No, I’m not. However, Indulgence is truly our bread and butter.” Without realizing he’d moved, I noticed his fingers were dangerously close to my lips. As usual, none of his moves were done quickly so when he swiped his finger across my lips, I shuddered instead of pulling away. Turning his hand, he pointed out the spot of spaghetti sauce before pulling his finger into his mouth.
Everything the man did was sensual.
“So everyone respects and fears you in town.”
He cocked his handsome head, shaking it slightly. “If you’re asking if we brandish guns as we walk down the street, pointing them at locals and tourists alike, maybe even frisking them or issuing threats on a daily basis, then I’d say you’ve been watching too many movies. We are regular people doing regular things, trying to make and keep money.”
“Regular people. Not a chance. What do you do for fun, skin chickens or use black magic spells on your enemies?”
“That would be my grandmother’s territory. You’d need to ask her about the chickens, but I can tell you she continues to uselittle bags of gris-gris to this day. That being said, I assure you for positive spells invoking health and good fortune. At least for the most part.”
I wasn’t expecting his answer and could easily laugh. As with almost everything around him, the emotion felt natural. “I think I’d love to meet your grandmother. I’m a bit of an empath, you know.”
“Oh, you are.”
“And I’m in contact with spirits.” I swirled the liquid in my glass of wine for a few seconds before slowly lifting my head. He seemed fascinated.
“The many layers of the beautiful woman are even more fascinating than I knew.”
“But you don’t believe me.”
“My grandmother had indulged in acts of black magic all her life. Why wouldn’t I believe you could talk to spirits?”
“Because I can tell when you’re lying. I’ll prove it to you. Go make yourself at home in the living room and I’ll be right back.”
His eyebrows scrunched, the scruff on his cheeks and chin dark enough I longed to run my fingers through the coarse stubble, but I refrained.
I stood before the attraction became too intense. This was a dinner amongst friends and nothing more. “Oh, and sit on the floor. That’s the way I like it.” As soon as I made the suggestion, my eyes fell to the cane. Feeling horrible, I pressed my fingers against my lips.
