My mouth watered with anticipation. “Can’t wait.”
“I’m sure with a name like Gianni, you had plenty of Sunday dinners.”
“Not in my house.” I straightened, but stayed close enough to smell her hair—clean with a scent of flowers and citrus. I stepped away from her before my dick reacted. Damn thing had no conscience.
“Here’s the bread.” Speed held up a loaf of Italian bread. “I think that’s everything.”
“Thanks so much.” Sammie graced Speed with a glowing smile, and my gut clenched. Petty, for sure, but shit, why wasn’t that smile directed at me?
Speed leaned over her shoulder, almost touching her, and my jaw tightened. Then he turned to me. “Smells fuckin’ delicious, right?”
I nodded, wanting to wipe the stupid smile off both their faces.
“You need anything else,” Speed squeezed her shoulder, “you just let me know. Especially if you’re gonna cook like this.” He spinned around. “Right, boss?”
“Yeah.” Even I heard the growl in my voice, but of course, Speed is oblivious.
Sammie locked eyes with me, then turned back to the cutting board. When I didn’t move, she looked over her shoulder. “Did you want something else?”
What a fuckin’ loaded question that didn’t have a clear answer. Sure, I wanted to stick my dick in her again till she screamed my name and begged for more, but it’s worse thanthat. Seeing her helping out every day, not afraid to get her hands dirty, showed me another side of her. Now, cooking what I’m sure will be an outstanding meal brought her to another level. I didn’t know what level, ‘cause most women in my life never got past the bedroom.
I pointed to the pot now simmering with the tomatoes and all kinds of seasonings. “Is that for tonight?” Stupid damn question, but I’m not ready to leave yet.
“You’ve all been working hard all week, and now that the kitchen is in order, I have to try out these new appliances, so yes.”
“The guys are gonna be thrilled.” I laughed. “I don’t think any of them know what a home-cooked meal tastes like.”
“They deserve it,” she said over her shoulder, then turned back to the stove, and I realized I’ve been dismissed.
Later, she served up the amazing sauce with pasta, fresh grated cheese, toasted garlic bread, and the guys went crazy. She made sure everyone had enough, and I thought for sure she’d join us, but just like every other night for the last two weeks, she took her plate upstairs to eat in her room, again keeping her distance from all of us.
When she was out of earshot, Ace leaned into me. “Why do you think she leaves every night?”
I shrug. “How the fuck do I know?” Again, I heard the growl in my voice.
“Don’t get your balls in an uproar. Just seems odd.”
It sure the fuck did, and obviously I wasn’t the only one who noticed. Then it pissed me off that Ace noticed too. Yeah, I needed to get my mind off Cinzia Marino.
Then I reminded myself she hasn’t had the best experience with men and, like me, trust didn’t come easy, and usually comes with a price.
Now, I force myself to move past her door when I really want to bust it down and find out what makes this woman tick. Instead, I unlock my own door and survey the small space. Clean, efficient, a place to lay my head. Nothing more, nothing less.
I picked up some cast-off furniture at the Salvation Army, and for now, that will have to do. Sure the fuck better than my cell in MCC, but still not home. Our old clubhouse was the closest thing I’ve ever had to a home, but even there I felt alone sometimes. Even when I had the hottest women in town draped over me.
I pitch my keys on the small table by the door and am just about to toe off my boots when I hear a scream come from Sammie’s room. Before I register the decision, I grab the gun I have taped under the coffee table. I check the clip, then bolt out of the room. My pulse pounds from extreme focus and dread of what lies ahead.
My fist grips her doorknob before I realize it’s locked. When I hear her scream again, I raise my foot and boot the door. It flies open on its hinges, and I charge in, gun drawn.
Chapter Eighteen
DEUCE
“What the hell are you doing?” Sammie’s eyes widen like I’ve lost my damn mind. Then she sees my .45 pointed in her direction, and her mouth drops open.
“Who was in here?” I scan the room, taking every inch in.
“No one.”
