“That woman’s going to be just what you need, Mateo,” Dario goes on. “She’s as tough as you are, and she’s not afraid to call you on your shit. Mark my words. She’s going to change your world.”
I shrug as if I don’t give a damn. But I do give a damn. And I don’t know if I love the idea or if it scares the shit out of me.
Chapter 12
Andy Carter
Nikki’s on the sofa with a giant box of Turkish Delight when I walk into her hotel suite. While my parents would be delighted to brag that they have a suite at the Waldorf or the St. Regis, Nikki’s got the run of the entire penthouse floor of Dario Caraldi’s new luxury hotel. My mother might snobbishly dismiss these men as not good enough for her circles, but she can’t comprehend the wealth in their world.
“Don’t get up,” I say as yet another giant muscular guy lets me into Nikki’s palatial living room. She flops back onto the pillows again, propping her feet up.
“Want one?” she asks, holding the box out to me. I shake my head. “Good. More for me.” She pops another little pink cube into her mouth. “Can’t seem to get enough of these things.”
“Cravings, babe?” I ask, dropping into the seat next to hers.
“You have no idea!” Nikki licks her fingers, then reaches for another one. “I’m going to get fat as a house.”
“Crap. You’re beautiful.” I’m not exaggerating. My best friend was always lovely, but she’s practically goddess material at this point. Lush, glowing, sensual. No wonder Dario has turned into a madman around her.
“At least this is the only sweet thing I’ve been craving. Would you believe I’ve been bingeing on creamed spinach and mashed butternut the rest of the time?”
I give a low laugh. “Rather you than me, babe.”
“Ha-de-ha-ha! Anyway, I’m surprised you made it. I was pretty sure Mateo wasn’t going to let you out of his sight all afternoon.”
“He’s off on some trip.” I try to keep my tone light but it’s an effort. I’d been surprised at how my heart had plummeted when he’d told me he’d had to go away on business for a week. Especially after he’d been freaking out so much about security.
Nikki looks surprised at the news too. “Really? He left you alone?”
“Hardly!” I roll my eyes. “I can’t go anywhere without a freaking entourage.” I glance to my side. There’s a man lingering nearby, also dark-suited like the others, but not a muscular brute.
“A drink, madam?” he asks politely as I glance at him. “Perhaps some canapes?”
“Bring Andy some bubbles, Jeeves. And some of those snacky things.” Nikki waves a hand in his direction before reaching for another piece of Turkish Delight.
“Of course, Miss Love.” The man gives a small bow and disappears from the room.
“You have a butler?” I ask. Nikki grins impishly. “And his name is Jeeves?” I add. “You’re kidding me!”
“Actually, it’s Craig,” she answers. “But who the hell calls their butler Craig? Anyhow, he doesn’t seem to mind.”
“You’re turning into a brat, you know that?” I laugh. Nikki’s answering laugh is unrepentant, and I can’t blame her for it. Considering the hardship she grew up with, Nikki deserves every minute of happiness she can get. “Where’s Sophie?” I ask. There’s no sign of Nikki’s sister, which surprises me since they’ve been inseparable since their loser father tried to sell them to human traffickers.
“Shopping.” Nikki levers herself up as Jeeves…make that Craig, returns with a trolley full of treats. “She needs some new gear for the next semester. Poor kid’s been wearing my old hand-me-downs half her life. I thought it was about time she had a wardrobe of her own.”
“Alone?” I give a small start as Craig pops a bottle of Cristal, but I happily accept the glass he extends to me. Nikki’s glass is topped up with sparkling water.
“Oh, God no,” she says. “I sent her with one of the guys. Can’t remember which. I’ve lost track of their names now.” She rolls her eyes.
“Yeah…it’s a bit weird, huh? Do you ever get used to it?” I left Tony and his other half – a tattooed monster called Mikey – standing out in the hall. They joined the other men out there. A small army. I doubt anyone could get anywhere near Nikki and me…unless they launched some sort of air strike. I glance at the window apprehensively.
Don’t be ridiculous.
“Used to it? Heck, I can’t imagine living any other way now.” Nikki smiles and pushes the tray of snacks my way. She’s still scarfing down Turkish Delight like she’s anticipating a global shortage.
“Do you really think it’s necessary, though?” I remember being grateful Tony was there when my mother was up to her antics. But part of me wants to believe Mark is going to drop this stupid fixation with marrying me.
“Hon, trust me, it’s necessary.” Nikki’s expression has grown serious, and she straightens.
