I appear to be a fierce maniac to others but when someone that attractive stares at you like they want to devour you, I get extremely awkward. I haven’t had a partner in a very long time and I forgot how it feels to be so attractive to someone. It’s rather painful, especially being a stranger I know nothing about. I fled to the ladies room, a place I noticed had a lot of traffic coming in and out. There was no way this man would follow me there but something in the back of my mind was begging him to. Longing for him to wrap his strong arms around me and have his way with me. Yes, I’m fucked up.
Once I felt like enough time had passed, I quickly exited and ordered another coffee to go. To my doom, we ran smack into each other with hot as fuck coffee drenching my shirt. My tits were on fire but I didn’t make a sound showing it.
His eyes sucked me into a bottomless pit and when his hands touched my chest wiping the coffee away, it was like a connection snapped between us. Again, I was fucking losing my mind. My eyes scaled up and down his body taking him all in and then my mouth just had to open to play with him.
He was bold enough to ask for my number and I debated to keep walking and not entertain this new chase between us. I could have said no and kept walking but the need to know him more was too strong. This would never work though. He’s in the FBI and I’m a criminal. Maybe I’ll get my little fill to satisfy the hunger and then wash my hands away.
Snapping my mind back into reality, I arrive at the airport, parking my car by two very brooding men who look like they’re going to give me an ear full for being late. I roll my eyes as I shut my car off and get out. One of the flight attendants runs to grab my bags out of my car as I walk right past them to the stairs to board the jet.
“I know. I’m late and I don’t have the energy for your mouth right now. Get in the damn jet before you make us even more late.” I look back and smirk at the two giant, Italian men who look like they’re about to strangle me.
They follow behind with an annoyed look. Not like they lost out on a hot date with my tardiness. It’s okay if they’re late, but hell freezes over if I do.
“Is it frowned upon to want to smack the living shit out of my cousin?” Antonio mumbles under his breath.
“I would say no but that woman would break us in half without messing up her perfect manicured hands.” Larson sighs, stomping up the stairs.
Taking my seat in one of the nice-cushioned chairs, I buckle my seat belt ready to get this long as hell flight to Italy over with. Both of the boys take their seats in front of me, stretching out their legs getting comfortable. They look so at ease without a worry in the world for our meeting with the lethal leaders of the allied Mafias. Then you have me, nervous as hell that they won’t accept or respect me as they did my father. I’m not scared that they’re the deadliest men alive, quite frankly I’m just as deadly, but in order to keep our world safe, we have to make sure the alliance stays intact even with a new head.
“You’re fidgeting. Stop that. So are you going to tell me why you were late? You’re never late for anything. We almost had to send out a search party.” I should have known Larson wouldn’t let it go.
He arches an eyebrow waiting for me to explain myself.
“I spilled coffee and needed to change. I was only twenty minutes late. Calm your shit. Have our men been alerted to be ready once we land?” I clench the arm rest as the plane starts down the strip ascending into the sky.
The worst feeling about flying is the way your stomachdrops through your ass when the plane's wheels leave the ground. I’m fine when we’re in the air but the takeoff and landing always gets me. I need a stiff drink and it’s only nine in the morning.
“Yes. You think we would let you arrive with just us at your side? You just took over, you’re going to have people trying to take you out. Don’t be stupid. Your Uncle Roman will also be there to take us to the villa to freshen up and then straight to the meeting.” Antonio reaches into his bag and pulls out a folder handing it to me.
“From what we’ve been notified today, there have been some issues with the Albanians. They are getting super ballsy getting closer to Irish territory. They have allied with the Brazilians and are on a power trip,” Larson adds, filling me in as no doubt it will be brought up and we will be expected to help any way we can.
Taking the folder, I flip through the pages of each leader. I scan their faces and names, storing them in a folder in my head. I have this weird thing where I can review something once and all the information is locked up for safe keeping. I will know your name to your face, your life story, your social, and every move you take with only one look. I make sure to look at each carefully since it’s been a long time since I’ve seen any of them. The last time I went to a meeting with my father, I was twelve and I saw them in passing before I was ushered away with the nanny.
Once we hit the expected elevation, the Wi-Fi kicks in and our phones automatically make contact causing all our phones to ding. Pulling out my phone, I unlock it to an unknown number.
Unknown: Were you able to get that coffee stain out?
Butterflies instantly flood my stomach with this single text. I didn’t really expect him to actually text me and I’m not sure how I feel about it other than I think I’m going absolutely insane. I wait a minute or two before responding so that I don’t come off as available.
Me: Hello, Coffee Spiller. You know, I had to get a new suit because of the little accident you caused.
I quickly add his name to my phone and not even a few seconds later another text appears.
Alaric: Now why would you do that? Trying to get rid of the first memory we have together?
Me: I think we need to make a better first memory.
Alaric: You tell me a date and time, and I’ll be at your beck and call, baby.
Me: That’s a good boy. How about we meet up for drinks in a couple days when I’m back in town. Don’t even think about ordering coffee.
I quickly lock my phone, looking up to two pairs of eyes staring at me like I have two heads. I give them a dirty look before setting my phone down on the side of my leg.
“Who has you smiling like that? I know damn well we’re your only friends besides Blakely, whom you haven’t seen yet and she’s driving me up the wall.” Antonio raises an eyebrow waiting for my answer.
“Last time I checked, I don't answer to you. Who I may or may not be speaking to is none of your business.” I cross myarms over my chest. I’ve been caught and he knows I’m full of shit.
I try to hold their stare, giving them the silent treatment. I will not fold. I will not fold. They forget who the champion of this game is. When we were kids, we were so mischievous, always getting into trouble. When our fathers brought us into their office to explain ourselves, I would keep a straight face and not breathe a word but these two would always fold, not able to handle our father’s interrogations. Suckers can’t break me.
