It’s been a long time since I let my guard down with anyone.And maybe I yearn for a connection with someone who has no idea who I am.
After exhaling—and wondering what in the hell is wrong with me—I determinedly finish the last of my flute.
Now I can switch to something I’d rather drink.
Even though I could signal for a server, I don’t.“I’ll be right back.”
“Bring back Mr.Tall, Dark, and Broody,” Chiara calls as I slip away from the table.
Once again wondering what is wrong with me, I weave around the clusters of people.
As I pass my men, Santo straightens slightly, eyes scanning the immediate area.
“I’m just going to get a drink,” I murmur as I near him.
“I’ll get it for you, ma’am.”
“Thanks.”With a small smile, I wave him off.“But I’ll do it myself, thank you.”
He gives the barest nod.“Stay where I can see you,signorina.”
“Of course.”That is one rule my father set that I don’t dare violate.
I reach the bar and slide onto one of the comfortable chairs.I don’t order immediately, even though the attentive bartender asks what she can do for me.
Instead, I rest my elbows lightly on the polished surface as I look around, calculating.It’s a habit I’ve had since I was old enough to see over a conference table.I count exits as I look for threats.
Up here, the who’s who of Dallas’s elite believe they’re safe, that this is a slice of music and light.
I know better.
There are threats everywhere.
Movement brushes the edge of my awareness.
A reflection in the glass shows the broad-shouldered man pushing off from where he’d been leaning.
I hide my smile as he cuts through the crowd toward me.
I wait until he steps into my space, and the air goes thick and electric, buzzing over my skin like a live wire.
Then I slowly turn toward him.
Oh God.
Tall, dark, and broody, just as Chaira said.
This close, he’s worse.Or better.
His dark hair is a shade too long to be corporate-correct, and his jaw looks like it was carved to take a punch and give one back.His eyes are…
God.
Sharp and assessing.
They’re a rich, dangerous brown that rakes over me like he has every right.
For a moment, neither of us speaks.
