“No,” I whispered.
“You look knackered and I’m guessing you haven’t event fucked the man yet.” Trixie chuckled.
I glared at her then let my shoulders deflate as I took my seat at the table. “I was stupid for thinking I was teaching his men a lesson in etiquette that first time. Turns out I’m about to be taught a lesson in not poking my nose where it doesn’t belong.”
“What did he want?” Brandi asked.
My gaze drifted between the three of them. “He wants to pick me up after work.”And make me blow his candle.I left out that part with an agonized sigh.
“Oh, no,” Stasia sighed.
“Are you shitting me?” Brandi followed.
“Does his Italian sausage come with breakfast?” Trixie piped up, earning glares from the other two. “What?” She pouted. “He looks scary, but that handsome arrogance says he knows his way around a woman’s body. I’d fuck him in a heartbeat. I mean the way he ignored us was like he’d fuck Ishika right there and couldn’t care less who’s watching.” She sighed, all dreamy-eyed. “You have to admit, he’s hot.”
“And mafia,” Stasia reminded.
“You’re going?” Trixie asked.
I shook my head. “If I’m stupid, yes.”
“Come on.” Stasia rubbed my arm. “Forget him for a bit and blow out these candles before they melt.”
I stared at the chocolate cake I knew Stasia had gone out of her way to make. Unlike the rest of us, she was the homely sort that even the older patients in the hospital always asked for her.
By the time they finished singing for me, I’d blown out the candles, and we each took a slice of the delicious cake, I’d forgotten about Remo’s threats and we made plans to go out.
forty
. . .
Ishika– 32 years old
When my shift ended, the mere drizzle that began an hour earlier, turned into a steady downpour.
“I think dinner’s a no go for me, girls. I’m beat,” I moaned as we converged in the foyer. Between the two lead surgeons on duty, I’d run my ass off since lunch. “The only thing sitting front and center in my head is a hot bath, hot chocolate and a hot blanket.” I eyed the rain pelting the floor to ceiling windows overlooking the hospital parking.
“No hot man?” Trixie wiggled her brows, earning an eye roll from me.
“I didn’t see any sports cars or blacked-out SUVs outside,” Brandi quipped having gone for a smoke while she waited for us. Putting to sleep any notion that Remo drove anything other than the mentioned vehicles. “Given this downpour, I’m pretty sure Mr. Rossi is canoodling some other lovely lady and forgotten about you.”
“Well, good riddance,” I muttered, hoping she was right. “I’m guessing we don’t have umbrellas?” Between the four of us, we either didn’t have cars or driver’s licenses and usually rode thebus to and from work unless Stasia’s son fetched her when he was off duty. Then we’d hitch a ride with her.
“We’re in for a wet walk,” Trixie groaned, plumping her blond locks. “It took forever to get these curls in place. I’m going to look like I stuck my hand in socket by the time I get home.” We all laughed at her pouting face.
“Shit,” I muttered, pushing through the revolving doors into the pissing rain. “Why didn’t we carry umbrellas again,” I yelled to be heard but they were already racing for the bus shelter. Although it wasn’t far, we were drenched by the time we ducked under the cover. “I was sure the forecast said clear skies,” I mumbled, shivering. Usually, I loved the rain but only if I were at home watching it through my window.
“Well, at least the bus is on time,” Stasia gestured to the vehicle picking up passengers two stops down the road.
Engrossed in a discussion about plans for the weekend, the sudden appearance of a low-slung sports car, hissing to a stop in front of us, had us jumping back to avoid the splash of rainwater the tires spun out. Already my heart began thumping against my ribcage before the front passenger door opened, and Remo leaned forward. Against the darkness, his blue eyes appeared like two brilliant circles, almost alien in nature.
“Get in,” he demanded, halting my laugh at the comparison.
I shared a look with the three girls, their faces ranging from worry to surprise to excitement. The last being Trixie of course.
“No,” I said stiltedly.
He angled his head, his smile slow to form yet no less menacing before he looked at his watch. “You have five seconds to get in, or I get out and make you.”
