My breathing hitched, enjoying how he touched me more than I should. A shiver worked down my spine and goose bumps covered my arms. I should fight the glorious sparks igniting in my body. Nothing good would ever come from falling under his spell again, but I couldn’t deny he was doing a marvelous job chipping away at my walls.
“Ciro Remotti.” He nodded, letting go of my hand, but his grip on my waist tightened. He extended his hand to Falina. “And you are?”
“Falina Frank, owner of West End.” She shook Ciro’s hand and recognition flashed on her face. Her eyes flitted to mine and she held my gaze as if reminding me of our previous conversation. She didn’t need to worry. I wouldn’t let Ciro walk all over me.
“She’s also Alba’s cousin. I should get back to work.” I tried to peel his fingers off me. Tried and failed.
“What about dinner?” he asked with a wicked glimmer in his eyes.
“Ciro.” I glared at him.
“Go ahead. We’re slow,” Falina said. How could she take his side?
“Join me,My-la.” He moved closer to me.
A lightning bolt of desire shot into my pussy as my defenses dwindled.
“I’ll clock you out.” Falina darted off. What was she doing? Leaving me alone with Ciro was stupid. At least we were in a public place.
But what would happen when we were alone together?
Ciro pulled out my chair and I sat. What else could I do? Ciro won this round.
Over the next half hour, we shared a bottle of wine asCiro talked about his time with Pippa. I listened, wholly engrossed.
Tonight, everything about him was genuine and amiable as he stared at me from across the table. The way he spoke, his smile, and his sexy laugh turned me to putty.
I missedthisso much. Missedhimso much.
“What did you do after you left Alba’s?” I nervously made figure eights with the spoon in my tomato bisque soup. “Where’s Paolo?”
“I left him guarding Pippa and went to the hotel, showered, and drank a little. Called Roman and then took a short nap.”
“Was Alba okay with him staying at her place?” I shifted in my chair nervously. Alba hadn’t texted, so I had no clue she’d been left alone with Paolo.
“I didn’t give her a choice.” His expression was unreadable as usual.
“Of course, you didn’t. What Ciro Remotti says, everyone obeys, right?” Suddenly, my appetite was gone. I pushed my bowl away and pursed my lips tightly together.Arrogant jerk.
“Don’t overreact. I’m just protecting my child as I should’ve been from the start.”
“Oh, please.” I waved my hand in the air. “You were flexing your muscles. Pippa wouldn’t be in danger if you hadn’t discovered her.”
Fury flashed in his eyes, but he reined in his anger a second later. “Yes, well, Paolo is with her.” He drank his wine, cool and calm. It was rare for Ciro to lose control. Admittedly, I was baiting him because I hated how his aura overpowered me. If he yelled and made threats, I could hold onto the ill feelings I had for him so much easier.
“You told Roman about Pippa.” It wasn’t a question. Iknew Ciro would never hide her from his family. I was confident they’d all hate me too.
“I did. And?—”
Chris interrupted. “Can I get you both anything else?”
“No, thanks.” I shook my head.
“Just the check,” Ciro replied.
Chris nodded and was off.
“Well?” I urged Ciro to continue.
