I know a lot about him. But he doesn’t know me, even if he claims to.
So there’s no reason to be jealous. But here we are.
I look at Maria’s small frame and frown. Is that what he likes? What he’s into? Then why would he want me? I’m curvy, soft where her body lines are hard. And I’ve even gained about fifteen pounds after having Rosa.
And they’re sofamiliar. Her hand on his shoulder, the way he said her name.
The blonde smiles. “You’re always busy. But Nico is asking to speak with you.”
“I’ll speak with him later.”
“He needs you now.”
Luca lets out a harsh breath. “He can wait. I waited for him to get here, didn’t I?”
Irritation is evident in his voice. Maybe he’s not interested in Maria. Relief flows over me and I hate myself for it.
I knew him one night. Now I know he’s a criminal. A murderer. So why do I want him to want only me?
Maria shrugs. “I’m just the messenger. You sure you don’t want to get out of here?”
Anger rushes through me and I want to step between them and tell her to get the fuck away from Luca.
What’s wrong with me? This whole situation has gone sideways, and I need to get out of here.
I slowly slide along the wall while Luca is focused on Maria. My stupid heels clatter as I move, and Luca jerks his gaze back to me.
I stare at him like a deer in headlights for a moment and then…I run.
In stilettos.
I take off, running across the parking lot and down to the street. I know he’s hot on my heels at first, so I duck into an alley, panting, my chest heaving.
God, whatwasthat? The way he touched me…kissed my throat… My body is still on fire from it. I could have shoved him away, tried to run, but I couldn’t.
I wanted him to touch me. Wanted him to kiss me.
I want Luca Rossi, one of the three major mob bosses in Chicago.
Something is clearly wrong with me.
I peek out of the alley and see Luca stomping around, clearly looking for me.
I gasp softly and slip further into the alley, texting Scott my location as I move over to the next street.
He hasn’t responded.
I look at the time—two minutes to midnight.
Will Scott get here in time?
10
LUCA
I shove Maria away when I see Sophia running, nearly knocking her over.
I rush through the alley, trying to catch her, but she’sfast. Even in heels. It’s almost impressive. Maybe I’ll tell her so when I have her over my knee. Give her a little praise before punishment.
