“Maybe I’mnotattracted to you.”
“Instead of the back and forth, tell me. Why did you leave?”
She could lie, she could walk away from him… or she could answer his question. As she mulled her answer, the fire in his eyes burned brightly. Being seared by Luciano was the best punishment she could ever imagine.
“You wanted answers. And you figured you could fuck them out of me. I wasn’t going to tell you and I didn’t want to be manipulated. We had fun?—”
“Simone,” he growled, the bite in his voice catching her ear. “I invited you to dinner on my yacht for your company, and because we had unfinished business.”
Carrera walked outside. “You two can eat out here if you want privacy.”
Simone severed their cozy connection, missing the warmth of his body and the desire in his eyes. “No privacy needed.”
Being around him was addictive. Plus, she was curious. Why did Z tell her to watch him, and why did Carrera ask her all those questions about him? Where did he go on those late-night flights beyond running his billion-dollar empire?
“Excuse me.” Simone hurried inside.
The delicious aroma of chicken, red sauce, oregano and garlic made her stomach growl.
Slash was pulling the garlic bread from the oven. Elsa was busy adding extra-virgin olive oil to the large salad. Then, she sprinkled in organic balsamic vinegar. When finished, Elsawrapped her fingers around Slash’s long hair and gave it a loving tug.
“Love you, Elsa,” Slash said.
“Love you more,” Elsa replied as she handed Slash a plate.
“You go first,” Slash said.
“After my babies.”
Slash selected a chicken cutlet, then scooped risotto from the large skillet. With a plate in hand, Simone sidled over.
“I’veneverseen Luciano kiss anyone,” Slash said. “You’ve put a spell on him. Don’t you think, Elsa?”
Elsa smiled at Simone. “He liked you in his gown. You wore it so well. I’ve always wished I’d been taller. How tall are you?”
“Five ten,” Simone replied.
“Whew, that is tall,” Slash said.
“Not when you’re a gangly teen, but I’ve learned to be more accepting of myself. The good and the bad.”
Simone took a chicken thigh, a scoop of risotto, and a slice of garlic bread. “Honestly, I could eat the entire loaf. This smells amazing.”
“My models don’t eat bread,” Luciano said as he forked chicken onto his plate. “I tell them bread is okay. Moderation, right?”
“Sometimes abstinence, sometimes going all-in.” With a playful smile, Slash waggled her eyebrows at Simone. “Depends on what it is.”
Simone loved spending time with the Santinis. She loved how comfortable they were with each other, how easy the conversation came.
Elsa left her post at the stove and dished out their salads, handing each of them one as they made their way toward the table. Once everyone was seated, Carrera took Slash’s hand. Luciano clasped her hand, and both men clasped their grandmother’s hands.
“Heavenly Father,” Carrera began, “Thank you for this food, for our family, and for our good health. Please watch over us, watch over those in need, and thank you for bringing Red—Simone—back into our lives. Amen.”
“Amen,” everyone said, but all she felt was the squeeze of Luciano’s hand against her own.
Their eyes met and he winked.
I’m a goner. He’s gonna take me on a wild ride, then dump me at the end, but I’m gonna enjoy the hell out of it.
