When I was done, a sardonic smirk tugged on his lips. “You and your fucking savior complex.”
That stung, but I hid it. “I have to run to Late Republic.” My hand was already on the door handle when his palm appeared on my thigh.
“I’ll drive you,” he said roughly.
I glanced at him, taken aback. “You don’t have to. I can take the train.”
The car doors locked with a muffled click. “I said, I’ll drive you. Where is it?”
“On Madison Avenue,” I said after a beat.
He shifted into drive and pulled onto the road.
My teeth sank into my bottom lip. “Rom, I’m probably going to be up all night working on this. If you’re hoping we can still?—
“Jesus, Mia.” He shot me an annoyed glare. “Just let me fucking help you.”
I bristled at his tone. “I didn’t realize sleeping with you came with additional perks.”
“It doesn’t. But you’re the first woman I've fucked who has a tendency to pass out when she’s anxious or stressed. You cracking your head open while getting off the 6 train would put a fucking damper on things, don’t you think?”
He was being crude, but I sensed that I’d hurt him by insinuating he was only helping me to get into my panties later. I breathed in deeply and allowed the sting of it to melt away.
“Thank you,” I said, and I meant it.
His hands tightened around the wheel. “Sure.”
“Do you mind if I work while we drive?” I asked.
He gave me a look, likewhat do you think?“Mia, do what you need to do. You don’t need to ask for my permission.”
There was no other word to describe the sparkling warmth that slid into my veins but fondness.
I was fond of Romolo Ferraro.
If I lingered on that thought, I’d never get anything done, so I tucked it away and got my laptop out of my bag.
CHAPTER34
MIA
Traffic was brutal. Romolo did his best to navigate through it while I studied the styling deck, but it was still a few minutes past seven by the time we pulled up to Late Republic.
I jumped out of the car, nerves jittering beneath my skin, and jogged to the door.
It was locked.
Inside, there were no customers. Only staff tidying up.
I knocked lightly against the door. A security guard glanced my way and just shook his head.
Damn it.I kicked myself for not calling ahead. What was I going to do now? Nothing else was open, and most of my contacts hadn’t answered my texts.
I could see if Fabi, Nina, or Zo had anything, but I was looking for something so specific that it was unlikely they would.
On the other hand, the perfect coat sat right there, just behind the glass.
Romolo appeared at my side. “They’re closed?”
