Page 5 of Alessio DeLuca

Nope, not going there. That path only leads to heartbreak and mayhem. I hurry to the elevators, feeling the burn of his gaze on my back. It’s not until the doors close behind me that I exhale shakily, sagging against the mirrored wall.

One of these days, Alessio DeLuca will be the fucking death of me.

* * *

“Girl, you look like crap.”

I glare through bloodshot eyes at my best friend, Nia. Of course, she looks annoyingly refreshed for ass o’clock in the morning, hair sleek and makeup on point as she sips her coffee.

“And a good morning to you too, bish.” I grab the extra cup she got me and take a bracing gulp. The caffeine hits my veins like a small electric shock. “Some of us were up late fortifying networks, not getting our beauty sleep.”

Nia arches a flawless brow. “Oh, is that what we’re calling lusting after our mafioso boss now?”

“Girl, hush,” I hiss, glancing around the cafe. You never know who might be listening. “For the last time, I do not lust over-”

“The most powerful, dangerous, panty-soakingly gorgeous man in California?” She smirks. “Sure. Keep telling yourself that.”

My face flames. I don’t have the energy for Nia’s shit. “Don’t you have an at-risk youth to go counsel or something? I thought social workers started working at the crack of dawn.”

She waves a dismissive hand. “I cleared my morning for you, bitch. You’re welcome.” Then her eyes turn concerned. “But you really look like shit, babe. What’s going on?”

My shoulders sag. Damn her for knowing me so well. “It’s just… I don’t know. Work stuff. Alessio stuff.” I shrug.

“Ooh, Alessio stuff.” She waggles her eyebrows. “Do tell.”

I groan, stumping my forehead on the table. “There’s nothing to tell! That’s the problem. He barely looks at me, barely speaks to me… then sometimes he pulls that brooding, ‘let me tell you what’s good for you’ crap and I just…”

“Cream your panties?”

“Woman, I will end you.”

She cackles when I raise my head to scowl at her. “I’m just saying, that man is a whole ass meal and you’re out here starving. Why not take a bite?”

“Because he’s not on the menu,” I say firmly. “He’s made it very clear this is strictly professional. And even if it wasn’t, men like him don’t go for girls like me.”

Her eyes narrow. “And what’s that supposed to mean?”

I gesture vaguely at myself - sporty hoodie, bright colored leggings, curls all over the place. “You know. Nerdy. Too busy hacking the Pentagon to get regular bikini waxes.”

“Okay, first of all, you could hack the Pentagon in your sleep. Second, you’re a goddamn queen and any man would be lucky to-”

I hold up a hand to cut off her rant. “I love you for saying that, Nia. But let’s be real. I’m not his type. Men like DeLuca go for runway models and famous actresses. Not…” I look down at myself again. “This.”

Nia throws up her hands. “Fine. Stay in denial. I’ll just be here, collecting receipts for my ‘Told You So’ party, when you two finally fuck.”

My cheeks burn even as I laugh. “You’re the worst, you know that?”

She winks as we both fall out.

“But seriously, Maty. Maybe it’s time you let go of your book boyfriends and try the real deal. I mean, we both love our smut, but there’s nothing like the real thing.”

I snort. “Oh, please. Like you’re any better. I’ve seen your e-reader. It’s all billionaire bad boys and mafia dons.”

She gasps in mock outrage, but her eyes glaze over for a quick second. “How dare you expose me like that? I have a reputation.”

We dissolve into giggles again; the tension easing from my shoulders. Nia always knows how to make me laugh, even when I’m drowning in my own drama.

Her phone buzzes, and she glances at it, cursing. “Gotta run - court appearance in 20. You good?”

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