Page 36 of Playing for the Dark

He hands me my glass and puts his up for a cheers. “To you, Ellie, for trusting me enough to open up that facade you’ve been trying to fool me with.” I’m gawking at him; how the fuck did he already have that figured out about me? Guess it has been a couple of weeks of him weaseling his way into my life.

I watch his face turn hard as a switch flips within him, and he demands, “But… I need to know how you know Marcello Barone.” He’s all business now.

I hold my glass up but don’t clink his, meeting his eyes with my raised eyebrows.

“We grew up together. You know my dad works at Barone’s? We used to be super close.” I leave it at that, not needing to go into the mafia shit with people. I have a sick feeling he might already know about Marcello; most people do if they spend any significant amount of time in this city. Marcello is like a myth; you never want to be the one to find out if it’s true or not… but guess what? Every story about that unhinged man is, in fact, true. He gives me a curt nod of his head, looking like he’s in deep thought now.

Marcello was always a crush I had when I was younger, but I was sure he just thought I was an annoying kid. I see him here and there, but being that close to him in the hallway, I won’t deny he looks fucking good. I miss him so much… We had a connection, both having one shitty parent, and being able to run around the restaurant together.

We finally clink glasses, and he brings his to sit on that pouty bottom lip that bitches pay good money for.It’s me, I’m bitches. He takes a big gulp, and I watch in pure fascination as his Adam’s apple bobs up and down. Why the hell are men’s throatsso fucking hot?!

He catches me staring and, of course, calls me out on it. With the sexiest gravelly voice, he says, “You like watching me,Shpirt Im?” But before I can answer with something snarky, his phone starts to vibrate on the counter, and somebody named Alex is flashing across the screen. “I’ve gotta take this. Excuse me.”

He walks towards the hall off the side of the couch, but with his whole apartment being so open, I can hear him clear as day. I’m anything but self-restrained, so I lean to hear what he’s saying. I know a little about him but not nearly enough.

I hear the one-sided conversation.“Alex,” he clips out.

“What else have you found out?”

“You’ve got to be fucking kidding me!”

After that, he starts speaking Albanian, so I’m not understanding a word of it. I wonder if he wanted to make sure I didn’t know what was being said after that first snippet. I know he’s hiding something, and my nosey-ass needs to know. It still worries me that my stalker is still out there. I know it’s likely not him, but a part of me still wonders.

I’m sipping my wine when he comes up behind me, no longer on the phone, and wraps his arms around my waist. “Sorry about that. It was my cousin from back home.”

“You’re fine.” I try not to be snippy, but it definitely came out that way. “Do you know what the hell is going on with Nash?”

“What do you mean?” He looks at me like he’s genuinely confused. Maybe they’ve been fine this entire time? It could just be me.

“He hasn’t texted or talked to me once since that night we had together.” I feel the heat coming to my cheeks, clearly not over the shit we did that night, but needing to know what the hell has been up with Nash. “I guess this pussy might not be as good as I hype it up to be.” I snort, trying not to let that sound as vulnerable as it was.

“He’s been a little distant with me too, but I figured it was because he was preparing for his first game as a pro.” He trails off, looking at one of the kitchen walls, trying to put it all together. “And if that pussy feels as good as it tastes… I think I might just pass away when I finally sink into you.” My whole body shivers, and his ass is smirking.

“Not to sound like a pick me, but I thought we all hit it off.” I shrug and chug the rest of my red wine, setting my glass back down.

He pulls his phone out. “Well, let’s see what the fuck has been up his ass because it sure as hell hasn’t been me.” I snort; no wonder that poor boy doesn’t want to be around us.

He shoots Nash a text, and about ten minutes later, another full glass of wine is gone and there’s a knock at his door.

1. Dethrone - Bad Omens

Chapter 28

Nash

The high of seeing Ellie and winning has long worn off. I’m sitting in my empty-ass penthouse apartment watching reruns of The Office when I hear my phone chirp.

#1 Receiver

Come over.

What the hell is this, a goddamn booty call. It’s almost eleven; it has to be, right? I bet Ellie told him to fuck off, and I’m his second option.

Nash

I figured you were above abooty call, Z.

#1 Receiver

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