Page 41 of Mafia Kingdom

Tony nods, making notes on his tablet. "I'll get everything arranged."

There's a knock at the door, and Ana enters without waiting for a response, her expression professionally blank.

"Miss Gillespie is ready, Sir."

I glance at Tony. "We'll finish this later."

He nods, taking the hint, and leaves without another word. Ana steps aside, revealing Sasha standing in the doorway.

My breath catches.

The dress I'd selected was a deep emerald, almost black in a certain light, clinging to her curves before flowing to the floor. The color brings out her eyes, making them seem even more vivid against her pale skin. Her hair is swept up, revealing the elegant line of her neck, a few strands framing her face. She's...stunning.

For a moment, I forget everything else—the anonymous call, the senator, the shipment, the tensions with Gerald and my father. All I can see is her.

Sasha shifts uncomfortably under my gaze. "Is something wrong?" she asks, breaking the silence.

I clear my throat. "No. You look…appropriate."

Her eyes flash with annoyance at my deliberate understatement. "Glad I meet your standards," she says dryly.

Ana clears her throat discreetly. "Will there be anything else, sir?"

I shake my head, not taking my eyes off Sasha. "That will be all, Ana. Thank you."

After Ana leaves, Sasha steps fully into the room, closing the door behind her. The soft click sounds unnaturally loud in the silence.

"So," she says, gesturing to herself, "is this what you had in mind when you said I needed to look the part?"

I allow myself a small smile. "It'll do."

She narrows her eyes, but there's no real heat in it. "You're impossible."

"I've been called worse," I reply, crossing to the bar to pour myself a drink. "Would you like one? Might help calm your nerves."

She raises an eyebrow. "What makes you think I'm nervous?"

I take a sip of whiskey, savoring the burn. "You've been fidgeting with your bracelet since you walked in."

Sasha glances down as if only just realizing what she's doing. She drops her hand to her side. "Maybe I'm just eager to get this over with."

"Understandable." I set down my glass and move toward her, deliberately. "But first, we need to get a few things straight."

She doesn't back away, which is both surprising and oddly satisfying. "Such as?"

"Tonight, you're my date. As far as anyone at that event is concerned, you're there willingly, eagerly even."

"So I'm supposed to act like I'm enjoying your company?" she asks skeptically.

I step closer until there's barely a foot between us. "Is that really so difficult to imagine?"

Her cheeks flush slightly, and I know she's thinking about the kiss, too. "I'm a terrible actress," she warns.

"Then don't act," I say, my voice lower now. "Just follow my lead and try not to look like you're planning my murder."

That earns me a reluctant smile. "I'll do my best."

I reach out, adjusting a strand of her hair that's fallen across her cheek. Her skin is warm beneath my fingers, and she goes very still at the contact.

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