Page 46 of Mob Princess

I grinned. “Thank you.”

She looked up at me. “Anytime, Israel. I mean that.”

I winked. “Careful what you wish for.”

“And why is that?”

I pulled her close to me. “Because I might call you one day and ask for something to be removed.”

She fluttered her eyelashes. “Don’t mind if I squeal with delight, then.”

I chuckled. “You like that?”

“What? The idea of taking your clothes off? I think you know me better than that by now.”

I do.

As those two little words danced around in my mind, I felt her breath pulsing against my lips. My hand slid into hers, our fingers softly intertwining. I heard her draw in a shuddered breath. I squeezed her hand as everything within me mounted. I felt my cock stiffen. My gut clenched. My toes curled in my freshly-shined shoes as I licked my lips.

“Israel?”

“Yes?”

She sighed. “We’re going to be late.”

The sadness in her voice ripped me out of my trance, and I studied her. I really, genuinely studied her. She stepped away from me and turned her back. And I could have sworn her shoulders were slumped. “Stand up straight.”

She peered over her shoulder. “What?”

I straightened. “Stand up straight. Never give the appearance that something is weighing you down. Not in front of this crowd.”

“I didn’t realize I had to put that front on with you as well.”

Then, she disappeared from my closet.

“Damn it,” I murmured.

After I finished getting ready, I headed downstairs. Bonnie stood by the elevator, waiting for me, but she didn’t turn around when I approached. She had her sash over her bare shoulders, and her clutch squeezed tightly within her grasp. I plucked my coat off the rack and slid it over my shoulders before wrapping my neck up with a scarf. “Ready?”

She rolled her shoulders back. “Whenever you are.”

I placed my hand on the small of her back before I summoned the elevator. “And just so we’re clear, I want to say one thing.”

She slowly looked up at me as the elevator doors slid open. “What is it?”

I led her inside the cab. “I will never expect you to put on any kind of front with me. Ever. Understood?”

She took in a deep breath and released it. “I understand.”

I nodded curtly. “Good.”

The elevator whisked us away before four new security guards I had hired followed us out to the town car. I opened the door for Bonnie and helped her inside, which gave me a moment to gather my bearings. I knew I’d kick up some dust with this. I knew my father wouldn't like this at all, especially since I had that lunch date with Mrs. Esposito the very next day.

But I knew where I stood with Bonnie, and I knew what we were trying to do.

And no one would take that away from me.

I slipped into the car, and one of my security officers closed the door. Then, the driver took off towards the party destination. I already knew what the place would look like, but I was anxious to see what Bonnie thought of it. If I knew her as well as I thought I did, her reaction would be a refreshing one.

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