Page 49 of Hawk's Sapphire

If only Hawk could see me now.

I’m not even to blame for getting us on the guest list.For once, I didn’t play a part in messing with someone’s system.I genuinely knew nothing about it, and it makes me smile.

Finally, something that’s not my fault.

After four songs, Matteo leads me off the dance floor to a table with black place cards with our names written in silver cursive.I check the other name cards and find names I don’t recognize.

“Who are these people?”I ask Matteo.

He shrugs.“Rich assholes.”I give him a side glance and he smiles, kissing my temple.

He surprises me when he takes his seat and drags me down to his lap, whispering in my ear, “Relax.These people are nobody to us.We’re here as guests like everyone else.Our only goal tonight is to gain the attention of Cusenza’s men.”

“You think he’ll be here?”

“Cusenza won’t, no.But he sends his scouts.Men with money and an eye for beauty.”He kisses my bare shoulder, and I fight not to react.

We’ve practiced this.Relax.Act natural.Breathe.

A short, stout man with thinning gray hair and a mustache reaches to shake Matteo’s hand, not caring that I’m perched on his lap.“So, good to see you, Mr.Parisi.Will your, uh, the other Mr.Parisi be attending this evening?”

“No.I’m afraid he’s away on business.He sent me in his stead.”

The slit on the side of my dress has fallen open revealing my thigh.Matteo moves his hand from my waist to the exposed skin, giving it a light squeeze.I lean back into his hold, placing my hand atop his.The man looks me over from head to toe.His eyes land on our joined hands and his eyes widen.

“I see.”The man’s smile suggests he’s thinking something inappropriate.The slight tenting of his trousers prove it.“Who’s your friend?”He reaches his hand out to take mine.I lean up, differing to Matteo, a subtle look asking permission to touch another man.Matteo smirks, but gives a nod of approval.

The gentlemen, and I use the term loosely, takes my hand in his and kisses it.His mouth lingering much longer than necessary.Matteo notices it too, and snatches my hand back, glaring at the man.I almost feel bad for the guy.I’ve been on the receiving end of that raised brown and half snarl.It can be quite intimidating.

“Of course.It was a pleasure to meet you, Miss…?”

“Not yours.”It’s the only answer Matteo gives in response.

“I-I see.Of course.I should be going.Good to see you both.”He scurries away and I turn to Matteo to ask, “Who was that beady little man?”

“Lester Boulvine.”Matteo answers.“He owns several shipping and parcel stores.He pays an exorbitant amount of money to attend these events.He’s known for handling special deliveries.”His eyebrow arches.Drugs.I nod understanding.“He has his own couriers who work for his company that he pays extra to run deliveries off the books for special clientele and a customized fee, of course.”

“Hmm.”I grumble.“And is he one of the men you think could be shopping forother productsthis evening?”

“The way he was eyeing you with lustful intentions, I’d say it’s highly probable.”

“In that case, I’ll be right back.”I lean up, smiling as I plant a light kiss to Matteo’s lips.It’s all for show of course, but if we’re going to get attention, I’ll have to be alone.“I need a drink.”Matteo’s eyes narrow.He nods to Sergio, who I didn’t even see in the corner.

“Sergio will accompany you to the bar.”He quirks that eyebrow again, and I know not to argue.

I let out a little huff and roll my eyes earning me a light slap to the ass and I yelp.“Behave, Dolcezza.”

“Always.”I laugh.Matteo helps me get to my feet.Sergio comes to my side, ushering me with a wave of his hand.I turn to head to the bar and run smack into a hard chest.When I look up, a set of dark brown eyes are looking back at me and a devilish smirk my gut tells me not to trust.

“My apologies, Miss?”The loud scraping sound of a chair fills the sir behind me and Matteo’s hands come to my waist, holding me in place.I tip my head back, remembering not to speak to anyone unless he gives permission.The handsome man watches and seems pleased with our interaction.

Matteo gives a shake of his head, and I immediately avert my eyes from the stranger’s.

“Go, Dolcezza.Sergio will get you a drink.Make sure you come right back afterward.”

“I need to use the restroom, sir.”I look to Matteo and wait.

He nods.“Sergio, stay with her.She’s to talk to no one and come straight back.”

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