Page 94 of Arturo's Temptation

“You good?” I asked, which only irritated him further.

“How did you know she wouldn’t miss?” he murmured, tapping his index finger to his chin.

“Didn’t need to. Just had to put my trust in her, which, quite honestly, she needed.” Lorenzo took a breath to speak but I cut him off. “I know you believe in her. But it ain’t enough. She doesn’t think you do. Not really. Fuck, you should have seen the look on her fuckin’ face the moment she knew she could do it. Lit up like a light bulb. I’d say gettin’ covered in this purple shit was all worth it.”

“You just never know when to keep your mouth shut, do you?” Lorenzo pushed himself off of the counter, everyone's eyes boring into him awaiting his next move.

“Never have done, mate. Not my style.”

Lorenzo knew I wasn’t a pushover like the rest of the dumb pricks he’d put under my care. Asides from Red and his closestfew, the rest would roll out the fucking red carpet the second he appeared if they were allowed, just to kiss his arse.

And the only Ricci arse I intended to kiss was currently upstairs in the shower.

“You really believe in my daughter that much?” he asked, taking a sip from his glass.

“More than I’ve believed in many. She’s a strong fuckin’ woman, and she’ll easily fill your shoes,” I strummed my fingers against the marble countertop, cracking my neck. “You’ve just gotta stop babyin’ her.”

“I know she will, I have no doubts.” There was a pause as he stared at me, his nostrils flaring. After about ten seconds and my patience seriously wearing thin, Lorenzo finally held out his hand to me. I took it warily. “You’re a good man, Arturo, I haven’t seen her smile like that in a while.” I gave him a small, satisfied smirk as a flash of respect and pride flickered across his face.

“How ‘bout we go for a drink tonight? I know a place.” My grin grew bigger at the thought. It was in no way the type of bar they were used to, but it was where my mates were.

“You buying?” Tyler quipped up from the stool.

“For your pint of pop? Sure,” I teased, tossing him a can of coke off the table.

“Fuck off, London Boy. I’m allowed to drink.”

I bristled at the name. Only one person in the world called me that and even then she’d get a fair spanking the next time she decided to use it. The thought had my body tightening in all the right places.

“Not if I remember correctly, you ain’t,” I turned to leave the kitchen. “Be ready at eight, you’re in for a night of fun,” I laughed before heading for my room.

“So,this is where we’re in for a fun night, huh?” Lorenzo chuckled, taking in the boisterous Logan’s crowd. Since finding Bella in here not too long ago, I’d often found myself fantasising about what we’d done in Jay’s office… and wanting a repeat.

“Oh he’s had many fun nights here. You fellas are in for a treat,” Josh lined up the bar with the best liquor Jay offered as I pulled out my wallet. “Put that shit away, it’s on the house tonight.” He demolished the last of his beer from the other side of the private bar with a wink.

“There is no way Jay’s tight arse said we can drink for free.”

“Well, this tight arse is allowing it for tonight, so drink the place dry, fellas.” Jay appeared from behind with a slap on my back. “Just don’t be wrecking my bar. I’ve just had the walls repainted.”

“Jay, Josh, meet Lorenzo Ricci,” I said with a small grin, “aka the boss.” I held back a smirk as Jay and Josh both went still. Their eyes went slightly wide as Lorenzo held out his hand to Jay.

“Pleasure to meet you. I can see my name is not… unfamiliar.” Lorenzo’s tone was all business. After a moment, Jay leaned against the bar and took Lorenzo’s hand.

“Yeah, you’re that fella that owns that super classy place that makes my bar look like a shit hole.” And with that, the strained tension leaked out of the moment.

“So, I’m sure you’ve got lots of stories you can share about Arturo here,” he laughed, which earned him an eye roll from me.

“You keep your fat mouth shut,” I pointed at Josh. “And you? There ain’t no fuckin’ stories, so you can get that out your head,old man.” Lorenzo laughed as he downed his whiskey, the banter between all of us came easy as we got used to one another’s company. And despite our jokes and jabs, Lorenzo and his crew didn’t seem to mind the banter here and there.

“Ah, so we’re back to the old man digs, are we?”

Josh coughed as his sip of beer got stuck in his throat while Jay poured himself another two fingers of Irish whiskey. They must have thought Lorenzo would have skinned me alive for a comment like that, but he’d known what he was signing himself up for the day we met.

“Lorenzo Ricci, what are you doing in a shit hole like this?” I didn’t need to turn around to recognise the voice of the man who stood behind me.

“If you’re lookin’ for Isabella, she ain’t here,'' I turned to meet the eyes of the baby faced wanker who thought he could put his hands on my girl.

“Something we can help you with, pal?” Red asked, invading his personal space.

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