Page 40 of Weaponized

I’m whispering the husky words in his ear now and I feel his whole body tense. He’s turned to granite against me. “I’m going to be counting the minutes until we’re alone,” I confess and he makes a low noise. “But you need to know, baby: I don’t care if other guys look at me.I am yours.Completely. You are the only one who will slide this dress off me later tonight.So,letthem look. They’ll never have what you do. I willneverbe theirs.Only youwill ever have my body and my love.”

He’s breathing heavy now. Matteo lowers his window. “You guys actually have toget inthe car if we have any hope of getting there tonight.”

“I love you, Angel.” Luca’s voice is rough.

I give him a peck on the lips, the chin. “I love you, too. And, Luca? You are mine.”

He takes a deep breath as if to steady himself and opens my door.

Gráinne

The dinner club is palatial, taking up too much space with its steel presence looming on the outskirts of the city. Its solid, oversized front ebony door displays one word etched in gold: Titus.

The four of us stroll up to it as though this is something we do every day. As if we belong here amongst the criminals and the affluent. I suppose we do. The broad structure opens as we approach it, as though it is expecting our arrival. I suppose it is.

We walk through the opening, and the door closes behind us. Lock clicks. I take a deep breath to ground myself and take in my surroundings. Beautiful people with martini glasses. Low jazz. Tinkling laughter and soft conversation. Rich mahogany. Plush seating in deep hues. The smell of wealth in the air. I instantly hate it.

Luca’s fingers are lightly running up and down my bare back. He can’t stop touching me. Since we got into the car tonight, Luca hasn’t let go. I love him for it. I need his strength right now.

Elizabeth comes to my side, and I smile down at her. “Okay?” I need to be sure she’s hanging in there.

“Absolutely.” Her voice has an edge of determination. I reach over to squeeze her hand when I feel his approach.

“You finally made it.” Victor Larozzi is a dominating figure. He is not quite as tall as Luca, but stands towering over most. He takes up space, sucks the air out of the room. It’s impossible not to feel his presence.

He is smiling at the moment, and I can see where his boys get their dimples. Next to him, a fair, raven-haired goddess looks cool and polished. She flashes me a white-toothed smile and I offer mine in return. It’s showtime.

The men give each other those half hugs that guys tend to give, and then Matteo and Luca each give Snow White a kiss on the cheek. I do my best to look unaffected. I’m not used to seeing Luca pay attention to other women. I don’t like it.

Once the family greetings are complete, Luca’s dad turns to Elizabeth and me.

“Lizzie! You have grown into a spectacular woman. It is wonderful to see you again.” His grin is genuine, wide. “It’s even better to see you with Matteo.”

Elizabeth offers a shy smile. “Hello, Mr. Larozzi.”

“Please, call me Victor. We’re all adults now.” His eyes sparkle as he takes her in. She grins back and nods. And, then, he turns his attention to me.

Luca’s arm is around my waist. “Pop, this is Gráinne.” I can tell he’s proud, and warmth spreads through my chest.

“It’s such a pleasure to meet you,” I tell him softly, and I realize I mean it.

He smiles tightly in return. “The tales of your beauty have not been exaggerated. I’m so pleased that you could join us.”

It’s obvious he doesn’t trust me. I recognize his calculating look and perfunctory grin. Rowan was correct earlier when he assumed Victor might see my relationship with Luca as a setup. Disappointment slams into me. Thankfully, I am well practiced at hiding my emotions. My smile turns fake and I increase its wattage, although I don’t believe he notices. As always, my veneer shines.

Victor addresses his sons. “They are at the bar right next to the private dining room I reserved. Supposed to be a pre-dinner drink, but there’s been lots of arguing in Russian. People are giving them their space.”

“Should we go over there?” my boyfriend asks in a tone that says he would rather do anything other than that.

“Let’s get a few cocktails and then begin to make our way,” Victor answers and flags down a server.

I tug on Luca’s suit jacket to gain his attention. “Are you going to introduce me?”

“What?” He looks totally perplexed by my question. “To who?”

I sigh and nod over at his father’s date.

“Oh. Oh! Right! Sorry.” He takes me by the hand and shuffles the few feet over to her.

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