Page 59 of Claimed By the Possessive Mafia Prince
“This place is beautiful, isn’t it?”
For the first time, I allow myself to sincerely sink into the moment, allow my mind to settle and stop skipping from task to task.
“Yes,” I tell her. “It’s heavenly.”
“It’s the sort of place a girl could fall in love…”
I aim a sour look at her, knowing it’s unprofessional, but I can’t help it.
She shrugs, not seeming to mind. “I know I’m pushing a little too hard.”
“I’m just not a love-at-first-sight sort of gal.”
“Oh, all that? Ignore me. I get a little sentimental. It’s in my nature. Forget love. Forget what comes after, even. All I know is that my son hasn’t behaved like this in years, perhaps ever.”
My heart picks up speed, a tingle shivering over my body. It’s like what Dario said about our chemistry.
“I enjoy seeing him happy and hopeful.”
“I’m not sure what he’s told you, but it’s not like we’re dating or anything like that.”
She aims a knowing look at me. “Hmm, whatever you say.”
“Sorry, Mrs.—Marcela…doyou know where he is?”
“He mentioned something about the gym,” she replies. “Go easy on him. I’m sure he has a good reason for arranging the wine tasting. Perhaps he wanted to take some of the load off you. He’s always been helpful like that.”
You don’t have to give me the sales pitch, I almost say, but I stop myself.
“Thanks,” I mutter. “I’ll see you later.”
“Bye, bye, dear.”
I leave her, walking to the gym, the wine-tasting invitation clenched in my fist.
The gym is at the very rear of the spa facility, down a narrow, private corridor. I pause outside the door when I see Dario is the only one inside. He’s on the weight bench, wearing a sleeveless shirt, sweat dripping down his body and making his muscles gleam.
He grunts and hefts weights that look unbelievably huge, his muscles swelling and bunching. I squeeze the invitation even tighter, imagining what it would be like to be those weights. I can’t help it.
Finally, I push into the gym. The door closes behind me. The air conditioning tickling my skin. I feel my nipples hard… from the change in temperature. I tell myself.
He stands, his chest heaving, looking powerful.
“What’s this?” I say, gesturing with the invitation.
“A chance foryouto relax,” he replies, walking up to me. My skin grows hot despite the air conditioning. “And a chance for us to study my uncle in a public setting, to get him drunk and see if he slips up.”
“So, it’s businessandpleasure.”
“Exactly.”
“I wish you’d run it by me first.”
“I checked the schedule. The only events tonight are optional, right?”
“Well, yeah.”
“So, no harm done.” He smirks. “Why are you looking at me like you want to jump my bones?”
