Page 51 of His to Keep
He reciprocated the hand shake with his free hand, the other held a crystal tumbler filled with an amber liquid, ice and lime, smelling oddly of burnt sugar.
“Emilio Falcone, pleased you meet you.” His perfectly neat eyebrow arched. “I’d like to escort you to Sunrise as my guests, if you don’t mind the company?”
Freddy subtly nudged her side with his elbow, clearing his throat suggestively.
“Sure,” she muttered, instantly feeling like an idiot.
“Bene.” Emilio took a sip of his drink. “My business is almost finished here. I will be ready to leave in twenty minutes. Does that suit you?” he asked, leisurely assessing her from top to toe.
She swallowed loudly and cursed herself for the odd gulping noise that sounded louder than it should have.
“Sure.” She shrugged lightly and fumbled with the straps on her dress.
His rosy lips twitched. “Are you always this sure, bella signora?” A wicked smile brought the corners of his mouth up to meet his twinkling dark eyes.
His perfect white teeth gleamed amidst his clean-shaven mocha cheeks.
Her stomach spun like a rinse cycle and she couldn’t tell if she was going to be sick or faint with the rising heat. “Only when it suits, Mr. Falcone.” She almost panted.
Emilio nodded in appreciation. He turned on his heels and sauntered back to the gathering with a hand in his pocket like he was on the catwalk.
Freddy gave her a sideways glance. “Wow! That’s one sexy guy. Quick, let’s get ready. I stink of cooked food.”
She fully agreed with Freddy’s assessment of Emilio, even though her heart was elsewhere, her mind was telling her to move Marcus to the left and get on with the rest of her life.
They parted ways in the lower levels. Lana made a quick dash to her room with a pang of guilt swelling in her belly. She planned to get dolled up for an afternoon of partying and unsavoury behaviour—as recommended by Freddy.
She rummaged through her suitcase, desperate to find an outfit for the swanky roof top bar, in the company of Mr. Sexy Falcone. She wasn’t going to over think the situation. Emilio oozed sex appeal and gave the distinct impression that he was a player, much like the last man she made love to.
Marcus was on her mind, his face emblazoned in her memory. They had furious and thrilling sex, but after the desire had subsided and they lay side by side, they entwined on a deeper level—beyond the physical.
His touch had softened to appreciation. Like a foolish school girl, she was certain he felt something more than lust. It was actually quite tragic how she’d misjudged the whole dynamic. The intensity was a mirage, the desire was a lie, and the tenderness was just a mind game.
After tossing away multiple garments, she finally found a citrus yellow dress that hugged her body like it was painted onto her skin and ending just above the knee. The best choice of a disastrous bunch.
Its saving grace was the low-cut material that left her back the main source of unprotected flesh. A sexy understated approach that didn’t scream out ‘rebound sex required’.
Emilio blew a long whistle when Lana finally joined them. She had skimmed her long lashes with mascara and dusted bronzer over the caramel freckles that kissed the bridge of her nose. Her golden hair tumbled softly over her shoulders, curling at the ends.
Freddy was ready and waiting by the door. His navy chinos hung loosely at the hips and his flamingo pink shirt was neatly tucked in at his slender waist.
“Is your driver here?” Jamie asked Emilio as Lana pranced closer.
“Sì. Are you sure you will not join us?” They shook hands.
Jamie nodded to his right, indicating to the remaining men who gathered at the bar. “These guys are having a few more drinks. Maybe later, Falcone. Once again it was a pleasure doing business with you. We will seal the deal tomorrow evening, now that you’re happy with the terms.”
“Sì. Tomorrow evening will be a big celebration. The money will be transferred once the contracts are signed. Send my regards to your brother. I hope to see him in the near future. I hear he is going after Devereux?” Emilio widened his stance and lifted his palms to alternative armpits with his thumbs pointing upwards.
Jamie nodded with confidence. “They’ve been in discussions for some time now. It’s a mutual merger, Marcus is ironing out the agreement before signing on the dotted line.”
Emilio slapped Jamie on his taught bicep. “As long as he knows who he’s getting into bed with, my friend.”
Lana inched closer. Jamie’s business-like demeanour softened as if he understood her inquisitive behaviour.
“You behave yourself, love. If you’re stuck for a ride home, please call me. I’ll arrange for one of my guys to collect you.” He winked like it was second nature, then shoved his hands in his pockets and casually strolled back to his guests.
“Shall we?” Emilio held out his elbow, beckoning Lana to latch on.
