Page 97 of Ruin Me With Lies
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HEADS TURN ASStefano escorts me into a swanky restaurant nestled in a posh neighborhood, his hand firm at the small of my back.Some patrons offer respectful nods.Others swiftly avert their gaze.
The air is steeped in elegance.Velvet conversation, clinking crystal, and music that floats like silk—soft, sultry tunes spun by a pianist and saxophonist on a dais at the front.
A familiar server greets us and guides us to a private VIP section.
As we settle in, Stefano casually says, “Brian?”
The server snaps his spine straight.“Mr.Castello.”
“If there are any ‘Kimones’working in the kitchen tonight,” he says, slow and pointed, “tell them to think twice.”
The blood drains from Brian’s face.“Measures have been put in place, sir.Your trust will never be violated again.”
With a single nod, Stefano waves him off.“Go.”
Once the server scurries away, I glance at him.“What time did you agree to meet?”
Stefano checks his watch.“Thirty-two minutes from now.”
“And your instructions for me?”
“You’ll be introduced as my adviser.Advisers listen, observe, analyze, andadvise.” His voice is unusually light.“This is less of a meeting and more of a formality.The real discussion is scheduled in a few days.All communication so far has been with the head honcho and his advisers, but it’s his sons who’ll be relocating to handle the Vegas leg of the operation.Tonight is just a vibe check.”
“Ah, okay.”
He adds, “Business talk will be kept to a minimum.You don’t need to do anything but smile, look pretty, and let me know later if you catch any red flags.”
He thinks I’m pretty now?“But I actually get to eat this time, right?”
One corner of his mouth twitches, an amused glint in his eyes.“Do you ever think of anything other than food?”
I pretend to consider it.“Hmm…meh.Not really.Nothing seduces my brain quite as much.”
Abruptly, he stands and extends his hand.“Come dance with me.”
Uh, wait…what?Dance?Did I mishear that?“Huh?”
“It’s a good way to kill time and take stock.”He nods toward the open floor near the front of the restaurant, where the musicians are tucked into a spotlighted corner.“The music’s good.Let’s show them we appreciate it.”
Of all the things Stefano Castello does to surprise me, this might top the list.“I didn’t peg you as the type to dance in public while people watch.”
“Now you know.”His long fingers curl in a subtlecome here.“Let’s go.”
Stunned and intrigued, I stand and place my hand in his, letting him lead me out.He acknowledges the musicians with a respectful nod, then loops his arm around my waist, pulling me against him with no hesitation.Effortlessly, he takes the lead, guiding me into a slow, sinuous waltz that’s entirely too sexy for this much clothing.
“You’ve got some nice moves, Mr.Castello.”
He leans in, his mouth brushing my ear.“Inallareas.”
Hold up.Is he…seducing me?
Or is he screwing with my head?Because an hour ago, I was a “tasteless rag doll.”Earlier today, I was “larvae.”
Yet now…now he’s holding me like Ibelongto him.Like he’s showing me off.Proud to be seen with me.
The king of Vegas.
