Page 27 of Her Guardian
“Boyd,” he growls.
“Nikolai,” I answer, then walk past him.
Sarah gives him a curious look, stopping for a moment before hurrying to catch up. I open the door for her and wait for her to exit before I step outside the bar.
“Am I crazy, or did that guy look a lot like Massimo?” Sarah asks, glancing back at me.
“Yeah,” I grunt. “Salvatore’s bastard.”
“I guess he wasn’t invited to the wedding?” Sarah questions, trying to keep up with me as I walk to the SUV.
“He was, but he never shows up for any of that shit,” I explain. “Salvatore’s wife isn’t fond of having him around and he knowsit. Can’t blame her. Salvatore knocked up a cocktail waitress while his wife was pregnant with Massimo.”
“Damn,” she says. “And she stayed with him? I guess so, since Massimo is the oldest.”
“That’s their business. I don’t know what happened, exactly, but they’re still together.” I shrug and open the passenger door.
“I really hope Massimo doesn’t do anything like that while Lea is pregnant,” she says apprehensively, then climbs up and gingerly sits down.
“Nah, not Massimo,” I assure her. “He’s too loyal.”
I close her door, walk around to my side, and get in the vehicle. We make small talk on the way back to Salvalagio. Sarah tries to unpack me a little more, but I turn it around on her, and once she starts talking about her podcast, all I have to do is listen.
The excitement is back in her lovely voice. Like it was in her older podcasts. My hard, callused hand and rage-fueled justice didn’t traumatize hertoomuch. Considering how much she likes true crime, it might have even excited her a little. She got to see the action firsthand for a change, instead of just talking about it.
“Run upstairs and get your notebook,” I say as I turn into the parking lot of Salvalagio Hotel and Casino. “We’ll find a bar to work on your notes in.”
“Or you could just come up to my room,” she offers, her eyes flickering with something other than curiosity. “I’ve got a mini-bar, and I don’t mind if you smoke.”
Damn. I should refuse. This could lead to trouble. I’m already thinking about things I shouldn’t be. I think she’s having thesame thoughts. I see it in her eyes. That lingering need. That gnaw for something she’s never had before.
Her virginity isn’t enough to stop me. Not if I give in. If I give in, nothing will stop me from claiming her, dominating her, and making her mine ineveryfucking way. That part is easy. It’s letting gothat becomes a challenge.
“Alright,” I relent. “If I’m filling in some blanks, privacy might be best.”
I’m not much of a liar, but that’s a half-truth. Privacy might be best for sorting out her notes, but it also leaves the door open for other things. Things that require a lot more privacy, even if everyone on her floor would hear her screaming my name.
I park the SUV, get out, and walk around to open her door. She waits for me this time. I like that.
Several members of the Morandi family are inside when we arrive. The meanest motherfucker in a kilt is front and center, so I acknowledge him with a nod.
“Ye a’ight, Big Boyd?” Rowan asks. His accent isn’t as thick as his father’s, but he spent a lot of time in Scotland when he was younger, so it’s noticeable. “Ye were on a mission when I saw ye earlier.”
“Yeah,” I answer. “Just had to handle something.”
“And how are ye doing, lass?” Rowan asks, turning his attention to Sarah. “Is Big Boyd taking good care of the boss lady’s best friend?”
“He is,” Sarah answers, flashing me a smile. “Best tour guide ever!”
I can’t help but laugh quietly under my breath.
“Aye, Big Boyd knows Las Vegas better than most,” Rowan says.
“Your father says hello.” I motion toward Rowan. “We stopped by the Broken Lily earlier for a drink.”
“This early?” Rowan scoffs. “We aren’t seventeen anymore, Big Boyd. Can’t be downin’ them before noon, my friend.”
“Meh,” I mutter. “I’m about to have another one. Go see your old man. He misses you.”
