Page 62 of Mercy (The Sins Trilogy 3)
I’m picking Tony up at six. From his office.
Then seven should do. The reservation will be under your name.
I raise an eyebrow at that, as though it’s a foregone conclusion I’ll have a table tonight, but I don’t comment. Let the man work his magic the way he wants.
At five, I go to the ladies’ room and put on the garter belt and the fishnet stockings I asked Yuna to drop off—she was thrilled to play a part.
The black laces match the lacy strapless bra I put on this morning. Should I keep my panties? Or should I go bold and just take them off?
They’re sort of plain…and although black, not lacy. I nibble on my lip. They’re likely going to ruin the effect. What the hell. Just take them off. Nobody’s going to know anyway. My dress is low enough to not flash anyone.
I smooth the skirt of my dress and shove the panties down to the bottom of my purse. Then I finger-comb my hair and freshen my makeup.
When I come out, Bobbi nods. “You look great. Love the red on your lips.”
I grin. “Think so?”
“Uh-huh. Although you don’t have to go through this much trouble if the goal is to seduce Tony. You could be in a potato sack, and one crook of your finger, he’d come running.”
I flush with pleasure and embarrassment, because that’s probably true. He’s never made a secret of the depth of his desire for me. “Maybe. But I don’t want to take him for granted. He should be romanced once in a while.” He should be shown his value—how much I cherish him.
A gleaming black stretch limo is waiting outside. Bobbi speaks briefly with the driver, then nods. She’s paranoid the driver could be a potential kidnapper or something. Apparently that happened on one of her previous jobs.
I climb inside, and the limo takes off smoothly. Bobbi follows in her car.
When we get close, I text Tony to let him know we’re arriving soon. And exactly five minutes later, the limo pulls over in front of a waiting Tony.
He looks scrumptious. Stunning face, with features that would make Renaissance sculptures weep with envy. The thick, glossy hair that feels like silk between my fingers. The hot intensity of those green eyes.
And his body. Oh my God. It’s not just big and strong, but knows how to move lethally or sensually, depending on the occasion.
It’s still hard to believe the only person he shows softness and vulnerability to is me. I’m the only one who was able to enter his heart all those years ago and stayed.
The chauffeur opens the door, and Tony climbs in. I lean over and give him a kiss. “How was your day?”
“Most excellent. Thanks for the flowers and cupcakes.”
“My pleasure.” I grin. “I thought you’d enjoy them.”
“Where are we going?” he asks as the limo pulls away.
“You’ll see.”
I loop my arm around his and rest my head on his shoulder. Anticipation bubbles like freshly poured champagne.
“You’re awfully cheery today.”
“Uh-huh. Today’s been very good.” Illuminating, in fact. Because I feel like I understand so much more of Tony now.
He links our fingers, then raises our joined hands and kisses my knuckles. “I’m ready to be surprised.”
Wei was smart to make our reservation for seven, because that’s exactly when we arrive at the restaurant.
I soak in the atmosphere—lots of wood and masculine décor. The baby grand is still in the same spot, but without the pianist.
I give my name to the host. He takes us to a table for two, set with a centerpiece made with a tiger lily and a small candle.
A small hint of panic fleets through Tony’s eyes. “Did I forget an occasion?”
