Page 27 of The Mafia's Captive

His face reddens. Is that a blush? No fucking way. I doubt Dante has any red blood flowing through his veins. He’s nothing but ice. As if to prove that assertion, he grabs my wrist and says, “You see this little thing here,” as he rubs his finger on the bracelet, flicking it. My body, like clockwork, ignites into a series of electric shots running from where he touches me to every part of me.

“It’s there to make sure you don’t get any ideas,” he says. I roll my eyes. How many times does he have to tell me? He tightens his grip. “I’m being serious. If you step out of the casino, I’ll notice and if I catch you, best believe a bullet is going to your head.”

Standing like this, his on me, his cologne invading my nostrils, concentration on his words is hard, but the naked threat pierces through the veil. “I understand. But if you want me to comply, I’m going to need something else in return.”

“You’re not in the position to bargain.”

“I need my phone back. It’s going to be weird to be back again without a phone.”

His eyes narrow. He looks like he’s about to spit some retort when we’re interrupted by a knock on the door. Dante doesn’t let me go. “Enter.”

“I was told you needed me.” Sal marches in and stops talking when he sees us. A look of surprise passes over his face, but he immediately catches himself and plasters his usual blank mask. “I could give you more time if—”

Dante drops my hand like it burns. “Stay.” He goes over to his desk and sits in his chair. He’s in business mode now. “I wanted you to clear her security details.”

“Who?”

“Who else is in here? Corina. She is coming back to work.”

Sal stutters again, but he recovers. “Whatever you say.”

“Great. And I’m going to need someone else to replace Colin while he’s on leave.”

“Of course. I heard about Rio, are you—” Sal’s gaze goes to me. And so does Dante’s. “You can leave us now. Get back to work.”

“What about my phone?” I say.

“Get to work before I lose my patience.”

“Dick,” I mutter as I get out. Curious gazes follow me as I make my way out of the offices. I don’t even have to see Brian. We bump into each other in the corridor and an hour later, I have my employee card back, my old table, and I’m ready to work. Jesse is still there when I arrive. At least the table is empty. We can catch up.

“Corina! I thought you got a better gig now.”

“No. Still here. Thanks for minding my station, by the way.”

“Oh right. Of course. I just didn’t expect you to, you know.”

I perch myself on a chair. “You seem a little flustered. What’s wrong?”

She shakes her head vigorously. “What! No! It’s just this thankless job that’s it. You, on the other hand, have a lot you’ve been hiding.”

“Uh. I hope people haven’t been saying anything.”

“They weren’t until you walked in with the boss's hand across your arm.”

“Whatever you heard, we weren’t walking arm in arm.”

“I’m still angry for you not telling me about your new boyfriend” There’s something off about her tone and her entire demeanor. She sounds less like an inquisitive friend and more of a suspicious one, even though she’s trying to put up an overly friendly tone. If only she knew half the truth. If only I could tell her. For all I know, Dante could be listening in on our conversation right now. He says the bracelet is tracking the device, but I doubt that’s all it does. It could be a microphone for all I know.

“It’s not what you think.”

“So, you two are not dating?”

I think of the phone call. I told her it’s Dante to piss him off. Now I’ve put myself in a corner. “We are. But keep it a secret, will you?”

“I don’t know. Half the place already saw you coming in with him this morning.”

“Doesn’t mean we’re dating.”

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