Page 16 of Attraction (Mobsters + Billionaires 3)
“It feels like I’m the only one who got my mother’s build. I’ve got three big strapping brothers, all of whom look like my dad, and I’m the one who got the thin frame and a few muted Thai features like my mom.”
“Bet you got told to eat a sandwich a lot.”
His jaw tightens. Dammit, Ididstep in it.
“I was this height when I was at least thirty pounds lighter and a socially awkward DnD nerd. That combination came with a lot of confidence-killing nicknames and very few opportunities to explore…other people.”
I bet he was adorable back then, and I stifle anger at the teenagers who made fun of him.
He huffs a dry laugh, continuing, “I figured I’d gain some experience in college, but…yeah, that didn’t work out for me.”
I hate that I’m the one who brought up the subject that’s darkening his shine. I reach for his hand.
“You are a unique bird, Ford. I’m sorry for being insensitive about your weight. I’m protective of the people I care about.”
He huffs out a laugh, squeezing my hand before letting it go. Swiping a piece of bread through his marinara sauce, he says, “Oh, I see it. Look at the way you baby us on poker night. You might not pull out the Pappy Van Winkle, but you serve a new cocktail every week, and it’s always made from high-end liquor and some kind of artisanal mixer. It’s one of the things that makes going to your home special, and that’s why we keep coming back week after week. You make us feel welcome.”
I chuckle, pushing my dish away. He grabs another piece of bread and sludges it through the cream sauce on my plate. My cock aches, and I’m grateful for poorly lit corner booths.
“Why are you laughing?” he asks, putting the piece of bread in his mouth.
Even the way you chew is sexy.
“Because. You not so much, but Mads and Rand always act like I’m two seconds away from pulling out a Gatling gun and mowing everybody down.”
Ford laughs. “Not going to lie, it took me a while to stop feeling that way. They do like you, I hope you know. The three of us are good friends, and we talk about everybody behind their backs.”
I snort, knowing he doesn’t mean that in a bad way.
“Laugh all you want, but they—and I—always appreciate what you do.”
“Do you now?” I ask, unreasonably pleased by this information.
“Why does this surprise you? You hired Charlie to rescue and rehouse those workers who’d been enslaved. More importantly, you went with Anthony to India to save Mads from theRussians. Of course, we lo—appreciate you. You’re one of the good ones.”
He lowers his eyes to his tapered fingers, biting back a smile.Oh, little bird. You kill me with these tells.
“Me? Good? You wound me,” I say, placing a dramatic hand on my chest.
Ford’s laugh is quiet, like a crystal wind chime tinkling in the background. I rub my hand over my chest as I continue, “Until you billionaire types came along, I didn’t have friends outside of Anthony, and he’s like a brother. In many ways closer than Hopper because Anthony and I grew up together. We didn’t have people outside of…” I pause, gesturing in a circle.
Ford nods. “That’s the case with all of us. We were all outliers and misfits in our own single-serving worlds. Hell, if Mads, Rand, and I didn’t have money, we’d be the weirdos. Instead, we’reeccentric.”
“Nah, you’re still pretty weird,” I say, catching the piece of bread Ford tries to throw at my head. I run it through the cream sauce like he did and pop it into my mouth. His eyes trace my lips, jaw, and Adam’s apple as the bread makes its way down.
After another pass of my lips, his eyes finally meander back to mine, and his chest rises. I enjoy the effect I have on him.I enjoy it very much.
Ford picks up the conversation where it left off. “I like helping people plan for the future. You don’t like it when people are treated like chattel slaves. Joe doesn’t like it when big corporations take advantage of the little guy, and Rand and Mads agree with us on all counts. And then there’s Anthony, your consigliere who doesn’t break the law. None of us make any sense.”
He lifts his elegant shoulders in an unaffected shrug, and I smile.
“We’re all a little lucky, no?”
Ford nods, tweaking his colorful cravat with a smile.
“Is that why you want to do this gala season with me? Because I’m just as weird as you are?” I ask, unable to stop the grin he puts on my face.
He nods, adjusting his adorable lime-colored frames. “I know you’re trying to rehab your image, but I gotta ask: what’s the real reason you want to be involved in these charities? I hope it’s okay to ask that.”
