Page 22 of Attraction (Mobsters + Billionaires 3)
“Did I tell you I ran into him at his bar the other day?”
“The one with all the fancy bourbons?”
“Yes.”
His side-eye is epic. “Yeah, right. You justhappenedto run into him athisbar.”
I rub my neck, not even trying to hide the grin. “Guilty. I may have gone a few times. But it was a Friday evening, and I guess Luca’s newest…boy? Showed up. Sent over from his assistant so he didn’t work too hard.”
Mads grimaces. “Yikes. Major boner killer.”
I tilt my head. “Yeah. Kinda. I know he never treats the people in his employ poorly. When I helped with their financial planning, he was clearly interested in ensuring they have a life after service.”
“That’s extraordinary.”
“Everyone who works for Luca has nothing but the best things to say about him. Mary, his assistant? She used to work in that capacity before she had a kid and didn’t want to do it anymore. She thought she would lose her job when she told Luca she was pregnant, but he noticed she was good with details and brought her on as his professional assistant. But I’d never be able to be in a relationship that isn’t exclusive, so I guess it doesn’t really matter.”
A line appears between Mads’ eyebrows. “Do you assume he would demand non-exclusivity?”
“I have no idea. I know the thought of asking him for exclusivity seems so premature and stupid, but…it’s a hard no for me. I’m already a mess thinking about what sex would be like with him. I can’t imagine I’d ever be able to share.”
“Wait.You keep burying the lead!”Mads dramatically shakes my arm. “So you’ve actually thought of him in a sexual way?”
Completely involuntarily, my eyes roll back in my head. “Of course I have.I very much have.”
“Oh my God! My little boy is becoming a man!”
I elbow him. “Shut up. Virgin does not equal nonsexual.”
My collection of high-end butt plugs would attest to that.
His overjoyed cackle sets something off in my chest, and I start laughing with him. We probably sound like two little schoolboys together, but it feels good to laugh like this with a trusted friend.
After we drop the clothes off with my tailor, Mads turns to me. “There is no right or wrong way to feel about this, and I would be the last person in the world to pressure you into seeing someone who breaks the law for a living. I don’t even know what kind of legal exposure that is for you.”
I shake my head. “There’s no way in hell he’d ever endanger my freedom.”
“It’s definitely a consideration, but I’m telling you… The way he looks at you? He’d move heaven and earth for you. He’d burn down the world for you. I’m sure of it.”
I rub my arms, uncertain. “Is that a good thing though?”
“Yes. Look at Anthony—a completely scrupulous follower of the law, mind you. He raised anarmyto bust me and my family out of that hostage situation in India. Luca was the first to volunteer to go with him, and he shot someone to save me. He didn’t need to go there, but no one was going to stop him from supporting his friend. I can only imagine what he’d do for you.”
I shiver. “I shouldn’t like the sound of that, right?”
“Who cares.Doyou like the sound of it?”
Biting my lip, I gaze up at Mads’ building, where so many of my closest friends live. I nod. “A little more than I should.”
7
LUCA
My building hasa big fancy gym, but far too many people know who I am, which makes working out uncomfortable. Mostly for other people, but I don’t like the furtive looks.
A few weeks ago, I asked Rand and Joe if I could use their workout room and maybe their pool every now and then. They very generously said yes, and now Joe and I work out together most days.
It’s led to a strange but vital friendship. The family he grew up in was particularly dangerous, and saving Rand’s life put him in their crosshairs. They demanded his extradition, which I refused.
