Page 31 of Attraction (Mobsters + Billionaires 3)
“I didn’t like it,” he says, his sweet mouth turned down. “But you were worried for my safety.”
“Still,” I say, kissing the side of his head, “I will never talk to you like that again.”
“Thank you.”
Ford then glances over at Fallon, and I send him a glare that forces him out of my seat.
“Tell me, what kind of fuckery is Fallon up to? Are you okay?”
Ford snarls. “He was being his usual asshole self. Talking about how I was slumming it with mobsters.”
Damn, if that doesn’t piss me offandmake me feel like the lowest piece of shit.
“I’m sorry I put you in this position.”
A line forms between Ford’s eyebrows. “You didn’t do this. You didn’t even know where we were going. They showed up, and you got them outside and away from everyone here. Do you know what the commissioner said?”
I check out the commish in question, knowing he’s working with some Hollywood types to get more benefits for the first responders in this city.
“No, tell me.”
“He said, ‘Thank God Stefano is here. He’ll know how to deal with them.’”
I suck in a deep breath. “Thank you for letting me know. I was starting to think that maybe my do-gooder era was about to finish before it started.”
Ford hugs me again, placing his hand on my chest. “Impossible. Doing good isn’t what you do. It’s who you are. Now, come on, I had Cesar pack our desserts. Will you come to my place for a nightcap?”
I know he’s not asking for sex, and I would never assume otherwise, but it still makes my heart pound to be invited to his place.
“Of course. And I’m sorry I ruined dinner for us.”
He shakes his head. “You didn’t ruin it. In fact, I’m willing to bet you saved the evening in a big way.”
I shrug. “Maybe. Didn’t hurt that Hopper showed up.”
Ford claps his hands. “Wait. Hopper’s here?”
I shake my head. “He disappeared into the night.”
Ford’s eyes go round. “How very dramatic.”
“Indeed.” I turn to my friend, taking the carefully packaged desserts from his hands. “Cesar, buddy, I am so sorry for this.”
Cesar laughs. “What’s more badass than an underground kitchen dinner with a mobster showdown? Are you kidding? These people will be talking about it forweeks.”
Some of the diners chuckle, and I wave. “Sorry, folks. We’ll be leaving a little early, but I hope you enjoy the rest of your evening.”
A few people—not Fallon—wish us well. Ford’s security guy is waiting for us by the curb.
“Kej, right?”
“Yes, sir.”
“Look, I need you to get us out of Brooklyn as fast as possible. Can you do that for me?”
Ford turns to me with wide eyes. “Wait, are we in danger?”
I caress his cheek. “No, little bird. But I’m not going to chance it.”
