Page 7 of Attraction (Mobsters + Billionaires 3)
Because Luca is a mobster who runs drugs, guns, and people. That fact burns straight through the haze of alcohol.
“No need to overwork you tonight. What is your name again?”
“Benji.”
“Thank you, Benji. Can you wait for me by the front door?”
Benji’s smile brightens, and he quickly walks toward the entryway.
Luca moves around the counter, and I stand. I’m a little taller than he is, willowy compared to his strong, elegant build. He fingers my lapel, gazing deeply into my eyes, his shapely lips curved slightly downward.
“I’m glad you stopped by. I hope you’ll do so again in the future.”
My eyes flick to Benji, who sends me another bright smile.
“Um, yes. Of course. I’m happy to taste any bourbon you send my way.” Hesitating, I stutter forward as the regular bartender appears out of nowhere. “I—of course, am happy to get this round of drinks. If you’ll let me.”
I shiver as his lips flatten into a thin line.
“Or not,” I joke, hoping to alleviate the tension.
“Or not,” he says, his smile making a brief return. “I’m sorry our time was cut short. Of course, you are welcome to stay as long as you’d like and try anything here. What’s mine is yours.”
I glance again in Benji’s direction.That’s not true of everything of yours.I’m glad I don’t say the words out loud.
I dip my head. “I appreciate it. I, uh, have to be going myself, but I’ll be back to see what else you’ve got in those reserve cabinets of yours.”
Despite his many flirtations, Luca has never asked me out on a date. He put his arm around my waist the first night I met him, and for a second, I wanted nothing more than to give myself over to his warmth. But that sort of vulnerability is an immediatefuck no, and I pulled away with my heart beating out of my chest.
Danger,Ford Bradley.Danger.
Luca’s been nothing but a perfect gentleman since.
Luca slowly crosses the room, and I don’t know what he expects from me. Does he want me to ask him not to go upstairs with Benji? Does he want me to ask him not to sleep with the people on his roster? Does he want me to ask him to sleep with me?
I know if I asked any of those things, he would comply. But who he is hasn’t changed, and I wonder if he’s allowed this exchange so I can be reminded of his true nature.
He has to know it’s a hardnofor me. I could never be with someone who has to “quality check” his goods, especially if those goods are the bodies of young men and women in his employ.
He sends me a nod, and I reach for my glass, holding it up. With a sardonic smile, I tip the rest of the expensive amber liquid down my throat.
“Till next time,” he says over his shoulder, Benji at his side.
I reach for the tumbler he left behind and down it in one gulp.
That was a close call.
3
LUCA
It’s poker night,my favorite night of the week. The designation used to go to Friday nights when I would indulge with one of my willing escorts, but I haven’t had the stomach for that in a long time.
Mary still sends them, and I tip them well, then send them on their way. If they’re new, I make sure they feel comfortable telling a client no and understand how to use the emergency tracking fobs we bought from my buddy Mads’ company in case a client won’t take no for an answer.
When Mads and Anthony moved into a bigger, brighter apartment, there was some chatter about moving poker night to their place. Thankfully, everybody vetoed the idea because they think my dark librarian vibe is perfect for poker night.
I think the charcoal-gray touches, beautiful greenery, and heavy modern furniture give the billionaire types a sense of mobster without it being too scary. And for some reason, that amuses me. They’re cute, these billionaires who’ve decided they want to do good for people through…an association with me and mine?
