His to Possess (Mafia Kingpins #4)

7. Blake

7

BLAKE

I ’m trying to make Grady—I mean, Angelo—understand the severity of the situation. I don’t exactly understand yet how John Grady knew I was coming for him and, dammit, I hate being outsmarted. It’s my job to stay at least one or two steps ahead of everyone else at all times. And tonight I failed epically.

It’s important to remain calm and figure a way out of our dire predicament. But with every NYC bounty hunter after us, I’m a bit at a loss. I’m having trouble wrapping my head around the fact this Grady character flipped the tables on me. Someone must’ve tipped him off. But, that still doesn’t explain how Angelo and I ended up on the Kill List. I’m pissed, but I need to take a deep breath and look at the big picture. Look at the entire situation with an objective point of view.

Now it’s time to get things back on track. Otherwise, the end result is going to be disastrous for me and the man I now have to protect. Because, yeah, Angelo Rossi has just become my responsibility whether I like it or not.

“We need to lay low for the night,” I say as I unlock the building’s back door. This place is located in a questionable neighborhood and I never come here. No one knows about it and, unless someone followed us here, we should be safe. I did my best to make sure that didn’t happen, though, and I feel confident that we’ll be okay.

At least, I hope so. At the way this night is going, I’m not going to count out anything or anybody. Staying alert and aware of my surroundings is key.

As we hike up the dimly-lit staircase, Angelo mutters, “I didn’t sign up for this John Wick shit, you know.”

“I know.” Even though I never apologize, I feel bad for dragging Angelo into such a big mess. “I’m sorry.”

He leans in closer as though he couldn’t quite hear the mumbled apology. “What’s that?” he teases. “Didn’t quite hear you.”

When I don’t respond, he nudges me with an elbow.

“Sorry,” I repeat sincerely. “I truly didn’t mean for things to go down like this.”

He seems to consider my words for a moment then gives me a shrug and those adorable simples of his pop out. “Well, I suppose it hasn’t been all bad.”

We pause outside a door and I look up at him. Why does he have to be so incredibly attractive? It’s doing funny things to my insides. Making them hum and sing with increasing awareness.

“It’s been awful,” I say. “If you haven’t noticed, people are trying to kill us.”

“I might have a solution to that problem,” he says as I unlock the door and we step into the apartment’s small living room. It’s dark and dingy, and the last place I want to be right now.

I don’t have a lot of faith in Angelo’s ability to actually be able to help the situation but, at this point, I’m open to ideas. “Oh? And what’s that?” I ask, quickly shutting and locking the door behind us. I slide the second and third bolts into place. Just to be safe.

“I can call my older brother Miceli. He’ll take care of it.”

I raise a dubious brow. “The bounty for our heads has been set and it’s high. How is he going to change that?”

“Miceli is one of the heads of the Five Families. He has a lot of power and influence over this city.”

“Maybe when it comes to certain things, but I doubt his influence extends to my world.”

“I think you’d be surprised.”

I shrug a shoulder. “We’ll be safe for tonight. But if you want to call him in the morning, go for it. I’m just not going to hold my breath.”

“Way to be optimistic,” he says, and I can’t help but frown.

Optimism is an emotion I’ve rarely felt in my life. I discovered early on, the world is a dark, scary place filled with bad people who have even worse intentions. I’ve spent most of my life viewing the glass as half empty not full. And sometimes there’s not even a damn glass at all.

“Excuse me, for not being Miss Pollyanna Sunshine, but I’m a realist. And, right now, the blunt truth is we’re royally fucked.”

“I’m just trying to stay positive over here and you’re not helping.”

I shake my head and walk over to the window, making sure the curtains are drawn tightly shut and no one can see in, not even a crack. He moves up beside me, his energy and warmth radiating over and searing through me when his arm brushes against mine.

Ignore it, I tell myself. Just ignore him and the way he’s making you feel.

Alive, I realize.

“Everything will be okay,” he says.

I turn to face him, not sure I’ve ever met such an optimistic person before. Honestly, I’m not sure what to do with him. A part of me wants to drop him off at his brother’s house, leave this city and never look back. But, an even bigger part of me wants to get to know Angelo Rossi better. Although, I have no idea why.

“I hope you’re right,” I say.

Normally, I keep my distance from everyone, especially men. But, Angelo is very charming, likable and the most beautiful man I’ve ever met. It occurs to me that his presence is making this situation better. I’m used to being on my own, figuring things out myself, but now I have someone else by my side. It’s selfish of me to think—but, I’m glad he’s here with me.

Despite trying to remain cool and keep my distance, I find myself warming up to him. Against my will. But, how can I not? It’s the strangest thing, but he calms me, centers me, and makes me believe we will be able to find a way out of our current situation. Although I have no idea how.

“If you want to sleep, the bedroom is all yours,” I say, motioning toward a door off of the living room. The apartment is small and, although a little dusty, it serves its purpose, providing us a temporary safe haven. I’m sure Angelo is used to better accommodations, but there’s not much I can do. The Ritz-Carlton is definitely off the table for tonight.

His dark gaze holds mine, steady and searching. “I’d rather stay out here and keep you company. Entertain you with my charming personality.”

“You’re really something,” I mutter and drop down on the couch, trying hard not to smile. It’s kind of impossible, though. He’s far too adorable.

“I could say the same thing about you.”

The old couch cushion sags beneath his weight when he sits down next to me. Far too close, I might add, but I’m not complaining. He’s a good distraction and his lightheartedness is something I rarely see in other people. And, dammit, I kind of like it. I’m starting to like him.

“So, Butterfly, what made you get into the bounty hunting business?” he asks, flashing those delicious dimples of his again.

“Next question,” I say without missing a beat.

He chuckles. “Oh, c’mon. Since we’re stuck together—mind you, I’m not complaining—why don’t we get to know each other a little better?”

Revealing anything too personal is dangerous, but something about this man lulls me into a false sense of security. I’m not sure whether it’s his delicious scent—something spicy and intriguing—or his deep, steady voice, but he’s pulling me under his spell. Making me want what I haven’t allowed myself to have. Ever.

Having a dangerous occupation means I can’t allow myself to get too close to anyone. Okay, maybe that isn’t the complete truth, but it’s a crutch I rely on and use to convince myself that it’s fine. It’s fine that I’ve never been in a serious relationship, it’s fine that I don’t date and it’s totally and completely fine that I’m a twenty-seven year old virgin.

After what I’ve been through—foster care and a terrible upbringing—I’ve never allowed myself to get too close to anyone, especially men. However, Angelo is reeling me in and tempting me in ways I’ve never been tempted before.

My attention drops to his mouth and I study his lips. Of course, they’re perfect. Not too thin or too full and when they curve up, I want to kiss them. Thoroughly.

“I meant we get to know each other better by talking, but if you’d rather do something else…” He lets his voice trail off suggestively and smirks. I know he’s not serious, that he’s only joking, but, at the same time, I’m beginning to wonder if this mixup happened for a reason.

And maybe I should take advantage of being stuck in this apartment with this sinfully good-looking man for the night.

The fact that I’ve never been intimate with a man just sort of happened. It’s not something I let myself think about too often because…well, it’s embarrassing. Plus, I’m such a private person. The idea of opening myself up, physically and emotionally, is daunting. Unless you don’t, a little voice whispers. Just keep it about experiencing pleasure and unloading your virginity. After tonight, you’re a ghost.

Hmm. This might be a good chance to do exactly that. Once I straighten this clusterfuck out, I’m never going to see Angelo again. There won’t be any way to get hurt or my heart tangled up or, even worse, broken. It would only be a one-night stand.

I’ve never seriously considered sleeping with anyone before…until now. And, dammit, I can’t stop picturing him in that shower. Every wet, slick, hard, very impressive inch. Shit. I’m starting to overheat.

“What’s your name?” he whispers and my gaze snaps up. His dark brown eyes search mine, trying to find answers that I’m reluctant to give.

“Butterfly,” I automatically respond. I can’t tell him the truth. He’s already in enough trouble and, from the sexy way he’s looking at me, I think I’m in a boatload of trouble, but of a different sort.

And I’m kind of excited about it.

I’ve already lost control of the situation. If I indulge a little more, would it really even matter? Everything is such a mess, has spiraled completely out of control, so what could it possibly hurt if I spend a little time getting to know this perfect specimen of a man better?

“Your parents named you Butterfly?” he challenges with another little smile.

At the mention of my parents, two people I never knew, I pull back. It’s like he tossed a bucket of ice cold water over me. My walls shoot right back up, lock into place, and I slide a little further away from him.

“What’s wrong?” he asks, concern washing over his face.

“Nothing.”

“Damn, you don’t offer up much information, do you?”

“I don’t know what you want me to say.”

“Just a simple yes or no. I thought that was a safe question, but I guess I was wrong.”

“I…wasn’t close to my mom or dad.” I have no idea what possesses me to tell him that, but the words just sort of leave my mouth. I don’t want his sympathy and, to my surprise, he doesn’t give me any. Instead, his eyes fill with a steely anger.

“Then they were idiots because anyone who has a daughter as cool as you should consider themselves lucky.” He leans closer and my breath catches in my throat. “I find you absolutely fascinating.”

For a moment, I can’t breathe. He’s so close and I just blink stupidly, at a complete loss as his spicy scent fills my nose. Finally, after what feels like forever, I find my words.

“You do?” I sputter. His confession throws me for a loop. I don’t know if he’s flirting or bullshitting me or just passing the time with meaningless conversation. It’s not so much that he’s hard to read, but more so that I have very poor skills when it comes to reading men and even less when it comes to getting my flirt on. But, hand me a gun or a knife and I’m ready to rock and roll.

God, I’m weird and backwards. No wonder I’m alone and find it much more to my liking than socializing. I’d rather talk about weapons than makeup. And I know a helluva lot more about being single and alone then trying to be some kind of seductive siren.

Angelo, on the other hand? Without a doubt, he is a player extraordinaire. The kind of man who will swoop in and charm the pants—and panties—right off any woman who crosses his path. And, I have a very good feeling the women he’s known have shed their undergarments without hesitation.

When it comes to the game of love and seduction, he’s definitely a shark while I’m a minnow. But, for some crazy, inexplicable reason, I’m ready to head out into deeper water and try something I’ve never done before.

Go swimming with a shark.