Chapter 7 #2
Grabbing onto the counter, I held it tightly to keep myself upright.
My insides were shaking violently. I felt faint.
Numb. Terrified that he was here to take my baby and toss my expired body into the Pacific Ocean, where no one would ever look for me.
After he had his way with me first, of course.
Sex before death wasn’t the worst way to go, especially sex with Ciro Remotti.
It’d be like a prisoner having an expensive steak on Death Row right before their lethal injection.
I sensed Ciro tracking my every move as I reached for two glasses, filled them with ice, water, and a slice of lemon. Not for one second did I feel his eyes leave me.
Inhaling a cleansing breath, I soldiered on.
My hands shook as I carried the glasses to the corner table. Whatever Ciro wanted, I didn’t care to hear. But maybe if I appeased him for five minutes, he’d leave and never bother me again.
Foolish girl. You know it won’t be that easy. This is Ciro, the Don of the Remotti crime family. He wouldn’t be here if he didn’t want something, presumably you.
His intense gaze drilled into me, and he ravished me with his eyes. The man had no shame whatsoever. After nearly a year and half, he had the audacity to treat me like I was still his.
I set our drinks on the table; grateful I didn’t make a fool of myself spilling the water everywhere. Sitting across from him, I dramatically took my phone out and started the timer. “Five minutes. Go.”
He chuckled low, shaking his head, and sipped his water. “How are you?”
“Really? You only have five minutes, and that’s what you ask me?” I allowed myself to stare into his all-consuming eyes. Not surprising at all that I couldn’t read him or make out his angle.
“It’s only proper etiquette.”
I rolled my eyes. “Are you here on business? Did you happen to waltz into my place of work and felt obligated to speak to me out of ‘proper etiquette?’” I made air quotes.
“Let me put your mind at ease. I won’t be offended if you ignore me.
In fact, I prefer you did.” Sarcastic much? More like bitchy.
“No business. I’m here for you.”
Shivers coursed through my body at his words. I’m here for you slowly licked down my spine, tormenting me to the point I nearly jumped onto his lap in reverence.
“Yeah, okay. Three minutes.”
“Have dinner with me tonight.” He tilted his head and the tip of his tongue darted out ever so slightly. Oh Jesus, he remembered how to tease me and get me hot and bothered.
“No,” I replied.
“What time do you get off work?”
“That’s none of your business.” I sipped my drink indignantly.
“I’m sorry.”
I choked on my water; not sure I heard him correctly. Ciro rarely apologized.
He reached across the table and took my left hand. His thumb rubbed over my bare ring finger. It was odd. Why would he do that? I told myself it didn’t matter because his soft touch threatened to thwart my resolve of never seeing him again. Get a freaking grip, Isla!
“Have dinner with me,” he said again.
“No. One minute.”
“I’ll wear you down. You know I will.” He smiled, a determined glint in his eye that I knew all too well. “It will be easier the second time around.”
Arrogant as always.
I pulled my hand out of his as electric sparks shot straight down into my panties. It was like my pussy woke from its dormant sleep. For so long, I’d felt numb, dead even. Keri and my boss, Falina, told me dozens of times I just needed a good lay. They were probably right.
I shifted in the chair, clenching my thighs and cursing myself for dampening my cotton briefs. Yes, briefs. After having a baby, nobody saw me naked except my OBGYN. I wanted to be comfortable, not sexy.
“How charming and arrogant as always. It’s good to know you haven’t changed since I last saw you.”
“I’m determined. Sue me.” He looked at the table and the surrounding area. “I’ll wait for you… Here.”
My lust vanished and my blood boiled at his bossiness. “If you don’t leave right this second, I’ll call the police and tell them you’re stalking me,” I threatened through gritted teeth. Not that I wanted Ciro arrested. But it would buy me time to get away.
“You wouldn’t be wrong about the stalking.” He smiled coyly.
Oh, my stupid, stupid, stupid heart. Why did he have to be so damn irresistible and disgustingly handsome? I wished he was repulsive, then it would be easier to reject him. Maybe dinner wouldn’t be so…
My timer rang and slapped me back to reality. Nothing good would ever come from being with Ciro Remotti. He would only destroy me again.
“Time’s up,” I announced as if he hadn’t heard the bell. “I have no interest in talking to you, much less having dinner with you.” My heart rapped in my chest and my hands were clammy. I was a horrible liar, but I had to stand firm against Ciro no matter what.
“You don’t mean that.”
“Oh, but I do.” Dammit, I wished he didn’t know me so well. I didn’t mean it, but it was what it was. My life changed drastically in the last year. I wasn’t the same woman he once knew. I could resist him, maybe. Rising from my chair, I pointed at the door. “Please leave.”
“As you wish.” Ciro nodded as if accepting defeat. He stood and stalked out of the building, not looking back at me. His right-hand man, Paolo, appeared out of nowhere. I should have known his bodyguard was lurking outside.
A shiver worked its way down my spine. That was too freaking easy.
“So, who’s the rich hottie?” Keri inquired not two seconds after the entrance door swung shut.
I glanced at her. There might have been drool on her chin. It was hard to tell because I walked away disregarding her nosy question.
“Oh, come on. That man was too much.”
He was, and I’d had enough of him.
“I need to make the salads. Finish getting the dining room ready.” I shot her a pointed look. “Do not follow me.”
Keri was twenty-one, only a couple years younger than me. Still, I was her elder and had clout here at the bistro.
“Fine,” she grumbled behind me. “We’ll chat later.”
No, we won’t. I pushed through the double doors to the kitchen.
No question for the remainder of the day, I would be on edge anticipating Ciro’s return. I totally expected him to waltz in at the busiest time to knock me off my game. Or try to corner me in the parking lot after the bistro was closed.
Ciro Remotti wasn’t one to back off when he wanted something or someone. He’d pursued me relentlessly before we got together and wore me down. I wouldn’t put it past him to do it again. But why after so much time had passed?
As much as I believed I was strong against his charms, the tingling sensations between my legs said otherwise.
After everything that had happened between us, I didn’t regret being with Ciro. I would never regret loving him. Because if we hadn’t met, if I hadn’t fallen in love with him, I wouldn’t have my precious baby.
My only regret was not being the right woman for him.