Chapter 40
CHAPTER FORTY
Drago
I’m going to strangle this cunt to death if he eye fucks my woman for another second.
My fingers tighten around the glass of water in front of me. Across the room, Lily glances my way. Marco follows her line of sight, and I school my expression into something neutral.
I can’t fuck this up for her. I know how much this means to her to have him as a client.
So I sit here. At a table across the room. Watching this play out like a slow form of torture. I know I’m being ridiculous. Any man is going to find Lily attractive, because she is. She lights up a damn room.
And Marco does actually seem polite. Professional. And very aware of my presence, too.
Marco turns back to her, but she keeps her eyes pinned on me.
“Good girl,” I mouth.
She looks simply beautiful. A classy halterneck dress.
Diamond earrings peaking through her blonde curls.
A gloss on her lips that makes them look even more fuckable.
I’m not staring at her because it’s my job.
I’m doing it because I’m obsessed with her.
And possibly falling headfirst in love with her.
Thirty minutes crawl by, and they haven’t even finished their starters. All I can think about is the dessert I plan on having later.
Marco excuses himself and heads toward the bathroom. I’m half tempted to cross the room and kiss her, just because I can’t resist her. Because I don’t want distance. I want her on my lap, my tongue down her throat, her pretty little moans in my ear.
My phone buzzes in my pocket. I pull it out, fully aware of her eyes on me.
Lily: Stop eye fucking me, Drago. I need to concentrate.
I can’t help the chuckle that slips out.
Me: I don’t need to eye fuck you when I can actually fuck you, right here, if I wanted to.
I don’t look up. If I see that blush creep up her throat, I won’t stop myself.
Lily: Threat or a promise?
Fuck.
Me: Both. Do you know how hard it is sitting this far away from you and not touching you?
Lily: You get me all night.
Lily: He’s invited me to a club after dinner. I said I’d clear it with security…
I drag a hand down my face. Nightclubs aren’t ideal, especially not somewhere unfamiliar.
Me: Name of the club?
Lily: Empire. It’s just across the road.
My knuckles crack as I get to work, pulling contacts, blueprints, and clearance. I manage to secure a private booth, but I don’t relax until everything is locked down.
Me: Getting details now. Shouldn’t be any issues, baby.
Lily: I won’t be there long. I’ve got someone I want to get home to tonight.
The word home hits me square in the chest.
I’ve never been anyone’s home. Never let myself be.
But Lily… she carved her name into my heart long before she even knew I existed.
Me: You really are a good girl for me, aren’t you?
I glance up just as Marco returns and sits across from her. She smiles politely, and my jaw tightens. She sets her phone face down and launches into conversation, hands animated, eyes bright.
She captivates him. She absolutely intoxicates me.
My phone vibrates. My contact here, Sam, has sent everything. Clearance confirmed. I exhale, just slightly.
Me: Everything’s arranged. You don’t leave my sight. Deal?
She excuses herself, checking her phone.
Lily: Deal. I’ll make it up to you.
I shake my head, smiling despite myself. Lily never has to earn permission. I want her to want me because she can’t help it.
By the time they finish their painfully drawn-out meal, I stand as Marco pays. I drop a hundred euros on the table and cross the room.
Marco looks me over and swallows whatever comment he was about to make.
“Will your bodyguard be escorting you to Empire?” he asks.
Lily smiles sweetly, though I catch the flicker of annoyance in her eyes. “He goes wherever I am.”
Marco nods. “You know Monaco is the safest city in Europe?”
I grunt. “Is it? Or is it just the best at covering its crimes?”
He swallows. “You’re Russian?”
“Yes,” I reply flatly.
I don’t miss the flicker of fear in his eyes.
“If you’re an acquaintance of Lily,” I tell Marco evenly, “my services extend to you.”
I’m aware of how intimidating I am. Most of the time, it works in my favor.
“Do you want to lead the way?” Lily asks.
Marco nods and steps ahead. Lily stays beside me.
“Everything okay, baby?” I murmur.
She looks up through her lashes, and the world narrows to her blue eyes. “I think he wants to work with me.”
Pride swells in my chest. “Then seal the deal, gorgeous girl.”
Without thinking, I tip her chin up and steal a kiss.
“I’m so fucking proud of you,” I whisper.
We both ignore Marco clearing his throat. I tap her ass without thinking.
“Sorry,” I mutter.
Marco laughs, the first genuine one of the night. “Ah. I see. Not just the bodyguard, huh?”
She slips her hand around my forearm. “No. He’s way more than that.”
My breath stutters. Hearing her say it. Claiming me.
“I knew it,” Marco says. “He’s been looking at you like he wants to taste you all night.”
We all laugh.
“Was I really that obvious?” I ask.
“Yes,” they say in unison.
I shrug. “Can’t help it. My girl is beautiful.”
I wrap my arm around her, and we head into the night, toward the club. I don’t feel like I’m standing guard outside something I’ll never have.
I’m walking straight toward it.