7. Fallon
Fallon
“I don’t know why you were with him in the first place because he’s not even in your fucking league.”
My mind spins faster than I can keep up with while I stare into the iciest blue eyes I’ve ever seen. Every inch of my body is aware of how close he is, and I’m doing everything I can not to squeeze my thighs together like some needy little hussy.
He doesn’t mean what he said about Joshua not being in my league, obviously.
Luciano Ricci is richer than God, from what I read about him in the quick searches I managed to do after I called the police.
The man is also finer than George Clooney was in his prime, and that’s saying something.
I’m not ashamed to admit that I still think Clooney is hot as fuck even at his age.
There isn’t even a tiny chance in hell that Luciano would think I’m a prize.
Why the hell is he not letting me leave, then? Why is he worried about where I’m going for the night or whether my car is running? It doesn’t make any sense. We’re strangers, and I vandalized his expensive SUV. Badly. I’m lucky I’m not at the bottom of the river right now.
When I saw the name Lacey pop up on his caller ID, something that felt like jealousy spread through me like a wildfire.
I almost answered the phone to demand who she was, but then I remembered that I have no ties to Luciano.
I also didn’t want to make another woman feel as hurt as I did when I walked in on Joshua fucking another woman.
No one deserves that kind of pain. But knowing the woman who was calling him was his cousin and not a romantic partner settles something inside me that I can’t quite put my finger on.
“Where were you planning on going tonight, Fallon? I’ll drive you there. It’s late and cold. You’ve had an exhausting day, so stop being stubborn and let me help you. I’m not expecting anything in return.”
He says that now, but I know how men work. They always expect something in return. Eventually.
But the firm line of his mouth and tight jaw tell me that Luciano isn’t going to let me go despite my requests. He says I’m being stubborn, but I think he’s the one who’s being difficult.
Letting out a deep breath, I rest my head against the soft leather seat. “Fine. Can I use your phone to find a cheap hotel? And do you have a charger I can use?”
Luciano doesn’t say anything; instead, he grabs the seatbelt and leans in to buckle it. Then he steps back and closes me in the Escalade before he rounds the front and climbs into the driver’s side. A second later, he plugs in a charging cord and offers me the other end.
“I know a hotel close by.” He shifts the car into gear and takes off without waiting for me to reply.
I want to ask where he’s going, but it really doesn’t matter. Once he drops me off, I can find my way to a place I can afford for the night. Even if I am down to my last few hundred dollars in my checking account.
As he drives in silence, I discreetly peek at him out of the corner of my eye.
It’s almost midnight, and he was right; it has been an exhausting day.
Though in reality, for me, it’s pretty much been an exhausting life.
I feel like I could sleep for a month and I’d still be tired all the way down to my bones.
Unfortunately, I don’t have the luxury of taking an extended rest. That’s never been in the cards for me.
My life has always been hard, and I already know I’m going to have to work until I’m eighty before I’ll be able to retire.
Bright lights make me squint as Luciano pulls into the valet of a hotel that looks like it charges a thousand dollars a night for a basic room.
Is he insane? This is his idea of cheap?
I’d hate for him to see some of the places I’ve stayed over the years.
It would definitely make him never want to see or speak to me again.
Whatever. I’ll get out of the SUV, and as soon as he drives away, I’ll order a car to take me somewhere else.
“Thank you. I’m sorry again about your Range Rover.”
He’s made it clear to me that he doesn’t expect me to repay him for the damage, so I’m not going to keep offering. He might be a terrible man, but I still feel guilty. Especially since he’s been so nice to me.
Luciano watches as one of the valets comes jogging toward his door. “It’s fine, princess. I don’t get attached to material items. That stuff can be replaced.”
Huh.
I didn’t expect that answer. Almost like there’s a hidden message in there, but I don’t know what it is.
“Well, anyway, thank you for, um, showing up at my apartment tonight, I guess. And letting me shoot Joshua’s car. That was the highlight of my life, I think.” I laugh. “I knew I shouldn’t have trusted him.”
Luciano’s expression darkens. “Then why did you?”
The question makes me blink as I think about how to answer. Do I tell the truth or say something funny so I don’t have to reveal a part of me that is so fucked up? It’s not like I’m ever going to see Luciano again.
“Because I thought, maybe, for once in my life, I would feel like I belonged somewhere.”
He watches me for a long moment while the valet waits outside the SUV. Then he turns his head and nods toward the man who instantly opens Luciano’s door.
“Sir,” the young man greets.
Luciano steps out and closes the door behind him, leaving me alone inside. My thoughts are reeling while exhaustion really starts to set in, and I practically sag against the warm leather seat.
A moment later, Luciano rounds to my side and opens the door for me, then holds out his hand. “Here’s your room key for tonight. It’s on the top floor. I’ll take you up.”
Wait.
What the hell?
My throat starts to close up as I almost gasp for air. “I can’t afford this hotel.”
One corner of his mouth ticks up in a half-smile, and he reaches in to unbuckle my seatbelt. “It’s all paid for, princess. So let’s not argue about it, because I’ll win, no matter what. Come on.”
Tired of fighting, I silently drag myself out of the SUV and follow Luciano’s long strides into the lobby. I can’t help but stare at his ass as he makes his way toward the elevators, his expensive slacks perfectly fitted.
Jesus, he’s flawless.
And he’s in the mafia.
From the brief research I was able to do on his phone, he’s not just in the mafia; he’s the second-in-command of the entire American Italian syndicate.
He’s dangerous.
He’s also gorgeous.
Which means I need to stay far away from him.
When we walk out onto the top floor, there are only four doors. Two to the left, and two to the right. Are these all penthouses?
Paintings that look high-end, and if I had to guess, are not just prints, hang on the walls. We walk to the left, and he holds the key up to one of the doors.
Luciano doesn’t walk into the room, though; instead, he stands at the threshold and studies me, his eyes assessing. “Get some sleep, princess.”
Is this it? He’s finally leaving me and letting me go? He’s not actually going to murder me? Now I feel bad for assuming he would. Maybe he’s not a total monster. In fact, if I’m totally honest, he and the men who were with him tonight have been nothing but nice to me. Mostly.
“Thank you,” I whisper before I walk into the room that is actually more a full apartment than anything.
He stays silent for a moment, then nods and hands me the key. “Goodnight, Fallon.”
Then he takes a step back and lets the door close between us while I stand in the fanciest living room I’ve ever seen, staring in disbelief after the night I just had.
Part of me wonders whether I’m going to wake up any second and discover this has all just been a dream. Another part of me knows that nothing about what has happened today isn’t real, and I’m, once again, alone in this world.
It’s probably for the best. I’m not an easy person to get along with.
I argue and talk back, and I have a temper.
All things that Joshua constantly pointed out.
I really shouldn’t be surprised he cheated on me.
The signs were all there. I just chose to be blind to them, so really, all of this is on me.
I suppose I got one thing out of this experience that I’ll never forget.
Luciano Ricci.
We may never see each other again, but I have a feeling I’ll be seeing him in my fantasies for the rest of my lonely life.