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“I assumed you’d need a ride.” He glances down at my foot, which I hold slightly off the ground.
I wriggle free of his grasp and glare up at the towering butthead. “You assumed wrong. I’m perfectly fine and capable of getting to work by myself.”
He lifts a dark brow. “Really?”
“Yes.”
“Then let’s see you walk down the steps.” He pauses as I reach for the railing. “Without holding the bannister.”
“I will not. There’s a reason it’s there. Safety first and all that.”
He chuckles, and the warm sound is more lethal than a heated caress. He holds out a hand, which I ignore. “By all means then.”
I take a step and wince. Then another and another. I refuse to be coerced into anything by this man ever again. I’m gritting my teeth so hard by the time I reach the sidewalk, I’m scared they’ll crack.
But I make it.
A black BMW sedan is parked by the curb, and I recognize Nico’s driver through the windshield. Spinning on my heel, or at least trying my best to, I glare up at the infuriating mob boss. “See? Totally fine.”
I take a step and trip over the uneven sidewalk and go flailing into a brick wall of a man. Nico’s arms come around me as I let out a string of colorful curses. Mother father, that hurt.
“Just let Max drive you to work. If you don’t want me to come, I won’t.”
My brows nearly jump up to my hairline. “Seriously?”
“Yes, seriously. With your innately disastrous tendencies, I’m worried you’ll do even more damage than what’s already been done. And I can’t have you laid up in bed for weeks. Well… not with an injury anyway.” A sinful smirk parts his lips, drawing my eye to that scar, and heat races below my belly button. “Did you like my gift by the way?”
I swallow hard and force myself to take a step back. I need to breathe some air not polluted with his enticing scent. It’s like my brain short circuits when I’m around him, tossing all rational thoughts to the farthest corners of my mind.
“I don’t know what you’re talking about,” I finally force out.
“No?”
I shake my head.
“Hmm.” His lips twist, and a strand of dark hair comes free from the tie at the back. I’m filled with the most inappropriate urge to twirl it between my fingers before tucking it behind his ear. I bet it’s soft and silky and smells like—ugh, stop it!
It’s a darned good thing I have that date with Jack tomorrow. I’m about a second away from rubbing up against a tree. Would it be completely inappropriate to invite a stranger back to my house after coffee? I’m starting to think it’s going to be the only way to get over this ridiculous infatuation.
“Next time, I’ll have to make sure you’re well aware when I drop by.” His lips slide into a devious smirk.
I should be terrified. He’s basically just admitted to breaking into my home and has now promised to return. Only, I’m not. Instead, embarrassing dampness coats my fresh panties.
“Have a good day at work, Maisy. And I urge you to get that ankle looked at. Unless you’d like to make these drives to work a daily occurrence.” He winks and whirls around, sauntering down the sidewalk toward Central Park.
My traitorous gaze follows his dark form, those broad shoulders that taper down to a narrow waist and slim hips. And that perfect butt, like two ripe apples hidden beneath sleek slacks.
Oh, golly, the worst has happened: I’m in lust with Nico Rossi.
CHAPTER 7
PSYCHOS
Nico
The fact that Maisy refused my offer for a ride only fuels my anger as I stalk down the quiet alleyway in the Lower East Side. I should be happy she accepted a lift from Max at least, but her riding with my driver doesn’t improve my odds at winning her over. And I must have her.
I’ve never felt the desire to possess a woman like I do with her.
