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That finally cracks me. I hate seeing her like this. Valentina is big and bold, she’s strong and hard, and right now she seems tired and slightly defeated, and I can’t be having that.
“Come here, love.”
She looks up. Something in her expression sharpens. “Where’s here?”
I gesture at my lap. “Come and sit.”
She doesn’t move. “I’m comfortable here.”
“I want you to get up and come sit in my lap right now, love, or this conversation is over. I don’t give a damn what else you have to say.”
She laughs, cheeks turning red. I love it when she gets flustered. But slowly, she gets up, comes around the desk, close enoughthat I can reach out and pull her the last foot. I love her soft ass in my lap and the smell of her hair.
“All right, I’m in your lap,” she says, squirming slightly as my hands brush against her hips.
“I amnotusing you for your information.” I lean forward and kiss her neck. “If you want to back out, you can back out at any time. You’re not a prisoner. I don’t own you.”
“I know that.” Her breathing quickens. “Rocco’s just been as difficult as possible lately, and I took it out on you.”
“All right, so long as we’re clear. If you want to discuss the next Capo, I’m open to it.”
“I do. We should.” She looks at me and leans forward. “But kiss me first, okay?”
“I missed you last night.” I lean forward and bury her mouth with mine.Thisfeels better—this feels right. It was a cold, lonely evening in bed, and I don’t want to repeat it again. “I’m glad you came here.”
“I’m glad I did too.”
“I know you meant well, showing yourself to Niall last night. I won’t hold it against you.”
“Good. I’m glad.”
“But I’ve been thinking.” She runs her fingers through my hair. “The next guy I want to look at is Matteo Ricci, and I think Rocco might be a big help there.”
“You think so?”
“Matteo’s got an interesting business model. Let me talk to Rocco, then I’ll tell you all about it, all right?”
“If that’s what you want to do.” I lean forward and brush my lips across her neck. “Just don’t burn yourself out.”
“Me? Work too hard? Never once in my life.” She kisses me then quickly gets out of my lap. “See you later, boss.”
I laugh as she quickly leaves. That fucking girl. If she had stayed another second in my lap, there’s no way I would’ve let her get up without having a taste of her first.
“I like when you call me boss,” I call after her as she leaves, smiling to myself.
Chapter 27
Valentina
Rocco’s strip club looks like it was a carwash at some point in its history. Beige stucco, enormous gray door, and a bright pink neon sign. The place practically smells sketchy as I push my way inside and find it almost empty.
There’s a stage on the left surrounded by mirrors and with a pole at the front. Another stage is behind the bar, but much smaller, mainly just a pole. There aren’t any girls dancing though. Instead, a tired bartender is cleaning glasses while a young and pretty waitress is doing side work at a table, folding napkins and sorting utensils.
I find Rocco sitting at the bar. His bodyguard is a few spots away, drinking a beer and looking glum. The old Capo greets me with some enthusiasm, and I’m aware that I’m here alone, without backup, but Rocco’s not a dumb man. He knows that if he hurts me, he’ll practically invite Ronan to roll through here and murder just about everyone.
“You’re coming up in the world.” Rocco sits back down and gestures at the liquor bottles lining the back wall. “You want something?”
“No, I’m okay, thanks.”
