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Fuck me. A flash of rage burned through my body as I caught sight of him. How in the hell was Sonny Conti here?
“You son of a bitch,” she hissed quietly, “and to think I fell for that. I appreciate your attempt to protect me, but next time, don’t pay me a compliment unless you honestly mean it.”
What?I quickly backtracked what she’d said.Shit. She looked away, so I wrapped my arm around her chair and moved in close, so she’d be forced to hear and see me.
“Look at me, Kenna.” I slid my hand over her bare leg under the table and her angry eyes met mine, “I never lied to you. You’re great at what you do, and I see it. You really stepped up the game for this interview, but,” she held my gaze, “I couldn’t leave you alone in the city with everything that’s going on, let alone Tony fucking Farrell.” I squeezed my napkin in a ball and dropped it on the table. “Look, I know you’ve had a life full of shitty men, but don’t ever clump me in with them.” I kept Sonny in the corner of my eye as he spoke to one of his friends.
“All right,” Kenna whispered, and I watched her throat contract and fought the urge to kiss—my lips touched hers before I knew what happened. It was reckless and flirted with a line I never intended to cross in public. I pushed between her lips and swiped across her tongue, giving in for a moment. It took everything for me to pull away.
“You see who’s here?” Leo made a pissed-off face as the two of them took their seats, oblivious to our moment.
“Yeah, I saw.” I sat back but kept my hand on Kenna’s thigh as the snake slithered his way toward us.
“Well, would you look at this?” Sonny clapped his hands with fake joy, and Kenna’s leg tightened under my hold. Sonny could play his games all he wanted, but I’d caught his face before he put on his fake smile. Something weighed heavily on him, and I could only guess it was Matt Myers’ death. The grooves of his face were deep, and there were dark circles under his eyes. “What are the odds I’d run into you, Grim, all the way here in New Orleans?”
“I’m sure the odds were all in your favor.” My words came out like smooth molasses, but my 9mm was burning a hole in my back.
“Mmmm, Kenna, you’re looking all kinds of good in that dress.” He licked his lips and leered at her. “I’d ask if you’re having a good time, but given that I just saw Grim’s tongue down your throat, I’d say the night is lookin’ good.”
“I called it,” Paige whispered, but Leo shook his head for her to stay quiet.
“You’re really workin’ your way up the family ladder, Kenna, but I guess it’s in your job description to cater to everyone’s needs.” He winked at her, and when he looked at Leo, she tried to move my hand off her leg. I wouldn’t budge.
“Don’t you have some other girl to roofie?” Kenna took a sip of her wine. “Or will no one touch you since you faceplanted in your Lamborghini?” She took another sip as he stared at her in surprise. “I’m thinking you hurt more than just your face but also whatever the hell you call that toothpick that pokes between your legs.” My eyebrow went up at her words, but I quickly recovered. Leo used his napkin to hide his smirk, and I shot him a look to warn him not to feed the fire.
“Well, well, well, our beautiful little lady has a nasty side.” Sonny inclined his head at her and put his fingers to his mouth.
“Excuse me,” the hostess appeared and addressed Sonny, “your table is ready, Mr. Conti.”
“This has been really interesting.” Sonny smiled. “I’m sure this won’t be the only time we’ll run into each other this trip.” I wondered just how long he’d been following us. We watched as he went with the hostess. He took a seat along with two other men at the table. It wasn’t lost on me he made sure to sit facing us.
“Should we leave?” Leo asked.
“No.” Kenna plucked a strawberry off her plate like nothing fazed her.
“I have no idea what that was all about, but can we rewind about how you two kissed?” Paige tried to lighten the mood. She was obviously clueless to the people she dined with and had no idea a trigger-happy murderer had been inches from her just a moment ago. When I thought about all of us, I almost smiled and wondered what people would think if they really knew who they were surrounded with.
“Mr. Gates?” The waiter interrupted my thoughts as he held a tray. “I was asked to give you this.” I slid the little silver container from the tray, and along with it a piece of cardstock that had been folded in half.
“Thank you.” He whisked away, and I unfolded the card as I thumbed the top of the container open.
I had a few left over. I figured you could put them to good use tonight. – Sonny
Three white roofie pills stared up at me.
He’s dead.
I snapped it closed as Leo grabbed the note.
“Fucking psycho.” Leo looked over at me. Paige, still oblivious, drew his attention with more questions as I tossed my napkin on the plate. I was ready to drill my fist into his eye socket.
“Grim,” Kenna slid her hand over my lap and leaned close to my ear as I stared at Sonny. “Think about it.”
I tuned in to her breath on my skin. I needed an anchor to keep from ripping his throat out in the middle of restaurant.
“He knows what he’s doing. He’s not here by accident. He’s got nothing to lose and I don’t see he has anything to gain; he’s just an asshole. But you’ve got a deal to make tomorrow, and it’s important to you. He’d love nothing more than to mess it up.” She discreetly massaged the erection that had suddenly made itself known. It had zero fucks about Sonny.
“He saw us kiss, which probably sent his own ego over the edge.” Her tone deepened, and I was glad the place was busy. “Let him wish my hand was on him instead of you.” My grip tightened on her leg as she rubbed harder. “Don’t let him win.”
