Page 42 of Jackpot Joker

It's done.

Chapter 21

Dario

The sunlight spills in through the window above the kitchen sink, illuminating both me and the godforsaken couch I slept on last night. My shoulders dip over the arm as I stretch, attempting to work out the knots in my body. This isn’t the type of stiff I planned on being the first time I stayed with Jasmine.

The thought brings me pause. I stayed the night. I slept over at a woman’s place. That’s something I’ve never done before, and I’ve been in plenty of women’s rooms and apartments. Not only did I sleep here, but nothing physical happened. This is a new series of firsts, and I’m not sure how to feel about either situation.

As my feet touch the ground, the coffee maker percolates, and the bitter aroma wafts to me. The only way I’d ever want to drink the vile beverage is to sip it off the lips of the woman who may have a slight addiction to it. I may have a slight addiction to her.

“Good morning.” I perk up at my little bull’s voice from the kitchen. I twist my torso to see her, only for other things to perk up, too. She’s stunning in her deep purple satin shorts with a matching top. I would love to take my time to unbutton and expose the gorgeous skin underneath.

“Dario?”

I shake my head. “What was that?”

She rolls her eyes, and it only makes my dick thicken more. “I know you’re a total monster and don’t like coffee, but is there anything else I can get you?”

You. I’ll take you, mio toro. “Some water would be great.”

A single nod confirms our transaction, and she turns toward the refrigerator. I take the opportunity to stare at her backside, fantasizing about which part of her perfect body I would want to run my hands over first. The clearing of her throat has me aware of her return, and the disapproving glare on her face tells me she caught me staring.

I shrug unashamedly, causing Jasmine to shake her head before she huffs and sits beside me on the couch.

“How did you sleep?” she asks, and I’m not quick enough to hide my grimace. “Yeah, this couch isn’t the best, but if it’s any consolation, the bed isn’t much better.”

I look down at the couch we’re doing our best to relax on. “This doesn’t exactly seem like your style.”

“You think you know me?” Her eyebrow lifts.

“I think I’d like to.”

My statement has her pulling in her pouty bottom lip and going quiet. I sit there idly, not wanting to leave, but not sure where to go from here that doesn’t lead to her instantly booting out the door. Thankfully, Jasmine speaks before I can suggest she allow me to test her mattress for myself.

“Thank you again. For bringing me home. For staying.”

“You don’t have to thank me, mio toro. It was my honor to get you the hell away from that man.”

She snorts. “I’m honestly surprised you didn’t follow us to the back room.”

“I did,” I admit. When her eyes widen, I continue. “I was about to follow you down the hallway when Gio stopped me. Popped right up like the fucking boogeyman. He told me I held no claim to you.” I look at her so that I know she hears my next words. “No matter how bad I want to.”

Jasmine shakes her head. “You don’t mean that. I’m simply the forbidden conquest. You don’t even know me well enough to genuinely like who I am.”

“That’s not true,” I disagree. “I like you very much.”

She sighs. “No, you don’t, Dario.” I think she mutters the words “nobody does” under her breath, and it has my eyes furrowing and fists forming.

She tracks the movement of my hand. “I didn’t mean to make you mad.”

Instantly, I shake my hands out along with my head. “You didn’t. You couldn’t.”

She laughs at that. “Oh, I definitely could. I’m actually quite skilled at making people upset.”

I smile at her. “You make people see the truth. You make those people have to look in a mirror and realize they don’t like what they see. They may act like they’re upset with you, but it’s themselves they truly detest.”

I don’t miss the sudden intake of breath Jasmine takes. “That’s truly how you see me?”