by Cala Riley
I clenched my fists. Of course, he’s here.
I am slipping.
“Outside, not in here” is the only thing I can come up with.
“I’m only getting some food. I can find another table.”
I grit my teeth. “No, it’s okay. Sit.”
“Great. Thanks, bud.” I don’t miss the sarcasm in his tone.
Matteo is a newbie in our circle, but he earned his spot. He was mousy at first, but he’s grown into his own the past couple of months. Now he jokes along with the rest of us, fitting right in, which is usually a good thing, but right now, I want to be alone.
Mia spots Matteo and walks right over.
“Matt. How’s it going out there?” She gestures outside.
“Good. Nice and quiet. I’m getting a lot of reading done.”
My eyes volley between them as they carry on a conversation as if I’m not even here. She’s even smiling and pleasant toward him. The jealousy flowing through my blood overwhelms me.
“Good. I’m glad.”
Izzy is walking up behind Mia, when out of nowhere Matteo gives her a compliment.
“Mia, looking gorgeous tonight as always. That new workout you’ve been doing is really making you glow.”
She blushes, and I have to pinch my thigh in order to not reach across the table and choke him out.
“Are you flirting with her?” Izzy teases from behind.
“What? Umm... no?”
Izzy smiles brighter as Matteo shoots me a panicked look.
“I think that’s what is taking place here. What do you think, Mia?”
Mia sighs and glances at me quickly before turning back to Matteo. “Matt, would you like to go to dinner with me tomorrow night? I can ask Sofia to stay home with Bash.”
At this point, I’m barely holding back. I bite down on my cheek and taste copper as I try not to react.
“Like a date?” Matteo stutters out, his eyes flying from me to Mia.
“Yes. A date.”
The last straw has broken. I launch to my feet, nearly toppling the chair over, and the girls jump back in surprise. Taking out my wallet, I throw a couple hundred down before walking out the front door. I’m halfway down the block when I hear an angelic voice call to me.
“Lo! Lorenzo!”
I turn around as Mia comes running up to me.
“What about your food?”
I spit out the blood still filling my mouth. “I lost my appetite.”
“That’s blood. What’s wrong?”
“I’m fine. Go back to work, Mia.” I ground out the words. Truth is I need to let out this frustration. This anger building inside of me is going to blow in one of two ways. I either need to beat the fuck out of something or I need a hard fuck. Seeing as my dick seems to only work when Mia is around now days, fighting is the best option.
“No.”
Her defiant tone only makes my dick harden in my pants. I take a few steps forward until I’m right in her face. “If you know what’s good for you, you’ll turn around and walk your sexy little ass back in the restaurant.”
“Don’t boss me around, Lo. I do know what is good for me, and right now it’s to stand here and find out what the fuck has you upset and why you walked out and wasted a plate of perfectly good food.”
I step closer until my nose touches hers. I can feel each breath she blows out.
“Haven’t you heard the story of the big bad wolf?” She nods. “You’re little red riding hood, and I’m the wolf. You need to leave before I eat you up.”
I watch as a flash of heat passes her eyes. Surprisingly, she doesn’t back away. Instead, she closes the distance between us. The next thing I know, I have her pushed against the wall outside the jewelry shop next to the restaurant. My tongue intertwines with hers as I shove my leg in between hers.
Logically, I know I should pull back. I know I need to leave. She can’t handle my particular tastes, but right now I’m letting my anger lead me.
My hand slides up under her shirt as I find her breasts, and I pinch her nipple roughly through her bra. Moaning, she grinds down on my thigh. I move to go under her bra, but freeze.
“Get a room!” I hear someone yell from across the street. Immediately, I pull back but stay close enough Mia is hidden from the men. She fixes her clothes before she looks at me with those bright blue eyes dilated with passion, her lips shining red and puffy from being kissed. I want to lean in and kiss them again but know it’s a bad idea.
Regret fills me instantly. I was too rough with her right here in the street. The self-hatred multiplies when I think about how I almost took her, right here, right now, where anyone could see us.
“Don’t,” she spits out as she looks in my eyes. “I don’t want to hear about your regret. You need to leave.”
She spins and stalks back into the restaurant, leaving me standing here wondering if it would be less painful to put a 9mm in my skull.
Chapter Two
Mia
I walk back into the restaurant and stalk right by Izzy, Matt, and all of my tables. I need to get out of here. I go back to the staff room and walk in on Bash and Sofia making out.
Gross.
“Sorry.” I avert my eyes. “I just need my things. I’m leaving.”
Sofia steps out of Bash’s arms and comes to me. She feels my head. “Are you sick? You don’t feel warm.”
With fury burning in my veins, I turn to her. “I am sick. I’m sick of him and his dumbass men.” I gesture to Bash. “I wish you had never come here.”
Hurt flashes in Sofia’s eyes, and I soften. I look to Bash, expecting anger, but only understanding reflects in his eyes.
“I think I should go and let you girls talk. I’m sorry, Mia. I’ll try to talk to him.” He gives Sofia one more kiss before he leaves.
She pulls me into the office and shuts the door before taking a seat. “Sit down, Mia. You are lucky that man loves me.” She sighs.
Boy, did I know it. Bash has killed men for much less than what I did.
“Sorry, Sof. It wasn’t Bash’s fault. Lorenzo. What a fucker.”
She sighs again. “Weren’t you avoiding him? Trying to get over him and all that?”
Yep. I told my best friends all about how I had the most amazing kiss in my life and then was promptly rejected right after. It took a week and a lot of chunky monkey to get me over the sting. This rejection will take much longer.
“Tell him my plan.” I drop my head into my hands. “I want you to ban him from here. Tell Bash to keep him away. If he keeps showing up, I’ll never get over him.”
She nods solemnly. “What did he do this time?”
“He was being kind of nice—well, nice for Lo. He appeared sad, so I threw him a bone and decided to be nice to him. I even agreed to be his server. Then Matt came in and this stupid fucking bet I made with Izzy came up.”
“Wait. Hold up. What bet?”
Of course, she focuses on the bet.
“It wasn’t a bet per se. She doesn’t think guys hit on her. So, we agreed the first guy to hit on us we would ask on a date. Matt hit on me. In front of Lo. Lo started getting mad. Then Izzy made a big deal about the bet, and so I had to ask Matt on a date. Lo became pissed and stormed off. I ran after him to check on him. I mean, why does he care if I go out with Matt? He rejected me. Anyway, he ordered me back inside, and I refused. Then he pushed me against a wall and kissed me while I rode his thigh.”
Sparks fill me as I think about it. The raw anger in his eyes excited me. I know if it had gone further, he would have taken my virginity right then and there. It wouldn’t have been all flowers and candles. No, it would have been hard and rough against a wall. The thought of it makes my panties wet. Stupid fuckers across the street ruined it for me.
“You rode his thigh? What the hell have you been getting up to, girl?” She laughs.
“I told you I’m not as innocent as you think I am.”
“But you are a virgin,” Sofia state
s.
I chuckle. “I’ve never had sex with a man, Sof. It doesn’t mean I don’t have sex with myself.”
She screws up her nose as if the thought repulses her. “I didn’t need to know that about you. Okay, so you’re a freak. I get it. So why did it stop?”
“These guys yelled at us to get a room. Lo shut down. Then his eyes filled with regret. He regrets kissing me. Again. I don’t know what’s wrong with me, Sof.” Tears prickle my eyes as my insecurities rise to the front of my mind.
“Nothing. Lo has a torrid history according to Bash. I don’t know details, but I think he needs time.”
I know a little bit about his past. Back before shit hit the fan, we shared a little with each other. His parents weren’t involved in his life. He told me more than once, his stepfather referred to him as Lucifer or the devil’s spawn. He didn’t tell me much more about them, but I could tell the way they treated him had a hand in shaping him into who he is today. While I like Lo the way he is, I could do without the self-loathing thing he has going on.
I cried for him when he told me. He held me in his arms as he calmed me down. That was back when we were friends. Now we can barely be in the same room together. At least, I can’t be in a room with him without wanting to jump him.
“Possibly, but I can’t keep getting rejected, Sof. It’s bad for my self-esteem. I feel like I’m one screw away from losing my shit.”
“So, go out with Matt.”
My eyes fly to hers, and I see the mischief dancing in them.
“Seriously. Go out with Matt tomorrow. I’ll ask Bash to stay in with me. You can go out on a date with a guy who obviously has a thing for you. I think the whole doctor thing you did for him did it. Then, if things go well, you can go from there.”
“Why do I get the feeling I’m being set up?”
Her eyes soften as she comes around the desk to sit next to me. She takes my hands. “I only want you to be happy. Matt is an amazing guy. I love him to death. He’s the brother I never had. With that being said, there’s a reason Lo draws you in. I think you two have more in common than you realize. I don’t know much about your past because you don’t like to talk about it, but I think you had some dark things happen to you too. Go out with Matt, and if you like him, I’ll support you 100 percent, but if you find yourself thinking about Lo, I suggest you let Matt down easy and work harder for Lo. Relationships don’t come easy, babe. You have to work for them.”
“Yeah, but Lo is a brick wall,” I grumble.
“Bash too. I learned to climb. I think it’s about time you do too.”
∞∞∞
“Matt, you look great.”
I open the door wider as he steps inside. Matt is standing in front of me dressed in a blue button-down with his sleeves rolled up onto his forearms with a pair of black slacks. Usually, he wears the typical goon suit, but tonight he switched it up, so he looks more casual.
“Me? You look drop-dead gorgeous.”
I spent a little extra time picking out my outfit and doing my makeup tonight. I chose a lavender, skintight dress that hugs each one of my curves. It’s cut low enough so that the top of my breasts are visible without them being on full display. The hem falls right above my knees, which gives me some comfort. While I can be a sultry seductress, I usually try for a more conservative look. Any man worth having is willing to work a little harder to get the goods.
“Thank you.” I feel the blush on my cheeks. “Ready to go?”
“Yep.”
He walks me to his car, and I nod at Angelo, my new guard, who gives me a smile. Matt opens my door for me then shuts it when I’m inside. When he rounds the front of the car, I feel a ping of sadness inside.
I wish Matt could be the guy for me. I wish I could date him and be happy. He would be good to me. He would take care of me. I know that. Too bad he isn’t the man who haunts my dreams.
Once he gets in the car and starts it, I tell him our destination. He looks surprised but says nothing.
“Listen. Thank you for coming out with me tonight,” I start.
“Of course. Anytime.”
He flashes me a smile, and I think about how hard this is going to be.
“I don’t want to lead you on, Matt. I asked you out because Izzy and I made a deal. The first guy who hit on us we would ask on a date. I won’t lie, my excitement is because it’s you, but only because we are such good friends.”
He laughs. “I know, Mia. I had a crush on you at first, but my crush was because you’re beautiful and smart. What guy wouldn’t want you? Then I was able to get to know you, and I know that while you are an amazing person, we aren’t compatible. Hell, you don’t even laugh at my stupid jokes.”
He speaks the truth. I don’t laugh at his jokes. I usually turn them around on him.
“Then why did you agree to this date?”
“Honestly?”
I nod when he glances over at me.
“I saw how pissed it made Lo. I thought he was why you asked me out, to make him jealous.”
I chuckle. “Actually, he is why I kept the date. I do want to make him jealous.”
“I figured when you picked the Brooklyn Lounge to have our date. Everyone knows Lo loves this place. He practically spends every Friday and Saturday night there.”
Except when he spent time with me. Before, he spent almost every night with me.
That was before the kiss.
“Was I that obvious?”
He chuckles. “Hate to break it to you, but you are a shitty liar.”
“Am not! Just feeling guilty about leading you on.”
“No need. I’ll play this game with you for now.”
We pull up to the longue, and my heart drops when I see Lo’s car is missing from the parking lot. This might be for nothing.
“Come on, sugar. Let’s get inside and get a couple of drinks. For you of course. I’m driving.” He gives me a wink, and I giggle.
I watch as Angelo pulls to the front of the place and parks right outside the door. He has been way more visible than the last guard. I think he wants me to know he’s here in case I need him. I appreciate it. After the events from a couple months ago, I feel better knowing he is always there, even if I think it is a bit much.
Matt walks in the bar first, reaching back to grab my hand. This probably looks as if he’s a dick, but undoubtedly it’s the gentleman move. He knows outside is safe. I have Angelo watching my back. He’s going in first to eye the place before allowing me in. It’s these little things I have picked up from the guys since hanging out with them.
Once inside, Matt gets us a table on the wall and positions himself so he can watch the door. A pretty, young waitress walks up and flutters her eyelashes at Matt. He doesn’t even look her way, and I smile. I know it’s not because of me, but in a way, it is. He’s on a date with me, and while we agreed this is a fake date, he’s still going to play his part.
“What can I get you to drink?” she asks Matt.
“Ladies first.”
He gestures to me, and she sighs as she switches her position so she can look in my direction. I don’t blame her. I would be upset too. Matt is tall, about six foot four, and looks like he stepped off the cover of GQ. He has dark brownish-black hair and golden eyes. His tan skin and athletic build make him the perfect package. If I didn’t have my own godlike creature I’m in love with, I would want him too.
“Vodka and cranberry please.”
She gives me a tight smile as she writes my order down then turns to Matt.
“I’ll take a water. Bottled. Sealed.”
As she nods then heads back to the bar, I take in the place. The bar is on the opposite wall from our table. Our table is at one end of the room while a huge dance floor is located at the other end. A stage sits right at the edge of the dance floor. Music plays above while several people smoke throughout.
I look through the throngs of people, but the person I’m looking for isn’t one of them.
&nbs
p; “Relax, he’s not here yet. I’ll tell you when he arrives.”
“What if he doesn’t come?”
He chuckles. “He’ll be here.”
We get to talking about life. Hearing about Matt’s childhood and the antics of his sister cracks me up. They remind me of me and Izzy when we get crazy ideas in our head. After two drinks and an hour later, Matt’s demeanor changes. He goes from friend to doting date in seconds.
“He just walked through the door.”
I smile at him as he reaches across the table to take my hand in his.
“Laugh,” he orders as a smile fills his face.
I do as he asks and start laughing. I even go as far as tucking back the hair on my face.
“He’s turning red. Maybe this isn’t a good idea. I don’t want him to kill me. I do value my life.” Matt pulls away.
“It’ll be fine. Lo doesn’t want me, remember?”
Oh yeah. I told him the entire story while we sat here waiting. I thought he should know the cause he rallied behind. My heart warmed when I saw the anger on my behalf.
“I think you’re wrong about him. He’s coming this way.”
I roll my eyes as I reach across the table and take Matt’s hand in mine again. “Yeah, to order me home like a good little girl. He doesn’t view me as a woman. He views me as a little girl who needs to be protected.”
Matt shrugs as he leans back in his chair. Reluctantly, I give him his hand back.
I feel him before I see him. All six foot six of him. As he steps up to the side of the table, I turn and look at him with feigned surprised.
“Lorenzo. What are you doing here?”
He grabs my arm and pulls me up. “We need to talk.”
His teeth are clenched, so I’m only assuming I heard him correctly. I try to pull out of his grasp, but he growls at me. I let out a sigh and turn to Matt. “I’ll be right back, Matt.”
I pat his hand as Lo carts me off. He pulls me down a side hall leading to the restroom. Once at the end of the hall, he releases me.
“What are you doing here?” he barks at me.
Looking for you.
∞∞∞
Lorenzo
