Book Read Free

With Us (The Amato Series Book 1)

Page 21

by Layla Frost


  “You need to leave. Now.” I shifted, preparing to run to the back when he turned around.

  Senator Larson held up his arms, palms out. “Sorry. The door was unlocked, I assumed you were open.” He flashed his plastic smile. “You’re up early after such a late night, Dahlia.”

  “I’m not going to repeat myself. You need to leave. Now.”

  His plastic smile changed into something more genuine. More sinister. It reminded me of the smirk Theo got when he negotiated. Only instead of sexy, Larson’s creeped me out. “Fair enough. Would you happen to know where I could find your boyfriend?”

  “Try his office.”

  “It was empty.”

  Maybe he went to one of the other businesses. Or to take care of something with Luc.

  I shrugged. “His receptionist is very helpful, maybe you could call her during business hours.”

  “Very helpful. But he doesn’t really seem to keep business hours, does he? Always coming and going, all hours of the day and night. You’d think it’d make him easier to find if he’s working that much.” He gave his own shrug as he walked. I braced until he changed his path and headed for the exit. “Luckily he always knows where to find you, huh?”

  “What—”

  Before I could finish my question, Senator Larson opened the door. “Bye, Dahlia.”

  I hurried over and flipped the lock before going to grab my cell from the back. My heart was pounding, a nasty tension tightening my chest. There was an insinuation in the senator’s phrasing, as if Rosa was helping Theo with more than work. The idea was laughable. Even so, I was left feeling on edge, my stomach churning with unease.

  I opened my messenger app and starting typing to Theo.

  Wait. If I tell Theo, he’ll want to come here and see for himself I’m fine.

  It’s all nonsense and the senator is a political weirdo.

  I gave a little laugh as I closed the app, rolling my eyes. When I saw the time, I pushed back into overdrive, but the senator’s words still poked at me.

  Rachel, the weekend opener, ended up coming in a little after nine. After giving her time to put her bag in the back, I texted Theo and hopped back behind the counter to help her out as I waited.

  “Oh, check him out,” she said with a low whistle.

  Turning around, I was already starting to smile before I saw it wasn’t Theo.

  Where is he?

  “Hey Ben,” I greeted, trying to hide my disappointment.

  I must not have done a good job of it, though, because he gave me an apologetic smile. “Sorry, Dahlia, he got pulled into something and couldn’t break away. I have strict orders to take you to the bookstore, the grocery store to get the cake ingredients, and then you’re supposed to lounge by the pool the whole day working your way through the books and a pitcher of drinks.”

  There was a lot of swooning and chatter from the women within earshot of us. To them it probably sounded like a day in paradise.

  But I missed Theo.

  However, I also understood things happened, especially when it came to work.

  Giving Ben a more genuine smile, I said, “Let me just grab my bag.”

  Once we were in the car, I studied him carefully. “Where’s Theo?”

  “Amaric.” There was no hesitation in his answer.

  “In his office?”

  Ben shook his head. “He has conference rooms on the floor above. He’s using one of those.” Stopping at a red light, he turned his own inspecting gaze to me. “Why do you ask?”

  “Senator Larson came to see me.”

  His whole demeanor changed, and I was reminded why he was head of security. A stern expression replaced his usually easygoing one. “When? What happened? What exactly did he say?”

  “This morning before we opened.” I held my hands up. “I left the door unlocked, which I know was stupid. He just talked about not being able to get a meeting with Theo.”

  “And?”

  “And he also insinuated some things. I think.”

  “What did he say?”

  “About how hard it is to get ahold of Theo. And how helpful Rosa is… I think he was implying they’re sleeping together.”

  “You know they’re not, right?”

  I could’ve laughed. Rosa and Luc were like family to Theo. “Duh.”

  “Making sure. What else did he say?”

  “That was basically it. I told him to get out, and he did. It was creepy, but mostly because he’s creepy.”

  Ben nodded, pressing the call button on the steering wheel.

  “Wait,” I said before he could connect to Theo. “If Theo is busy, I don’t want to bother him right now. Can you just tell him later? Or I will?”

  Ben hesitated for a moment before pressing the button again to cancel the command. “I’ll have to tell him this afternoon.”

  “Deal.”

  ···

  I heard the door quietly swing open before closing, but I was too tired to look. All I could do was hope it wasn’t a burglar.

  He better hope he’s not a burglar, either, ‘cause he’s about to be very disappointed.

  My shower started a minute later, the smell of the hot water seeping into the bedroom.

  I don’t know a lot about burglars, but I don’t think they usually take the time to be fresh and clean for their heist. I should be good.

  I began to fall back to sleep before I found myself shifting in my small bed, my back pressed to his front as he curled his body around mine.

  “You okay?” I asked Theo.

  “Better now,” he whispered.

  When he’d finally gotten home the night before, he’d explained about the app Motom had developed which connected to a remote dispenser. Originally, Morgan Tomas had been using it to feed his overweight Pug at home. When he’d really thought about it, he’d realized how much of a difference the app could make. He’d been tweaking it to perfection, and Theo wanted his hands on it for one of the pharmaceutical companies he was working with.

  By using the dispenser to hold pills, patients could be sure that they were getting the correct dose at the correct time. Theo had explained how useful this was when it came to patients suffering from ‘chemo fog’, poor sight, and a multitude of other things that could affect their daily functioning. While there were many locked dispensers on a timer, when paired with the app, it opened up more possibilities. Doctors could adjust doses for their patients right away. Caregivers could monitor that their loved ones had taken their medicines. And, if no doses were taken within a specific time, the app would alert whoever was set to be contacted.

  Unfortunately, one of the board members at the pharmaceutical company was missing the appeal of investing in the product. He’d also been doing a good job at convincing the other board members that what happened after the pills left the lab was none of their business.

  Theo had been stressed, and more than a little pissed. Especially since he’d had to cancel his family coming over earlier that day. I’d spent some time in his office with him instead, reading and dozing on the couch. When he’d had to leave with Luc to go meet with some people, they’d dropped me off at my apartment first. Theo had originally wanted to drive me all the way to his place, but I was out of work clothes there anyway, so my place won.

  “You?” he asked.

  “Better now,” I returned on a yawn, using his answer.

  “Pack up more stuff tomorrow. Anything you need. I want you to come stay with me for a few weeks.”

  I’m already basically living there now.

  “Okay,” I mumbled. I heard his phone vibrate on the nightstand. My curiosity, nor the soft light from it, was enough to keep me awake.

  “I love you, my gattina,” Theo said sometime later, holding me so tight I almost couldn’t breathe.

  Feeling his hard cock against my ass, I found enough energy to wiggle against him. Before I could do anything further, he held my hips, stilling them.

  “Get some sleep,” he whisp
ered.

  Whatever I said, it must have been silly because he chuckled, the rumble of it sending heat through me. The heat turned into an inferno when he stroked down and cupped my already soaked pussy.

  “Fuck it,” he growled, so low and intense, I could’ve come from that alone. Rolling me onto my back, he moved between my spread thighs.

  I wasn’t sure what had prompted it, nor did I care right then. Because as Theo slammed into me, his mouth taking mine in a near painful kiss, there was nothing else in the world but that moment.

  Intensity powered his every action. His hands moved on me in an almost desperation to touch every part of me as though I’d disappear if he didn’t.

  When he ended the kiss, making it seem like he was literally tearing his mouth from mine, he went up on his knees more. His hands cupped my tits, playing with my nipples, before trailing down. With the light streaming in from the window, there was no mistaking the burning in his gaze as he caressed my stomach.

  “Wish like fuck I hadn’t set that doctor’s appointment,” he murmured, more to himself than me.

  My eyes went wide. “What?”

  His movements slowed, but his thrusts remained powerful. “I wish my baby was growing inside you.”

  “You do?” I breathed.

  “Right now? More than I want my next breath.” His palms covered my lower stomach as his thumbs stretched down to play with my clit. He started fucking me faster, making me lose my train of thought.

  With the urgency returning to his desire, I couldn’t think. I could barely even breathe as he touched me as though his world began and ended with me. He whispered promises of love, demanding to have them in return until I couldn’t speak.

  Not wanting it to be over, my mind fought against it even as my body rocked to reach it. My body tightened, my heart echoing in my ears. My lips tipped up as I forced out, “Love you, Theo.”

  “Love you, Dahlia.”

  The rest of his words were lost like whispers in the wind.

  ···

  I looked at my phone for the millionth time that day. Usually, even when he was busy, Theo sent a few texts. I’d woken up to an empty bed and had received a text telling me he loved me this morning before nine. I hadn’t heard from him since, and it wasn’t sitting right with me.

  That feeling increased when the door opened and, instead of Theo, his mom stood there.

  “Is everything okay?” I asked Rachelle, my mind racing in a million directions.

  “Yes, of course. Theo is caught up, but knew I’d be in the area. He asked me to help you pack some things up and take them to his place. I thought we’d grab a late lunch, have some girl time.”

  Even though I wasn’t supposed to close for another hour, I nodded. It wasn’t like I got more than a customer or two during that time. Grinning, I handed her a scone. “That sounds amazing. Let me just close up.”

  Five minutes later, we were heading for her car, trying to decide where to eat after we finished packing.

  When we reached my building, I was a little embarrassed by how scuzzy it looked. Same with how small my actual apartment was. Rachelle didn’t seem to care, or if she did, she didn’t show it. Instead, she opened the suitcases she’d brought for me to use and began putting things in. Of the three she had, we’d only needed one to pack anything of importance to me.

  It was sad.

  “Ready?” I asked, scanning the place to make sure I had everything I absolutely needed.

  “Whenever you are.”

  Carrying everything out, I locked up the door and smiled at her. “I have an idea for lunch. How do you feel about baba ganoush?”

  “Love it.”

  With everything loaded into her cute Mini Cooper convertible, I directed her to Baba’s. When we got there, I debated saying anything to the hostess about Dimos. I didn’t have to reach a decision since he’d seen us come in.

  “Dahlia!” he greeted loudly, gesturing us over. “I was sorry to find you weren’t at Weggies anymore. I went back in and barely got any help. I ended up forming a partnership with a new farm and…” He waved his hands around. “Whatever, the important thing is you’re here to eat. Very hungry, or only a small amount?”

  Rachelle and I both agreed with keeping it light, and Dimos took off toward the kitchen like he was cooking for the president.

  “Usually that stuff only happens when I’m out with Theo,” Rachelle said, a funny expression passing her face as she sat. Just as quickly, though, it was gone.

  “I helped him buy a lot of eggplant when I was still working at the store. A lot of it.”

  She smiled, looking around the place. “If it tastes as good as it smells in here, I’ll be raving about this place to all my foodie friends. I like it when people appreciate others and show that kind of respect. It doesn’t happen nearly enough.”

  My mild hunger grew as we talked and waited. Once the food came, Rachelle didn’t eat much, but she did seem to enjoy it.

  I, on the other hand, cleared my plate and was already trying to plan when Theo and I could return.

  “Is everything okay?” I asked, watching the way she pushed the food around.

  “Yes, of course. Just trying to make sure I save some to bring home for Lou. He always gets hungry late at night. I think he eats most of his food for the day around one in the morning.”

  She boxed her barely touched food up and stood. “Let’s get you to Theo’s.”

  Putting the roof down on her Mini Cooper, we drove in silence, only yelling over the wind when necessary. It didn’t matter how many times I took the ride, I found myself getting lost in the view as it flew by. The sun beating down on us was an added bonus.

  Too soon, we pulled into Theo’s driveway. My stomach dropped in disappointment when I didn’t see the Rover there.

  “Do you know when he’ll be home?” I asked, grabbing my purse and suitcase.

  Rachelle shook her head and gave me a crooked smile. “Hopefully not too long.”

  When we got inside, I expected to have to turn off the security system, but it wasn’t activated.

  “Ms. Jones must be here,” Rachelle said, setting her purse down on the table near the door. “Go sit and relax, I’ll be right back.”

  I checked my phone again, but there were no messages. With a sigh, I flopped onto the couch, jumping when the TV turned on suddenly. Reaching under me, I pulled the remote out and was about turn it back off when I noticed it was the weather.

  The weatherman gave a rain filled forecast which was needed. I aimed the remote at the TV again, nearly pressing the power button right as I saw a man who looked like Theo.

  A lot like him.

  Realizing I was missing whatever the anchors were saying, I hit the button to rewind to the beginning of the segment.

  “And it’s unknown at this time what exactly happened. The police have set up a tip line and they’re asking for anyone with information about his death to call. Next up,” the man said, glancing down at the desk, “is the surprising surrender of local business man, Theodore Amato.”

  Part Two

  We were good people.

  I don’t even know how many times I told myself that in a vain attempt at justifying how we lived.

  We were like royalty. Above them, maybe. Lusted after, loved, envied. Admired and feared, though not in equal parts.

  If the proverbial red carpet was rolled out for us, jagged eggshells were strewn around it for everyone else. Almost every word spoken to us was carefully chosen, accompanied by the ever-present fear. Even those with us were never totally at ease.

  We were good people.

  Until we weren’t.

  Chapter Fifteen

  No

  Theo

  The Previous Wednesday Night

  Pushing away from the table, I connected the call. “This better be good.”

  “Need you down here, boss,” Sammy said, though it was hard to hear over the roaring crowd behind him.

  “Astaire
giving you trouble again?”

  “No, that I could handle. This trouble is a little more… official.”

  I dropped my head back, barely holding in my curse.

  Dahlia was already well on her way to drunk. And when she was drunk, her guard dropped and she was funnier than her usual funny. She was also handsy.

  I’d been looking forward to both.

  “I’ll be right there,” I said, ending the call. I shot a text to Luc and Niall before tucking my phone back away.

  As I approached the table again, Dahlia looked up, her smile faltering before she forced it back. “Time to go?”

  I nodded, meeting her forced smile with my own apologetic one.

  “That’s okay.” She stood as I dropped some bills on the table. “I’ve been wanting to watch one of the new movies anyway.”

  I drove us back to my place, Dahlia talking a mile a minute as we went. After walking her in and kissing her goodbye, she cutely ran upstairs to change for her and Gus’ movie night. I grabbed some things from my office safe and hung around until Ben got there a couple minutes later.

  “I’ll be back,” I said to him, fighting the urge to slam the door behind me.

  The farther I drove into the city, the more pissed I became that I was, yet again, being dragged away from her. When I reached the abandoned building, I parked in the shadows. After pulling on my shoulder holster, I put my suitcoat back on and buttoned it. I jogged up to the door and gave in to my urge, yanking it open.

  Security went alert, their hands going to their holstered guns, but they relaxed when they saw it was me.

  Well, as relaxed as anyone was around me.

  I followed the maze of halls, leading to the only open stairwell. Jogging down the steps, the temperature and the noise level grew the closer I got to the basement.

  Bursting through the door again, the sounds and smells of a fight surrounded me. Each thud of skin against skin was met with rabid applause and screams for more. The smell of sweat and coppery blood mixed with the dank dustiness of the usually vacant building.

  “Boss!” Sammy shouted over the jeering crowd.

  “What’s going on?” I scanned the room. “Where’s Luca?”

 

‹ Prev