Page 24 of Wild Ace

“AH YES, Lex! How was it?”

“Not the point.”

“It is so the point. And if his brother is any indication of what runs in those hot family genes, then you’ll be in for a big surprise soon.”

“Cassie! Did you have sex with Nico after you left the hospital?”

“Yes,” she says cheekily. “In fact, I haven’t left his room since.”

I’m stunned silent for a moment. “You’ve been with him for almost two days now?”

“Mhmm,” she hums happily. “And Lex, oh my God, I don’t know how I’m supposed to go back to my mundane life when he goes back to the city. I think I’m in some alternate universe where the world is standing still as long as we’re in bed. And the shower. And the couch. And the–”

“Okay, okay, I get it,” I say, cutting her off. “Cass, has he told you his last name yet?”

“No. Last names haven’t come up. Why?”

“He’s a Carfano, Cass.”

“Okaaay?” she drags out, not getting it.

“The Carfanos, Cassie. They own The Aces.”

“Really? Nico didn’t even use that to brag.”

“Yeah, what a great guy,” I deadpan. “You’re clearly not getting it. His family…” I guess there’s no way around it. “They’re in the mafia,” I whisper, not wanting to even say it out loud. “It’s dangerous to get close to them.”

“I’ve always liked my men with a side of danger,” she says casually.

“Cassie,” I berate. Except, I’m not one to talk.

I stopped it, though.

Barely, but I stopped it.

“What? Lex, come on. It’s not like anything is going to come of Nico and I. It’s just a few days of fun. Mind-blowing fun. But still, just a few days. He’s going back to the city and I’m staying here. It’s no big deal.”

“I just want you to know and be safe.”

“And I appreciate that,” she says, her voice softening. “I’m safe, Lex. Besides, you know where I am, and if you don’t hear from me tomorrow, then you know exactly who to go to for answers.”

“That’s true.” I find myself smiling despite my worry for Cassie’s lack of worry. “Alright, I have to go. I have to call the insurance company to get the ball rolling on this claim.”

“Will the fact that Vinny already fixed the door and installed a security system be a problem for that?”

“I don’t know. I have the pictures from the police as evidence of everything, along with their report, so I’m hoping it’s okay. If not, then Vinny will have more to answer for.”

Cassie’s throaty laugh fills my ear. “I’m more than certain he wouldn’t mind in the least.”

And that’s exactly what he’s hoping for…

“I better go,” I tell her. “I want to be able to give my grandfather some good news.”

“Alright, call me tomorrow. I plan on enjoying my last night with Nico.”

“Yeah, yeah, yeah. Go devour him a few more times.”

“You should take your own advice. Bye, Lex!” Cassie hangs up quickly, making sure she gets the last word in.

---