Page 5 of King of Manhattan

"Thank you for joining me tonight, Emily," he says. "I enjoyed our conversation."

"So did I," I admit. "It was... not what I expected."

A smile tugs at his lips. "I'll take that as a compliment. Perhaps we could do it again sometime?"

I know I should say no. I know getting any more involved with this man is asking for trouble. But looking up into those dark eyes, feeling the warmth of his presence so close to me, I find myself nodding.

"I'd like that," I say softly.

For a moment, we just stand there, the air between us crackling with unspoken tension. Then, slowly, giving me plenty of time to pull away, Vince leans in.

His lips meet mine, and it's like a circuit completing. The kiss is soft at first, almost questioning, but quickly deepens as I respond. I feel his hand cup my face, his thumb gently caressing my cheek as his other arm wraps around my waist, pulling me closer.

I lose myself in the kiss, in the warmth of his hard body against mine, in the intoxicating mix of wine and chocolate and something uniquely Vince. It's only when we finally break apart, both a little breathless, that reality comes crashing back.

Vince's eyes are dark, intense.

I know I should step back, should say goodnight and walk away. But I'm rooted to the spot, caught in his gaze.

"Emily," Vince says softly, tucking a strand of hair behind my ear. "I know you have reservations about me, about my world. And I respect that. But I want you to know... I'm serious about getting to know you. If you'll let me."

I take a deep breath, trying to clear my head. "Vince, I... This is complicated. You know that, right?"

He nods, his expression serious. "I know. But I think it might be worth it."

As I look up at him, I realize I'm standing at a crossroads. The safe path would be to walk away now, to thank him for dinner and never see him again. But the other path, the one that leads into uncharted territory with this gorgeous, fascinating man... it's calling to me.

"Okay," I hear myself say. "Let's see where this goes."

Vince leans in for another kiss, this one more powerful than the first, and I lose myself in the dominating way he claims my mouth, my lips, my entire being.

As I finally slide into the waiting car, my lips still tingling and my head spinning, I realize I'm in deep trouble. And I’m surprised to find that I don’t care.

Chapter 3

Vince

I step into my penthouse, the door closing behind me with a soft click. The city lights twinkle beyond the floor-to-ceiling windows, but I barely notice them. My mind is filled with images of Emily - her sparkling eyes, the softness of her lips, the way her body fit perfectly against mine.

"Marco," I call out, knowing my right-hand man is never far away.

He appears from the adjoining room, alert and ready as always. "Boss?"

"I need you to find out everything you can about Emily Bennett. Leave no stone unturned, but be discreet. I don't want her to know we're looking into her background."

Marco nods, his face impassive. "Anything specific you're looking for?"

I pause, considering. "Everything. Her work, her family, her connections. I want to know everything, Marco. All of it."

"Consider it done," he replies. "There's something else you should know, boss. The Genovese family has been making moves in our territory. We've spotted several of their men tailing you over the past few days."

I frown, moving to pour myself a drink. "Any idea what they're after?"

Marco shakes his head. "Not yet. But they're getting bolder. It might be time to send a message."

I take a sip of whiskey, letting the burn distract me from the anger building inside. "Let's wait and see for now. But increase security. I don't want any surprises."

"And what about the girl?" Marco asks carefully. "If the Genovese are watching you, they'll see her too. It could be dangerous for her to be associated with you."

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