Page 22 of Scarred Hearts

TYLER

“I’m sorry, you’re who?” I shifted my gaze from the stranger to Nico, dropping my pen on the desk. “Who is this guy?”

After Giovanna went to find Luke, I’d been back in my office going over some plans for my secret project when Nico appeared in the office doorway with a man. He claimed he’d come to Euphoria looking for Giovanna.

The visitor stood confidently, adjusting his posture to appear even taller. “Dario,” he said, emphasizing his name. “She told me she worked here, and I came for—” He glanced over his shoulder with a sly grin before turning back to me. “Well, you know. I was hoping for a dance, but damn, now I might be interested in a membership.”

His jet-black hair was styled in a messy undercut, adding to his mysterious allure. His dark eyes held a hint of malice, and his folded arms flexed. It was clear he wasn’t afraid to intimidate others to get what he wanted. At least he was dressed nicely; a violet button-up shirt paired with black slacks. But that didn’t mean he could just waltz into our exclusive member’s only area at the club. He ran his fingers through his hair and casually tucked a Ferrari key FOB into his pocket.

I could tell Nico was also skeptical of whatever bullshit this guy was bringing into the club, so he spoke up before I could. “He’s the one who lives in your sister’s old apartment.”

Ah yes, the guy Giovanna couldn’t stop talking about. Eye Candy, as she liked to call him whenever she had the chance. All I knew about him was that he was a trauma surgeon at the hospital my family had unfortunately frequented.

Fuck. The last thing I wanted was to pretend to give a shit about some guy showing up to get a lap dance… or more… from her. She was free to do whatever she wanted. Still, I was protective. Just like I was with all our girls at the club.

Reaching for my phone in my pocket, I quickly texted Luke while Nico and Dario continued to chat in Italian. Of course, he’s Italian. Then he mentioned his last name, Rossi. At least it wasn’t anything like Mussolini or Mascoli. Just hearing those names made my blood boil. Instead, I mentally filed away his last name as a reminder to keep an eye on him.

I need you to send Gia back into Luxe asap.

I carefully tucked my phone away and settled back into the chair, crossing my arms over my chest. My attention was fully focused on the two men in front of me. “You’re not allowed to fuck her.”

Their conversation faltered for a moment as Nico flashed a small smile while Dario frowned, his brow furrowing. “Excuse me?” he scoffed.

I rose from my seat, striding toward the edge of my desk, slipping my hands into my pockets. “You haven’t been tested, filled out a waiver, taken a tour, or been approved.” I listed off a few of the necessary steps for newcomers.

He raised his hands in surrender. “I’m not trying to do all that tonight. You have rules, fine, I’ll respect them. But she invited me a long time ago.”

My scowl deepened. “And you chose her first night back in a year to show up?”

“I had no idea she’d been gone, man,” Dario defended himself, stealing a quick glance at Nico before returning his focus to me. “I was out with some buddies after our shift ended this morning. One of them asked what had happened to the hot neighbor girl, and it made me reach out to her.”

Hot neighbor girl? A spark of irritation ignited in me. I found myself gnawing on the inside of my cheek. For fuck’s sake, I was getting more annoyed with every word that exited his mouth.

“Anyway,” Dario continued, oblivious to my internal turmoil, “she texted me she was working tonight, and I should come by.”

Nico was now leaning in the doorway, arms crossed, narrowing his eyes at me ever so slightly.

“And that’s my bad for waiting so long,” Dario chuckled, running his fingers through his hair again. “She’s fucking incredible. I’m shocked she’s still single and wanted to see me. Maybe I’ll see if she wants to come hang out at my place after her shift.”

A laugh burst from Nico, causing me to shoot him an intense glare while Dario turned toward him, an amused smile on his face. I gripped the letter opener on my desk, my rage growing with each passing moment.

Before I could say anything, Giovanna appeared in the doorway, a broad grin on her face. Her eyes widened as she saw Dario. She threw her arms around him, kissing both of his cheeks.

“Ciao, bella,” he greeted her.

“Ciao,” she replied cheerfully, pulling away.

Taking her hand in his, he tilted his head and twirled her around slowly. “Damn, you look gorgeous.”

She playfully shook her hips, a high-pitched giggle escaping her lips. I’d never heard that sound come out of her. “So glad you showed up.”

My stomach coiled with unease at their easy familiarity and the way they seemed to know each other already. What the fuck is going on?

Me too,” he replied, his eyes locked in a magnetic pull toward her.

She reached for his hand, intertwining their fingers and nestling his arm over her shoulder. A mischievous sparkle danced in her eyes as she glanced back at me, winking. “You and Nico are welcome to come watch my show… professionally, of course, Tyler.”

I bit my tongue, knowing that nothing good would come out of my mouth if I spoke. Nico gave me a knowing look as she sauntered out of the room with Dr. Ferrari trailing behind her like a lost puppy. As soon as they were out of sight, Nico let out a chuckle and aimed an amused gaze at me.

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