Page 8 of Boss of Brooklyn

But all I can do is picture what it would be like to be in bed with him. I can imagine everything we’d do. I bet he’s anything but gentle. And I blush as I realize I probably don’t want gentle. I need a man who wants me so badly he can barely contain himself. I bet a man like Luca Del Toro knows exactly how to take what he wants while making a woman scream in pleasure.

I squeeze my thighs together and flop over to my side, snuggling into my pillow and wishing for a blissful night’s sleep that never happens.

Chapter 5

Luca

Istare at the stack of papers on my desk, willing them to disappear. It's been two days since the incident in the alley, and I can't get Sofia Romano out of my head. Her fierce determination, the fire in her eyes... It's intoxicating.

“Boss?” Leo's voice snaps me out of my reverie. “The meeting with the Espositos is in an hour.”

I wave my hand dismissively. “Cancel it.”

Leo's eyebrows shoot up. “Again? Boss, this is the third time this week. They're not going to be happy.”

I fix him with a hard stare. “Let me worry about that. We have more pressing matters to attend to.”

“Like stalking a certain chef?” Leo mutters under his breath.

I choose to ignore his comment, even though he's not entirely wrong. “We're going to Nonna's again. Now.”

Leo sighs but doesn't argue.

As we drive through the city, I find myself fidgeting with my tie. What am I doing? I'm Luca Del Toro, feared mafia boss and billionaire. I don't get nervous over women. And yet, here I am, palms sweating like a teenager on his first date.

I pull out my phone and send a text to Dominic Esposito letting him know I’d like to discuss options for Sofia and her restaurant. Maybe I can talk them into letting her stay. Which is crazy. I barely know her, yet I’m drawn to her in ways I can’t explain. I feel so protective of her, even though I usually enjoy being known as the meanest man in Brooklyn. A man who cares about nothing and no one other than his family business.

We pull up outside Nonna's, and I take a deep breath before stepping out of the car. Through the window, I can see Sofia in the kitchen, moving with graceful efficiency as she directs her staff. She's in her element, and it's a beautiful sight to behold.

As we enter, the hostess's eyes widen in recognition. “Mr. Del Toro,” she stammers, “welcome. I'm afraid we don't have any tables available at the moment.”

I wave off her concern. “That's quite alright. I'm here to see Chef Romano.”

The hostess looks conflicted, but before she can respond, Sofia emerges from the kitchen. Her eyes find mine instantly.

“Mr. Del Toro,” she says, her voice cool and professional. “To what do we owe the pleasure?”

I step closer, lowering my voice. “I was hoping we could talk, Sofia. Privately.”

She raises an eyebrow. “I'm working, Mr. Del Toro. I have a restaurant to run.”

I can't help but smirk at her sass. “Fair enough. When do you get off?”

Sofia looks at me for a long moment, as if weighing her options. Finally, she sighs. “We close at 11. I'll be done by 11:30.”

I nod, followed by a curt reply. “I'll be back then.”

As Leo and I turn to leave, I hear Sofia call out, “And Mr. Del Toro? Don't be late.”

I grin, feeling a thrill at her challenging tone. No one speaks to me like that. I’d have their heads. But this girl? I’m loving that smart mouth. “Wouldn't dream of it, Miss Romano.”

The hours crawl by as I wait for 11:30 to arrive. I try to distract myself with work, but my mind keeps wandering back to Sofia. At 11:15, I make my way back to Nonna's, this time alone. Instead of my usual luxury car, I've opted for something a bit more... adventurous.

As Sofia steps out of the restaurant, her eyes widen at the sight of me in black jeans and a leather jacket astride a sleek, black motorcycle. I can't help but feel a surge of satisfaction at her reaction.

“What's this?” she asks, a mix of surprise and intrigue in her voice.

I grin, holding out a spare helmet. “Care for a ride?”

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