Page 7 of Prince of Queens

"What are you doing to me, Gia?" I mutter to myself.

My phone buzzes again. It's another text from Sal: "Meeting set up with the Colombians for next Saturday. Midnight. Neutral ground. You want backup?"

I text back a quick affirmative, my mind already spinning with potential scenarios. This meeting could go a dozen different ways, and I need to be prepared for all of them.

But even as I start planning, a part of my mind is still with Gia. I wonder what she's doing right now. Is she thinking about me too? Or has she already dismissed our encounter and forgotten about me?

I shake my head, trying to focus. I can't afford to be distracted, not with everything that's at stake.

Chapter 4

Gia

The music pulses through Nonna's, the air thick with excitement and the scent of expensive cologne. It's Tony Rivera's birthday, and the Lord of Little Italy’s family has spared no expense for his bash. And I haven’t even seen him show up. Why would he? He’s known for being the grumpiest, scariest boss of them all. So the who's who of New York's underworld is here, along with plenty of socialites and wannabes eager for a taste of danger.

I'm here with Sofia and Luca, nursing a glass of champagne and trying to look interested in the conversations swirling around me. That's when I see him.

Dominic Esposito. Here again. He's standing across the room, looking devastatingly handsome in a tailored suit that accentuates his broad shoulders. Our eyes meet, and I feel a jolt of electricity that has nothing to do with hatred.

I've had a few drinks, just enough to make me feel bold and reckless. Excusing myself from Sofia's side, I make my way to the bar as I see him weaving through the crowd.

"Well, well," I say as he sidles up next to me at the bar. "If it isn't the big bad wolf himself. Hunting for little red riding hoods, Esposito?"

He turns, his eyes raking over me in a way that makes my skin tingle. "Careful, Red. I might just eat you up."

I laugh, the sound both nervous and excited. "Please. You couldn't handle me if you tried."

"Is that a challenge?" he asks, his voice low and dangerous.

"You wish," I retort, but I can feel my pulse quickening.

We fall into a rhythm of witty barbs and loaded comments, each sentence dripping with both animosity and undeniable attraction.

"You know, for a Romano, you clean up surprisingly well," Dominic says, his eyes lingering on the neckline of my dress.

I smirk, leaning in slightly. "And for an Esposito, you're surprisingly articulate. Did you have to practice those big words in the mirror?"

He chuckles, a rich sound that sends a shiver down my spine. "Oh, sweetheart, my tongue is skilled at many things. Want a demonstration?"

The tension between us is palpable, a living thing that seems to grow with each passing moment. Finally, I can't take it anymore.

"Look," I say, leaning in close under the guise of speaking over the music. "I have a proposition for you."

Dominic's eyes darken, his voice low when he responds. "I'm listening."

"This... whatever this is between us. It's just physical, right? So why don't we... get it out of our systems? No stringsattached, just two people who are attracted to each other enjoying a release. Tomorrow, we can go back to being enemies."

For a moment, I think he's going to refuse. But then he nods, a predatory grin spreading across his face. "Lead the way, Red."

We make our way through the crowded restaurant, careful not to draw attention. The bathroom is too risky – too many people coming and going. Instead, I lead Dominic to the back office, locking the door behind us.

For a heartbeat, we just stare at each other, the reality of what we're about to do sinking in. Then Dominic moves, pressing me against the desk as his lips crash down on mine.

The kiss is electric, sending shockwaves through my entire body. His hands are everywhere, and mine aren't far behind, tugging at clothes and exploring newly exposed skin.

Dominic’s hands grip my hips tightly, spinning me around with a roughness that sends a thrill through me. He presses my front against the cool wood of the desk, his hard body flush against mine. His heat, his presence—everything about him consumes me.

"You want this as bad as I do," he growls low in my ear, his voice thick with lust. I can feel his breath against my neck, sending shivers down my spine.

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