Page 5 of Sinful Lies

“Pleasure to meet you.” I reach out with my free hand, the other still clutching Zara’s small fingers tightly.

It seems she doesn’t want to let me go, and I’m not complaining about it.

“Likewise.” Giovanni’s eyes narrow as he looks at me.

I offer him an easy smile, which he doesn’t return.

I take a moment to look over this guy who was getting a little too close for comfort to Zara.

The moment I walked through the doors of the cocktail lounge, I spotted her at the bar, tanking champagne like her life depended on it. And my eyes haven’t been able to let her go since.

So, I saw when he cornered her, how her eyes went wide and her face drained of color beneath the warm orange bar lights.

I fought the urge to storm over and grab this guy by the collar and slam his face into the marble top bar. But I knew I had no right to step in, to play the hero in her story, though part of me can’t help but feel protective over her, especiallyconsidering the mess my family dragged her into almost a year ago.

I can still feel the phantom weight of her in my arms as I carried her unconscious body from the basement cell where Mario Gilanto kept her hostage. I can still smell the coppery twang of her blood as she was rushed to surgery to repair all the internal damage she had.

She had looked so fragile, lying in the hospital bed, hooked up to multiple machines and tubes.

I almost couldn’t bear to look at her. She was so far away from the strong, outspoken girl I had come to know, and I feared she would never come back. That she was going to be broken forever.

And my family would have been responsible.

Is that why she seems so frightened around this guy? Has that experience scarred her more than she ever let on?

It never should have gotten that far, and I will carry that guilt for the rest of my life.

I know she doesn’t blame us for what happened, but how could she not?

Being linked to the Koslov’s is no better than a death sentence. Which is exactly why I keep my heart locked away and only indulge in meaningless one-night stands and casual sex where I am safe in the knowledge that no one will get hurt.

“Giovanni is one of our new senior partners,” Zara explains, but I’m barely listening.

I untangle my fingers from Zara’s and wrap my arms around her waist, pulling her tightly against me.

She lets out a little gasp as I bend down to nuzzle into her hair, fighting back a moan as I’m hit with the sweetest strawberry scent.

Giovanni smirks. “I’m very much looking forward to having Zara assist me.”

I glance over at Giovanni and let my displeasure at his words reflect on my face.

He forces a smile. “She’s an asset to the company.”

“Mhmm…” I look down at Zara and flash her a wink.

Her cheeks heat, and she looks away.

Interesting…

Giovanni looks between us. “How long have you been together?”

Time to play the part of the doting boyfriend.

“A few months.” I squeeze Zara’s waist.

“Not long, then.”

I glance at Giovanni, and his eyes flash with challenge.

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