Page 11 of Gio

“That’s sad,” he said. “So close to the beach but you never dip your toes in the water.”

We walked along the sidewalk chatting for a bit until Gio pointed to a steakhouse, “Sound good to ya?”

“Sure,” I said.

We went inside where we were seated immediately, I couldn’t help but notice the way the hostess’s eyes looked him up and down. Gio had that effect on women. Once we we’d gotten comfortable and ordered drinks, he turned to me and said, “Do you love your job that much? I mean you’re risking your life going to this damn gala.”

“Yes, I love it, but it’s also incredibly demanding. People spend a lot of money on events, and they are often for a good cause. I deal with high-strung people who are incredibly demanding which means long hours, double, and triple-checking everything.”

“Pretty sure if you love something it isn’t ayes, butkind of thing.” He smiled and turned his attention to the menu. “Appetizer?”

“Might as well indulge.” If those bikers killed me, I’d hate to have skipped out on the crab cakes. “Tell me Gio, how is my brother?”

“He’s good. Thriving after the Army and in the club. But I think he’s itching for a woman to settle down with.”

I laughed at that. “There are women everywhere in your club, it shouldn’t be too hard.”

“Wrong.” His eyes sparkled as he leaned in close like he was telling me some big secret. “There’s ass everywhere. If you want a good fuck, an easy fuck? That’s everywhere. The only real women around the MC are with our brothers.”

It should’ve been a turn off to hear him talk about women that way, but I appreciated his honesty. “Are you seeing anybody?”

“Nope. You?”

I wanted to ask more but I shook my head. “Nope. No time or desire.”

“Bad relationship?” His voice softened and that made me open up more than I otherwise would have.

“Terrible. He got angry about six months in and sent a backhand flying at my cheek. I left about sixty seconds after that, and I never looked back.” And I’d been gun shy about men ever since.

“What’s his name? Where does he live?” Gio’s jaw clenched tight. “Actually just give me his name, Slate can find the rest.”

I threw my head back and laughed, having a good time with him despite the constant fear that thrummed in my chest. “Are you gonna beat him up?”

His smile slipped into that serious tone that was lethal and hot. “If he’s lucky all he’ll get as a beating.”

Whoa. “That’s violent but oddly sweet and comforting.”

Gio wiggled his brows, a playful smile on his face. “Thanks.”

“I appreciate you coming through for me like this, Gio. I’m sure it screws up your personal life so, thanks. Even if you are bossy as hell about it.”

He laughed at that. “I’ll always come through for you Harper.”

Of course he would. “Because I’m like a sister to you?”

“No,” he sighed and fell back against the booth, taking a long pull from his beer even though his gaze never left my face. It was dark and dirty, and it made me feel funny. “I definitelydon’t think of you like a sister, but I do give a fuck about what happens to you. Nobody gets to threaten you while I have breath to do something about it.” He shrugged. “And I promised Cole,” he added as if he realized he said too much.

I allowed it because I wasn’t sure what to think about that admission. Not a sister. It shouldn’t have filled me with relief.

Damn him.

Chapter 8

Gio

“Wait one fucking minute.” Cole laughed and gasped so hard I had to pull the phone away from my ear. “Did you say you’re going to the gala with Harper. As her date?”

I held my breath and waited for him to give me the lecture again about not laying hands—or my dick—on his little sister. He’d mentioned it a time or two over the years, how he’d really love it if I didn’t seduce Harper. Treat her like a kid sister, he said to me, and I have. Mostly. But years had passed since I last saw her and now, well now she was a fucking knockout. “Yes. As her date.” I shook my head and pinched the bridge of my nose. “Did you hear the part about the Blood Reapers trashing her place and threatening her?”

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