Page 39 of Gio

Harper’s protective as fuck older brother.

Chapter 23

Harper

“Are you sure you’re okay?” I posed the question to Gio about halfway through the political fundraiser because he’d been acting strange since he picked me up from the hotel yesterday afternoon.

He nodded but his jaw was clenched tight as his gaze scanned the room. “I’m fine, Harp.”

“You’re not, but tell me to mind my fucking business,” I whispered. “Don’t lie to me. Don’t ever lie to me.” I walked away, angry and hurt because it was like a switch had been flipped and suddenly, he was distant and aloof.

I guess my three days are up too.

“Ms. Davis, may I have a moment of your time?”

I turned with a professional smile for Marla Washington, the chief of staff for Senator Merchant. “Mrs. Washington, how may I help you?” She looked more like a political mover in D.C. than in Las Vegas with her long silver braids twisted into an intricate bun, her wine-colored dress a perfect contrast to her smooth brown skin.

“This event has been wonderful, and we’ve already exceeded our fundraising goal for the night.”

“That’s great. Congratulations!”

“Thanks to you. The Senator is quite pleased with this event, and he would like you to handle another fundraiser, but this onewill be more intimate. It’s a high dollar dinner fundraiser meant only for the movers and shakers, you understand?”

I nodded. This event would be filled with the richest, most influential people in the state, possibly the country. At least the ones who had financial interests in this city. “I understand completely.”

“Good. Here’s my card, give me a call in the next few days and I’ll get you all the details.” She handed me a heavy business card with fancy raised lettering and walked away.

Holy shit.Another job! I was beyond excited, but it was quickly tempered by two thoughts. The first was that I’d be staying in Vegas even longer and the second was that it might be without Gio, at least without the Gio I’d gotten to know.

And fallen for.

My gaze landed on him instantly, sitting at a table where an older woman draped in jewels talked his ear off. God he was so handsome it took my breath away and it hurt that he wouldn’t share what was bothering him. Still, I played the role of the dutiful girlfriend and rescued him.

“Me and my friends own several businesses in Steel City,” he shared with the woman.

I wondered how she’d react to him because even in his suit, his tattoos and bad boy appeal couldn’t be hidden. “That’s wonderful,” she shouted over the noise of the crowd. “It’s important for young people to invest in their community.”

His lips twitched. “I couldn’t agree more, Agnes. It’s important to have pride in where you live.”

Her smile lit even brighter. “Exactly my sentiment. Give me a call, my company is always looking for ways to invest in the metro area.”

Shock was written all over his face. “Sure thing, Agnes. Make sure you be careful out there on the dance floor.”

She stopped and arched a brow at him. “You think I can’t handle myself?”

He laughed. “I don’t think they can handle you, Agnes.”

She laughed and pointed at Gio. “It was nice meeting you Gio.” She gave me a polite smile as she sauntered off towards a group of older men.

“Making friends everywhere you go?”

He shrugged. “Something like that.”

I could get lost in that smile, I thought to myself before I wiped it from my mind. “Glad to see you’re having fun.”

He noticed my shift in attitude and jumped from his seat, closing the gap between us until I was wrapped in his arms. “I’m sorry, Harp.”

“Don’t be.” I squirmed to get out of his arms, but he held me tighter. “Look Gio, I get it. Our time is up and because of our history and the fact that you’re keeping me safe makes this awkward. It doesn’t have to be.”

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