Page 32 of Samson

“I can’t hold it against you that you like to play hard to get.” He winked at her. “Anyway, I was just leaving. Don’t forget what I said, Luca.” He brushed past Delilah, brushing the back of his hand on her arm. She didn’t move. Marc wasn’t someone you showed weakness to.

Once he was gone, she shut the door.

“That wasn’t what it looked like,” Luca said, shuffling the papers on his desk.

“Wasn’t it?”

“He just had some questions.”

“About what? Why would you even let him inside the building?”

“Forget about it.”

“No. I won’t. You said you weren’t into anything. Why would he be here unless you’re mixed up with him again?”

“I can’t believe you’d think something like that.”

“What am I supposed to think when he’s in your office late at night, and you’ve been looking worried all day?”

“That’s got nothing to do with him. Just forget about it. He’s an old friend. There’s a lot of water under that bridge, and we were catching up.”

“Don’t lie to me. There’s something else going on here. I can see it in your face.”

“It’s none of your business.”

“But there is something? Look me in the eye, and promise me it’s got nothing to do with Marc.”

“D, it’s late. We’re both tired. Go to bed.”

“I can’t believe this. You told me you’d left all of that behind you. You’ve come so far. How could you ruin it now?”

“I haven’t ruined anything. And that’s more than you can say.”

She pulled her chin in. “I can’t believe you said that.”

Luca rubbed his forehead. “I’m sorry. That was uncalled for. But you need to leave it. Go get some sleep. Everything is fine. He was just stopping in to say hello.”

Delilah shook her head and turned. Five minutes ago, she’d been ready to collapse into bed. Now, she needed some air.

Samson locked his car, then jogged across the street. He walked past what he was sure was a drug deal before approaching a tall redhead.

“Simone, you’re looking lovely this evening.”

“Samson Vartan, as I live and breathe. What brings you down to my part of town? I hope you’re here to party.”

“I’m all business tonight, I’m afraid.”

“You’re always all business.” She sauntered up to him and rested her hand on his chest before scratching her red nails down his shirt, flicking the buttons of his shirt as she went. “You need to learn to lighten up.”

He took her hand when she reached for his waist. “I’m afraid I can’t tonight.”

“You sure? You haven’t gotten tired of those stuck-up yuppy chicks with their fish lips? Wouldn’t you rather be with someonewho has proper experience?” She pushed the strap of her dress off her shoulder seductively.

“I’m not looking for company.” He hooked his finger in her strap and dragged it back up her shoulder.

Simone pouted. “If you want my time, it’ll cost you.”

“I know.” Samson pulled a bill from his wallet and handed it to her. “Will this do?”

---