Page 30 of Mafioso's Muse

‘If you could add some fruit slices,’ Lili instructed the bartender. ‘We’re celebrating.’

With their drinks in hand, they did a slow lap of the room, stopping to say hello to any patrons they knew.

‘No sign of Inky Capo yet,’ Lili said. ‘Lucky. You’ll likely swoon and fall into his arms again. I had second-hand embarrassment the other night.’

Willow shook her head, cheeks heating. ‘You did not.’

‘I did. The way he just appeared through the crowd and caught you. It was like you were onstage performingThe Merry Widow.’

Soft laughter came from Willow. ‘Need I remind you that I dideightturns in heels under the influence of alcohol.’ She looked around. ‘Do you know if he’s actually coming?’

‘Of course he is. This ishisproject.’ She looked over at the door, then let out a noisy sigh. ‘Speak of the actual devil.’

Willow looked in that direction and immediately forgot how to breathe. She had never known a man to look so good in a suit. It didn’t matter how many times she saw him in one—she had the same reaction every time. That night, he wore a beige suit with a blue tie. It perfectly contrasted his ink while accentuating his eyes.

As though feeling her gaze on him, he looked in her direction. Embarrassed at being caught staring, she lifted one hand in a small wave, and he responded with a nod.

‘It’s a real family affair tonight,’ Lili said. ‘The guy next to him is his brother, and the couple behind are his parents.’

Willow looked at her. ‘How do you know?’

‘Because I haven’t been living under a rock like you. Their pictures were all over the news last year.’

Willow had seen the brother on site but hadn’t known they were related. Now she could see the resemblance.

Vaughn said something to his brother, then began walking towards Willow. Her heart sped up as he approached.

‘I’m going to get another drink,’ Lili said with a sigh. ‘Be sure to let him down gently,’ she added. ‘You know how big their egos can be.’ She stepped away right as Vaughn reached them.

‘She’s not very subtle,’ Vaughn said as he stopped in front of Willow.

‘Don’t take it personally.’ She crinkled her nose. ‘Even though it’s personal.’

His lips twitched before he gestured to the drink in her hand. ‘On the hard stuff?’

Willow lifted her glass and watched the fruit pieces swirl. ‘The funny thing is, someone in this room is probably judging my fructose intake.’ She smiled to show she was joking. ‘The bar looks great, by the way. I’m guessing this was your vision.’

He looked around. ‘I had a few ideas to contribute.’ His eyes returned to her. ‘I hear congratulations are in order.’

She gave him a questioning look.

‘I was just speaking with Nigel outside. He told me you’ll be the Fairy of Joy opening weekend.’

Willow couldn’t stop the smile that came from hearing it said aloud. ‘That news travelled fast. To be honest, I’m still in shock.’ She glanced over at the creative director, who was speaking with an older gentleman in a checked sports coat. ‘Surprised he gave it to me.’

Vaughn followed her gaze. ‘Good to know he occasionally gets it right.’

His words and tone brought her attention back to him. ‘Only occasionally?’

When he met her gaze again, his expression turned serious. ‘You should be careful around him.’

‘Meaning?’

‘Just be careful.’

A nervous laugh escaped her. ‘Of what exactly?’

He didn’t answer straight away. ‘In my line of work, you learn to trust your instincts about people.’

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