Page 52 of Enforcer

“Oh, it’s that kind of stakeout, got it. I wouldn’t have known.”

“It’s why I told you. I like to be prepared.” I grin as she hangs up, looking up at Pauly and remembering the partition wasn’t up between us.

“Wipe the grin off your face,” I tell him.

“Hey, I just like to see you happy, Dante. You deserve it.” Pity fills his eyes, and it’s a look I’ve become accustomed to over the years, ever since Anna died.

“Just take me home,” I order, and he clears his throat and takes his eyes away from the rearview to toss the SUV into drive.

But even after we’ve pulled away and are headed to the apartment, I’m grinning at Alyssa’s contact image.

Distractions aren’t good in this life, and she’s the biggest one I’ve ever faced.

“What in God’sname are you wearing?” I ask her.

She looks up and down her body, which is clad in a full-on-footed pajama onesie, as she tosses her arms in utter disbelief at my saying something.

“This seemed like the perfect fit. You said greasy food and twenty-one questions, which screams slumber party vibes to me, so I dressed accordingly.”

I’m in shock. I don’t know if she’s making fun of me or being a smartass. Or a bit of both.

“Alyssa,” I growl, stepping closer. I’m at a loss for words, which usually doesn’t happen to me.

She smirks, crossing her arms over her chest. “If I can’t wear my Gilmore Girl’s onesie, I’m not going.”

“But I said...”

She cuts me off, unzipping the infernal blue one-piece with coffee cups all over it and giving me a peek at what's beneath it; absolutely nothing.

“Fine, you can go in that,” I agree without thinking.

She zips it back up. “That’s what I thought.”

I point a finger at her. “Don’t be a smartass!”

“Or what?” She stamps her foot on the marble floor.

Another step closer, and I’m looming over her. “Or I’ll take those pajamas off of you, bend you over my knee, and spank your ass until you remember the feel of my hand for a week.”

Her breathing speeds and her lips open to expel a little gasp.

“Fuck. I might do that just for the fucking fun of it if it’s something you want, tesoro.” I tip her chin up, leaning down and catching her lips.

There’s something in this kiss that wasn’t there before. Something I very much want to toy with and drag out, but I promised Slate I would sit on the docks, and it’s nearly dark.

“Shit, come on, we have to get food and get a spot before dark.”

“But what about this?” she asks, running her hand over my hard cock over my pants, and I arch into her out of instinct.

“That’ll have to wait. We have work to do. Which isn’t clear by your outfit.”

She scoffs. “If you’re going to keep being a hater, I can stay here, watch television, and eat greasy food without you.”

I throw my hands up in defense. “Fine. I’ll be on my best behavior. But I’m going in to get the food. You’re staying in the car.”

Her face softens with a teasing look that plays on her features. “Ashamed of me?”

“Never,” I answer before I even consider otherwise.

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