Page 77 of Ruined

My chest tightened. “Frank.”

He froze before he plastered on a smile. “Your boy’s got quite the punch.”

My eyes flicked to the faint bruising along his cheekbone. Still not healed. Good.

I shrugged. “Luca’s got a temper.”

“Territorial, more like. Is he your boyfriend?”

“Nah. He works for me.”

Frank’s smile sharpened. “Could’ve fooled me.”

“He doesn’t like assholes, and you’ve got a talent for bringing it out in people.”

“I think he’s jealous,” he said, stepping closer. “Can’t blame him, though. We’ve got history, don’t we?”

“That’s all it is, Frank.”

Frank tilted his head. “I remember you being a little less cold the last time we?—”

“Don’t finish that sentence.”

His eyes dipped to my lips, his gaze darkening like it used to when things got intense between us. Before I knew better.

“Relax. I’m just saying, we’ve got a connection.”

“Funny. I don’t remember it being that deep.”

I didn’t rememberanythingbeing deep with Frank. He’d been convenient. Good enough in bed. An even better lesson in what not to want.

“Why don’t we catch up in private? Your office is right over there, isn’t it?”

“Go home to your wife.”

His smile faltered. “Ah, the moral high ground. That’s new.”

“Or maybe you’re just a piece of shit.”

He chuckled. “Guess you’ve got your hands full with your angry little watchdog anyway.”

“Watch your fucking mouth.”

He raised his hands. “Relax, Dom. No hard feelings.”

He slipped past me, melting into the crowd like smoke. Frank had managed the casino while I’d looked after Luca. He’d done a decent job, which worked in my favor. Unfortunately, I couldn’t get rid of him without causing a ripple that’d reach all the way up to Vinn Costa.

In my office, I slammed the door behind me and dropped into my chair. Silence didn’t help. My mind refused to shut up, shoving images of him in my face: Luca rolling his eyes, Luca pressing ice to his split lip, Luca’s glare sharp enough to cut glass.

I yanked my phone out of my pocket.

Where are you?

Three dots appeared.

Luca

I’m out. What do you need?

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