Page 32 of Sweet Deception

He sighs, extending a hand out to me. "Come on. Our guests have left and I've settled the bill. Let's get out of here."

"Okay." I let it go for now as I place my hand in his.

Luca's quiet on the ride home. I want to ask questions, but he's miles away. The encounter with his cousin upset him. It was clear he didn't like the way the guy approached me and I'd have to agree. It was weird.

Luca escorts me to my apartment and before I can say anything, he pulls me into his arms to give me another one of his soul-shattering kisses. Just when I think he's about to lift me and carry me to my room, he releases me and tells me to be ready at noon before walking back out my door. When it shuts behind him, I stare at it in confusion.

"Angel, lock the door!" Luca demands from the other side.

I jolt, but then rush to do what he asks before leaning my ear against the door to listen for his retreating footsteps. When I can't hear them anymore, I turn and lean my back against the door and relive tonight's events. In my position, I have no right to ask Luca questions, but I want to.

Badly.

Sighing, I stoop to take my shoes off.

This is the most bizarre relationship. Here I thought the first thing he would do was sex me up and all he's done was kiss me and squeeze my ass. Shaking my head, I move to the bathroom to wash my face and change for bed. At least I'll be able to study tonight.

Chapter fourteen

Luca

Islam the car door, furious at Leo. What the fuck does Rome think he's doing, sending him over to intimidate Kylie? And what the hell was Leo thinking, cornering her? Thank fuck, I showed when I did.

Any other woman would've been terrified, and while there was some fear, Kylie also looked ready to take him on. I was so damn proud of her at that moment, but also furious she was put in that situation. The last thing I want is Rome involving himself with Kylie.

Needing to let off steam, I punch the steering wheel until a crack reverberates in the car. I force myself to stop before I damage it beyond driving. I need the car to drive to Rome's house and shoot Leo in the fucking head. The fucker is going to answer for scaring the hell out of her and ruining my plans for Kylie tonight. Hell, I would've wanted to shoot him just for that alone. Now I want to beat the shit out of him first for scaring her. Gritting my teeth, I start the car and steer it home. It was time for some shooting practice, anyway.

Slamming the door, I head straight for my office. The sounds of sparring coming from the basement suddenly stop, telling me the guys are here. Not a surprise, since they expected me to take Kylie to the penthouse in the city after dinner. This works out since I can get Rafael's report before I head to Rome's.

Once I get the safe open, I grabmy gun and ammo.

"The fucker is going to think twice before he tries to intimidate Angel again," I mutter,checking the chamber. "Leo's face isn't going to be pretty anymore. We'll see how he likes that." I reach for more ammo, but the box isn't where I put it. Narrowing my eyes, I search the desk but then whirl around when my gun is yanked from my hand. "What the fuck?" I was so focused on the image of Leo hovering over Kylie, I never heard the guys come into the room.

"Whoa, boss. I think you need to calm down and tell us what happened. Did you say you were going to shoot Leo? The man's your cousin and if that isn't deterrent enough, Rome will come after you for shooting him." Gio opens the chamber of my gun to empty the clip and hands it to Rafael before sticking the gun at the small of his back.

Growling in frustration, I pace because he's right. It would start a war, but what the fuck? He can't just interfere in my business and intimidate Kylie because her dad is a former cop and think they can get away with it. I won't stand for it.

"Who tried to intimidate Kylie?" Gio growls as he pulls the gun back from out of his pants and makes a grab for the clip in Rafael's hand.

I didn't realize I said all that out loud, but I'm glad I did because now I've got Gio on my side. Rafael's not there yet since he jerks the clip out of Gio's reach and snags the gun from him.

"Hey!" Gio yells.

"Calm down, asswipe. You're not helping the situation." Rafael storms to my safe to put everything back, making sure to shut the door and lock it. He then turns around, crossing his arms and spreading his feet as he glares at Gio.

"You heard him. Leo tried to intimidate Little Bit. She's so fucking tiny and he's huge. That was uncalled for."

Gio's face is as red as mine when he repeats the offense. I turn to the window, my mind racing while those two argue back and forth. I put my forearm on top of the frame and stare out into the darkness of the backyard.

"Luca, we know you're protective of the girl, but you need to put your emotions aside and decide on the right strategy to confront Rome. The last thing you want is a war we can't win, but if that's what needs to be done, then we have yourback." Rafael's reasoning helps push my anger to the side so I can think more rationally.

Sighing, I straighten and turn around, putting my hands in my pockets."I can't let them think they have the right to interfere, either. We've been doing good until now, keeping out of each other's business." I thrust my hand through my hair and begin pacing again. "Rome doesn't like that her father is a cop. I get it, but she isn't a spy, and he needs to keep his paranoia to himself."

"We can at least still rearrange Leo's face." Gio grumbles.

"You're. Not. Helping," Rafael says through gritted teeth.

Gio huffs, lumbering over to the couch and falls back. The couch groans at his weight.

---