Page 22 of The Lieutenant

One thing was without question. The enchanting woman preparing to shadow my life could certainly write. In fact, her articles represented the lifestyle eloquently and without emotion while keeping it generalized enough that she hadn’t gotten herself in hot water.

Yes, what I’d said to her at the end of our conversation did apply. I would have significant difficulty letting her go. The fact she’d moved from dislike to hatred of me only made the thought of tasting and fucking her that much sweeter.

My thoughts were filthier than normal. Maybe that’s why my cock had been aching since she’d stormed out of my office with her head held high and her heels clipping the wooden floor.

It was pretty ballsy of her to pen articles on organized crime in the first place. She’d been lucky she’d walked out from the interviews alive and unhurt. Yet however formidable Kara had managed to be in her demeanor, she’d taken significant risks. Why? What was the real reason behind her insistence on providing the world with an accurate look inside the world of mafia regimes?

Maybe I would eventually ask her.

She hadn’t glorified the existence or nature of the business either. Using creative techniques, she’d highlighted the pitfalls of being involved with a syndicate and in becoming the enemy of one. All without accusing a single member of murder, extortion, or other atrocities most were known to participate in.

One thing she had insisted was the mortality level was high, our life expectancies low.

I nursed my drink, also indulging in a cigar as I waited for her to arrive. With the file Jonas had amassed on her quickly, I had more of an insight into her qualifications as well as her intentions. So far, two articles on syndicates had been printed, one in theNew York Times, the other in a District of Columbia newspaper. But there were others, including highlighting aspects of white-collar crime as it related to hacking. I’d enjoyed it tremendously.

Her writing style was captivating, the insight she provided fascinating. Why did I have the distinct feeling she was digging through rubble to find something?

The other fascinating aspect of her life was the fact her father was a US Marshal and had been for years. Prior to that, he’d been a US ambassador stationed in Italy. The switch in careers was highly interesting. Perhaps that’s why she’d chosen the path she had, although she seemed strong willed enough she’d choose her own destiny without anyone’s influence or interference.

One question that remained in the forefront of my mind was why she’d selected the Nomikos family when there were dozens of other crime syndicates throughout the world. There was always a reason for everything anyone did. This time was no exception.

While the weather was absolutely gorgeous with highs in the seventies, warm enough I had the French doors open through the flat, she hadn’t come here for the weather.

Or the scenery.

I took a sip of the chilled Stoli, enjoying the mild burn more so than usual. As I puffed on the cigar, I placed the file on the side table and stood, heading outside onto one of several balconies. The city was alive with activity much as it had been the night before. With usually only one day of rain during the month, outdoors activities and sidewalk bistros were all the rage.

Kara had been cautious, refusing to allow me to pick her up at her hotel. Of course I’d found out the location with a single phone call. I wondered how she’d feel when she realized it was within walking distance. I laughed softly and studied the street below. While this was the penthouse, the building was only eight stories tall. That allowed me to still enjoy being in the heart of the city while able to see the sweeping view of the ocean on either side.

I leaned over the railing, yet to determine what locations I would allow her to visit. With few exceptions, I could take her with me to most meetings that were on the books for the next couple of days. Sadly, I didn’t think doing so would provide her with the juicy kind of article she was hoping to achieve.

Or maybe I’d do just that.

But not before enjoying spending quality time with her. Call it a perk of the business I was in and of the deal she’d entered into.

Admitting I would enjoy the challenge, perhaps even the chase, hadn’t been difficult. It had been so long since any woman had intrigued me as much as Kara had done that I was looking forward to the opportunity. It would be interesting to continue making her squirm.

Inhaling, I could almost gather the delicate whiff of her desire that had been awarded to me during our mind game. She’d held her own, but I was the master of peeling away layers. What she didn’t know was that I had no intention of glueing them back together.

My cock ached from the thought. More than a taste would be needed. I noticed a young woman walking down the sidewalk, studying her phone as she did. My instinct told me immediately my dinner date had arrived.

Even from this distance, I was floored by the sight of her. As my brothers would tell me, it had been far too long since I’d enjoyed the company of a woman in bed or otherwise. I kept my eyes on her as she approached, finally stepping into the light. As soon as she did, it was obvious she sensed she was being watched.

Kara slowly lifted her head until she found me. The connection was distinct, the electricity even from afar capable of lighting upthe sky. I was becoming more intrigued than ever, uncertain I’d ever been this attracted to a member of the opposite sex.

I took a puff of my cigar, enjoying the way the light breeze helped it float toward the vision of beauty.

She didn’t wave or acknowledge me in any way. I was certain she was smirking. Yes, this should be a fascinating and delicious evening. I waited as she entered the building before heading inside.

After putting out my cigar, I polished off my drink before I finally heard her light knock. Either the elevator had taken a long time, or she’d considered changing her mind.

I wasn’t the kind of man to think any woman could actually take my breath away, but on this night, I was proven wrong. Kara was a creature of absolute beauty, although she either refused to see, admit, or allow herself to be thought of that way.

Yet here she was standing in my doorway in a ‘come fuck me’ dress that immediately had my balls in a tight pinch.

“Don’t you know smoking is bad for you?” she asked. I did adore her demanding tone.

“We’re all going to die of something. I might as well enjoy myself along the way.” Perhaps Marco was right about something.

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