Page 120 of Dangerous Contract: Part 2

"At least get out of the car and open the door for her when I bring her out," Leo told him.

Sighing heavily, Orazio climbed out of the car at the same time Leo did. He moved to stand next to the back passenger door, facing the hotel with his arms folded over his chest. The night air was cool, a stark contrast to the heat of his thoughts.

"At least pretend you want to be here," Leo drawled as he headed toward the hotel.

Raz was tired of pretending. He was tired of hiding. He was tired of letting fear hold him hostage. But what was he going to do about it? He stared up at the sky as he awaited Leo's return.

He owed it to Miconi to have a chat with him before he did anything. Raz was the one who'd asked Isla out, not the other way around. A few minutes later, the door to the hotel opened again. Leo stepped out first, followed by Isla Miconi.

She was wearing a long white dress that dipped low in the front, revealing the swell of her breasts. Gold high heels clicked against the pavement, and her gold jewelry glittered under the hotel lights.

Her blonde hair fell in waves over her shoulders, and she moved with the grace of someone who knew the power of her beauty. A power she probably wielded on a daily basis. Though she was undeniably beautiful, a vision in white and gold, he wasn’t swayed at all.

She stirred nothing in him. His heart remained untouched, his body unresponsive. Only one woman could ignite the fire within him. As Raz stared at her, he knew he couldn't spend his life faking it with her.

That wouldn't be fair to her or him. Or his Rosa. As Isla neared the car, Orazio stepped forward, unfolding his arms. Heopened the car door for her with a forced smile that didn't reach his eyes.

"Good evening, Isla," he said, his voice smooth and polite.

"Good evening, Orazio," she replied, her voice soft and melodic as she slid gracefully into the car.

Orazio closed the door behind her and walked around to his side, casting one last glance at the hotel before getting in. He settled into his seat, already plotting the conversation he hoped to have with Miconi.

He could no longer consider the offer of becoming Miconi's son-in-law. If that prevented them from doing business together, then so be it. Life was too short to live it like a coward. Staying away from Monique was destroying him slowly – mind, body, and soul.

"Will your father be riding with us?" Orazio asked Isla as he settled in next to her.

Isla shook her head. "No, my father has a date."

"Oh, he found a date that quickly?"Lucky him!

Isla chuckled. "It's someone he's had his eyes on for a while now. She was married when he first saw her. Then she was dating someone for a while, but they broke up. Now, she's divorced and single. My father hopes to make her his before anyone else has a chance to snatch her up."

Raz nodded, mind straying to his Rosa. Frederico Miconi had the right plan in mind. Raz needed to follow in the old man's footsteps. He needed to let go of his fear and snatch Monique back up before someone else stepped in. Or, unlike Miconi, was Raz already too late?

He couldn't believe he was jealous of the old man for doing what he'd been too afraid to do, and that was to take a chance on love, to put love first. Raz pushed that jealousy aside. He was happy for Miconi.

And he'd tell him that as soon as he saw him tonight. Once this night was over, he'd go straight to Monique's house. There were a few things he needed to tell her. He just hoped he hadn't pushed her too far with the way he'd been acting. He hoped she hadn't given up on him yet.

Please, Rosa. Be waiting for me. I'm coming home.

Chapter Thirty-Five

ORAZIO

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An awkward silence filled the car as it moved through the streets of Biloxi. Orazio stared out the window, lost in his thoughts. He was so consumed with his preparations to win Monique back that he didn't notice the tension in the car until his gaze met Leo's in the rear-view mirror.

Leo mouthed,"Talk to her."

Talk to Isla? For what?

Orazio mouthed back,"Fuck that!"

Leo mouthed something Raz couldn't make out. Ignoring his guard, Orazio faced the window and continued to gaze at the passing scenery. He was pretty sure he'd have to do some groveling if he wanted his Rosa to return to him.

He was up for the challenge. When she returned to his side, would things go back to the way they used to be, or would they be different? He suspected they'd be different. He'd done something he'd said he wouldn't do.

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