Page 12 of Mafia Rules

“Who are you going to supper with?” I twirl around, my heart pounding in my chest. His hands slowly withdraw from my body, leaving a trail of lingering warmth.

“You. That is. Will you have supper with me, Eve?” His hands slide into his pockets, and he’s like the little boy again.

A sigh of relief escapes my lips, a sound I should have suppressed, …just like my anger and jealousy. I return to the table, resume my cleanup, and hide the smile on my face.

“I booked us a spot I think you’ll like,” Ash continues.

“And if I don’t want to go?” I meet his gaze with a firm, serious look.

“Then that green dress would go to waste.” His eyes linger on my face as they travel from my eyes to my mouth. A slight smile on his face leaves me to wonder what he’s thinking.

“What time?” I give in too easily because the thought of him taking someone else…

“I’ll pick you up at six.” His hand brushes away a strand of loose hair close to my cheek. “Thank you for today. I know that was hard to throw at you on your first day. You did amazing.”

“I didn’t do anything.”

“You underestimate yourself.”

“It wouldn’t have been any different if I wasn’t here,” I push back.

“They wouldn’t have been on their best behavior, and I wouldn’t have gotten them to give me more time.” Ash packs up his briefcase. “Ford can be a hard-ass when there are no women around.”

“Like a respect thing?”

“Yes. Respect.” Ash stands still for a moment, his gaze distant and contemplative, then continues what he was doing.

“So, we were successful then? You got what you wanted?”

“Yes, and no. I got more time, but I still need to close the deal.” He slips his jacket back on and fidgets with the cufflinks.

“Do you want me to go to your meeting with the client?” A smile spreads across my face as I imagine myself as his lucky charm.

“No. Under no circumstances can you ever meet the client," he says, his eyes turning dark. The tone of his voice turned harsh and reminds me I am just his secretary, until I’m dismissed like the blonde.

“I’m sorry. I just assumed…” I stutter, confused by his mix of emotions.

“They aren’t people you want to fuck with, Eve. I’ll handle the client.” His voice is firm and not to be challenged.

“You handle the client,” I repeat, wanting the playful little boy to return. I have to remember who I was working for, the rumors about them, and what kind of business they run.

“That was rude of me. I shouldn’t have said it that way.” His hands rub my arms. “They are dangerous people.”

“Okay.” I half smile, thinking I didn’t want him near them either. I didn’t care if he could handle himself. The idea of him getting hurt made me feel sick to my stomach.

“You can trust me, Eve. I will only ever have your best interests at heart.” His voice is sincere, but the man barely knows me, and I him.Why should I trust him?

I nod, unsure how I could reply to that comment. We have this odd connection, and I feel like I can say anything to him, but we barely know each other. And he also has a temper I’ve only seen the edge of.

Ash’s phone buzzes with a text. Suddenly, his expression turns hard, shifting his whole demeanor as he heads for the door, leaving me behind. “I have to be somewhere. Take the limo back to work.”

I nod, the familiar jealous feeling churning in my stomach.

8

ASH

Ichanged suits three times and still wasn't feeling it. "You're ridiculous," I say out loud as I look into the mirror. I pull at my tie and start over again.

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