Page 14 of Mafia Rules

“We’re just upstairs.” My hand instinctively lands on her back as we walk to the doors.

“Here? At work?” Her eyes squint at me with uncertainty.

“I have a condo here too. As do my brothers.” I walk her toward the elevator. Under the fluorescent lights, I can see she’s put more effort into her appearance tonight. There’s a sheen to her skin that sparkles as we move through the lobby. I wonder how far down her body she applied it.

“Oh.” She runs her shaky hand through her wavy purple hair and takes another deep breath as we stop in front of the elevator.

I swipe my card to access my floor and stand behind her, looking her backside over. Her body is perfectly shaped. Curves in all the right places. After the doors open, I eagerly follow her inside. She turns around, her face radiant with a broad smile, clutching the flowers tightly against her chest, almost as if she's using them as a shield.

We ride the elevator in silence until the doors open right inside the living room. It’s dark, with most of the light coming from outside, the focal point being the breathtaking view of the city at night.

“This is beautiful, Ash.” She disarms, lowers the flowers, and walks over to the window.

“I rather like the view as well.” I follow, not looking outside.

“I’ve never seen the city like this.” She stops at the window, the shadows from outside marking her beautiful face in mystery.

“Are you a lifelong city girl?”

“No.” Deep in thought, a chuckle slips from her lips. “A country girl.”

“I feel like there’s a story there.” I grab two drinks from the side table and hand her one.

“I don’t really drink,” she reminds me, taking the glass. “Not that I care if you do,” she blurts out quickly in that soft voice that drives me fucking crazy.

“Try this one. It’s not dry.”

“I’ve tried to like drinking.” She giggles under the pressure of my gaze, her eyes drifting back to the city lights. “But I normally just pretend.”

My gaze falls to her lips, painted shiny red. Luscious and plump. Ready to be fucked. I shake my head. I can’t ramp up quickly, she isn’t like the rest—which is probably why I like her so much. She doesn't possess the qualities that usually catch my eye. She’s too smart to fall for my lies. She knows what she wants.

“Dinner is ready, sir,” the chef interrupts us.

“Thank you.” I take her limp hand in mine and direct her to the dining room, where candles and flowers adorn the table. It’s a formal room, yet cozy with dimmed light. Not really my style, but I trusted my decorator to handle these things. “I wish I could say I’m this artistic, but I had some help with the table decorations.”

Her hand covers her mouth, hiding her smirk at my expense. “It’s beautiful, whoever did it.”

I pull out her chair, and she sits, taking in the display. I sit next to her, observing her reaction to everything. There’s an awkwardness between us that is new. It’s as if we’re both waiting for something to happen.

The server arrives with plates, followed by the chef. They place our meals in front of us, then step back.

“Thank you. You can leave now.” I nod to them. I don’t want to share another moment of my time with Eve with anyone.

“This looks amazing.” Eve pokes the meat with her fork before taking a bite. Her eyebrows lift in appreciation. I can’t help but wonder what her reaction will be to my taste.

“I’m glad you approve.”

Her eyes shift to me, and we both know I’m not talking about the fucking chicken.

9

EVE

Being in his private sanctuary didn’t feel right. I wasn’t sure what I expected from accepting his invitation to dinner. I knew it wouldn’t be about work, and I was still trying to push the image of him on top of the blonde out of my mind—unsuccessfully. He’s used to getting what he wants, and that seems to be me tonight.

“What are you thinking?” As he leans back in his seat, his eyes hungrily travel over every inch of my body.

I smile. There’s no way in hell I’m telling him. “The food is amazing.” I force a fake smile, aware of how terrible of a liar I am.

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