Page 47 of The Enforcer

That’s why I was being so cautious tonight.

Someone wanted to place further blame on the Laborers’ Union. Perhaps because they had no problem issuing open threats or carrying targets on their backs. They thought themselves invincible.

“I won’t lie. Club Scandal isn’t what I expected.”

I dug my fingers into Valencia’s back as I led her up the slightly winding steps to the private balcony. The area would be used for small parties. But not tonight. There were only three or four couples allowed on the platform, including the Italian president and his wife, the developer who’d ultimately come through on the project despite several setbacks and the man’s son at special request.

I’d allowed the men to invade the space I considered mine if only for tonight. Reputations could often be won or lost depending on how prominent people were treated, including during festive events.

“And what were you expecting?” I asked as I led her to the table in front. We had a clear view of the floor and two bars below, a necessity given the event from earlier in the day.

“Perhaps whips and chains.”

I laughed softly as I leaned over, pressing a kiss against her cheek. When she’d opened the door of her hotel room, I’d known at that very moment letting her go wasn’t an option. She was stunning, the color perfect and the design of the dress created as if just for her. When two men had leered at her outside the club, I’d almost yanked out my weapon. Only the soft touch of her hand and her scattered breathing from our photograph being taken had prevented me from killing them.

I’d never known I was a jealous man.

A part of me wanted to shower her with gifts and that continued to floor me. Yes, I’d like very much to have her in my life. However, I wasn’t in the business of capturing and keeping anyone against their will. Time would tell how I’d handle her request.

“I assure you that you might find a few of those in the private rooms. Are you interested?”

“I don’t believe adding to my collection of firsts is in my best interest.”

I sat down after acknowledging Francesco Esposito and his wife’s presence at the far table on the balcony. He and I hadn’t gotten along during the process of the man selling us the land and acting as the general contractor. But his quality of work was superior, so I’d ignored his attempts at riling me.

“What other firsts have you experienced with me?” I asked more in passing.

“A one-night stand.”

“Yet that’s not what we’ve shared.”

“And exactly what have we shared?” she asked just as a waitress brought a bottle of champagne to our table as requested.

I leaned over without touching her, but could tell my presence had a startling effect on her. “Magic.”

Her brow furrowed as she thought about my answer, yet waited until the glasses were filled. As she lifted the crystal flute, I sensed a moment of sadness rolling through her system and her mind.

She had no intention of staying.

We touched glasses and her smile had the way of sparking filthy thoughts in my mind while creating jolts of current in my heart.

“To magic,” she said quietly. She closed her eyes and took a sip, finally relaxing enough that she placed her small purse on the edge of the table.

I studied the floor below, noticing the number of soldiers that were in position. While Luca remained downstairs, Elias had been told to stand guard at the rear of the loft.

“You’re worried about what happened when you were here earlier. Aren’t you?”

Valencia was determined to learn more about me. I wasn’t certain if it was because she needed ammunition to finalize her decision to end what we’d shared. “I don’t want any issues for my guests. Nothing more. With the number of celebrities andpoliticians as well as prominent moguls attending the opening, I want their night to be memorable.”

“Instead of bloody.”

She enjoyed attempting to get under my skin.

“Exactly.”

She shook her head. “Then I’ll have you to keep me safe.”

“Always.” As a young couple walked up the stairs arm in arm, Elias immediately stepped forward. While he hadn’t broken protocol earlier in the day, he also wasn’t used to me losing my cool. That wasn’t my style and was rarely necessary. He could sense how on edge I’d become.

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