Page 46 of Mob Boss's Second Chance

It’s a ridiculous thought, but it makes me chuckle anyway.

“How do you defend yourself?”

The deep voice comes from just behind me, so close that a shiver runs down my spine. I startle violently, tossing the New York Strip into the air like a lifeline I no longer want to hold.

When I turn and see Ethan, I frown and shake my head. “What was that? You scared the hell out of me.”

I didn’t hear him. I didn’t smell him. I must’ve been very invested in steak.

He shrugs, unperturbed. “You were lost in your world,” Ethan calls me out. “How do you defend yourself?”

What sort of question is that? “Well,” I thrust my hands on my hips, “I’m usually not in danger when buying steak.”

He nods like he’s computing something. “How many people buy steak?”

“Okay,” I exhale in exasperation. “I don’t know. I don’t buy steak often. I like chicken, so I don’t. Why are you asking—?”

The rest of my question sinks down my throat when he pins me against the wall and silences me with his mouth.His lips pressed against mine in a way that steals my breath.I flail around, but not for air. It’s for him—and I cling to his shirt as my fingers curl around it.

Ethan’s hand goes down my body, deliberately touching everywhere—from my breasts to the swell of my stomach and between my thighs.

His hand lingers, his touch branding me, and I whimper into his mouth, heat pooling between my thighs. Desperation coils in mystomach, thick and unbearable, and I press my legs together, trying to dull the ache.

Then, as suddenly as he came for me, he pulls away.

I’m left breathless, disoriented, sinking to the floor as I struggle to steady myself. My heart pounds in my ears, my lips still tingling from his kiss. It takes a moment to gather my thoughts, to catch the breath he just stole from me.

When I finally lift my gaze, he’s standing with his back turned, one hand shoved into his pocket. He’s composed and unaffected, as if nothing happened.

“Why did you kiss me?” My voice is raw, barely above a whisper. “Why did you—?” I shake my head, trying to make sense of it. “I don’t get it.”

Ethan turns slightly, his jaw tight, a muscle twitching like he’s weighing his words. Then, just when I think he might give me an answer, he exhales sharply and says, “I’ll be in the car.”

And just like that, he walks away.

I pull myself to a standing position with one hand pressed to the ground and the other against the wall. My lips are swollen, and the steak now looks like a mashed creation with a visible footprint on it.

It’s definitely not mine, but I’ll have to buy it.

Why did he kiss me?It’s impossible to wrap my head around, even though we’ve had sex twice.

It’s him, I realize. I know next to nothing about Ethan, and it’s thrown me into a loop. One minute, he’s kind, and the next, I might as well be someone he resents. And yet… I still sense a hidden tenderness.

I’m not sure if it’ll ever be mine,though.

***

Hours later, I’m seated next to Danielle with a tub of chocolate ice cream. I’ve managed to tell her everything that happened with Ethan, and she’s shaking her head.

“You’re crazy.” She points her spoon at me. “You told me to stay away from Ethan and Anthony, from the Cross family, and you’re the one exchanging bodily fluids.”

“Ew.” I make a face. “When you put it like that, it takes out all the intrigue. But,” I shrug, turning the tables expertly, “you’re the one who said I could be the reason why he finally falls in love.”

Danielle snickers. “Do you believe that?”

No. Maybe? No.

I sigh dejectedly. “No?”

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