Page 59 of Ruthless Oath

“I need something stronger.”

“How long did it take you to figure out you wanted to be a money launderer? Or a criminal? What is your specific job title?”

“I told you I didn’t want to fight.”

“You started it.” She set her glass on the table next to her. “But I’ll try my best not to provoke you.”

“Thank you.” I trailed my fingers up her neck and to her mouth, running them along her pouty, red lips. “I’m not in the mood to be provoked.”

Unless you want more of what happened the other night.

She gently kissed my fingertips. When I ran the back of my hand along her jaw, she darted the tip of her tongue out and glided it along her lips.

“Are you hungry?” I asked.

She gazed into my eyes and nodded.

“For dinner,” I clarified, standing and extending my hand. “It’s going to get cold.”

She took my hand and allowed me to guide her to the table. I pulled out her chair and motioned for her to sit. Once she was seated, her dress slid up her thighs, almost revealing her panties, but she wasn’t so modest tonight and left the hem where it was.

You’re teasing me.

I took the napkin from her place setting, unfolded it, and placed it on her lap.

“Your manners are impeccable.” She looked up at me. “Who knew?”

“I can be a gentleman when the situation calls for it.” I lifted the silver lid off the platter in front of her to reveal the delectable pasta choices. “Most times, I find that being a gentleman now gets me what I want later.”

“I have a feeling you won’t be so much of a gentleman later.”

“That depends on how the rest of the night goes.” I stroked her cheek. “You’ll have to decide if you’re looking for someone with a different approach than I have.”

“I’m not used to anyone’s approach, so I might be at a disadvantage.”

Your disadvantage is my advantage.

“Can I get you more champagne?” I asked.

“Please.”

I retrieved her glass from the end table by the loveseat.

She waved her hand over the pasta. “This looks delicious. Ravioli, penne, spaghetti, and bowtie. So many choices and sauces.”

“I ordered it from Franchi’s Bistro, and one of my guys picked it up.”

I had Milo order a sampling of all the pasta on the menu because I wasn’t sure what she would like.

“On twenty-ninth street?”

“You know it?” I poured her more champagne.

“I’ve been there a few times. I love their cannoli cheesecake.”

“We have that for dessert.”

“Really?” Her eyes lit up. “Something to look forward to.”

---