Page 25 of Cruel Existence

I rose to my feet, not taking my eyes off her. My chest rumbled with something that was a mix of primal need, protection, and need. I had to wipe every ounce of feeling off my face.

She looked just as shocked as I was. She faltered in her high heels. My arm extended quickly to catch her. My fingertips grazed the smooth skin beneath her forearm. I lingered too long. Ciro cleared his throat. Shit. He needed to back off and let us fucking breathe. The red dress made her more edible than it had a right to. Did she know every man in here wanted her in that dress?

She gave me a nervous smile. “I thought I was meeting with your father.”

“I thought I was meetingyourfather,” I answered. “Why don’t you sit?” I offered her a seat, dragging the chair from the cocktail table.

Amara fidgeted with the cocktail napkin on the table.

“You need a drink,” I stated. I ordered the waiter to the table. “You like champagne.”

She smiled. “I don’t think that’s standard for a business meeting.”

“There is nothing standard about this,” I stated.

“I guess not.”

“We both need a glass.”

I ordered a bottle to be brought over quickly. I sensed her anxiety. It wasn’t how I planned to see her again. Not like this. Not in place of Lorenzo. I’d never felt more like a pawn, even though I was the one who volunteered to play the game.

I waited until the champagne had been poured. Ciro stood near the entrance to the bar. I felt his eyes penetrating the space between Amara and me.

“How have you been?” I asked.

“Since the weekend?” Her eyes flickered. I wanted to believe the same memories kept her up at night. I was as much under her skin as she was under mine since I had kissed her. Since I had my hands between her legs. Since she had moaned little breathy sounds in my ear while I caressed her to come.

I ignored her sarcasm. “Yes. After our evening ended abruptly. I’m sorry about that.”

She returned the flute to the table. “It wasn’t your fault. I believe we were interrupted by my security.” She glanced over her shoulder at Ciro. “Since that night, there have been no more parties, and I haven’t had a single oyster.”

I chuckled. “That’s terrible news.”

“I did have a good time with you, Luka. But I don’t see it happening again.” Her cheeks turned a soft crimson. It was hard to keep my distance. I wanted to reach out and touch her hair. Stroke the side of her face. But I hadn’t forgotten Ciro carried a gun, and his attention was directed to me. This was no place for the Bratva to withdraw from their corners in an attempt to prove who was more powerful.

“Yet, here we are.” I grinned. “Together. Same table. Same bottle of champagne.” I loved watching her lips curl into a smile. “What did happen when you got home?” I wanted toknow what kind of consequences Lorenzo Amato doled out. It was a good sign that she was out in public.

She shook her head. “Actually, nothing. Ciro promised not to say anything about it. My father has no idea about our after-party.”

My head jerked toward the bodyguard. I was surprised. “What’s Ciro’s deal? Why would he keep that to himself?”

Amara eyed me. “He wanted to give me a pass.”

I wasn’t sure if that was true. “Interesting.”

“My father said this was an important meeting. What did you want to discuss?” I noticed she continued to check the time on her phone.

“I think maybe I should wait and talk to him myself. That was the point of the meeting.”

Her forehead crinkled. “Why? I’m here representing the business. I’m an Amato and can speak for the family.”

“I didn’t think you had any interest in the family business.” I shrugged. “Or was that something you wanted me to believe the other night?”

“You don’t think I’m capable?” she posed.

“No. I’d never say that.” Whatever it was, it created a gleam in her eyes. A spark in a sea of emerald green.

“But all right. What does Lorenzo Amato plan to do with the Vieux Carre hotel?”

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