Page 113 of Game Changer

“I know you’re a little fond of Franzini’s pizza.” He laughs. “You could pick up a slice whenever you want.”

“Who picks up a slice of Elio’s pizza?” I wiggle both eyebrows. “Everyone wants the whole pie.”

He stalks toward me. “Are we still talking about pizza, or are you saying everyone wants Elio Franzini?”

I sigh as I gaze into his soulful eyes. “I don’t want him. I want you.”

His hands drop to the button of my jeans. “I distinctly remember a promise about letting me devour your pussy before you suck me off.”

“Oh, right.” I tap a finger against my chin.

I reach down to unbuckle his belt. “I’ll stay living here for now. Once Turquoise Crown finds its stride, we can decide when I’ll move in with you.”

“In Tribeca?” he questions as he unzips my jeans.

Nodding, I follow his lead and unzip his suit pants. “Brooklyn will be our weekend getaway place.”

He doesn’t bring up the fact that he mentioned a property in Nantucket. “Deal.”

Just as I’m about to reach into his pants to stroke his already hard cock, he picks me up and flings me over his shoulder. “I hope your neighbors won’t mind a little noise.”

I can’t help but laugh as I slap the center of his back. “Are you saying you’re going to fuck me so hard the headboard will pound against the wall?”

“You know I am,” he says as he stalks toward the bed. “But, first, I’ll have you screaming my name because I need my mouth on your pussy now.”

67

William

I helpDraven adjust the last of the throw rugs. Turquoise Crown is ready for its grand launch tomorrow night. It’s been months in the making, but Opal has pulled it all together. The people of this city have no idea that this little jewel of a bar awaits them. That’s why I plan on spreading the word to everyone I know.

It’s been just over a week since Opal and I toured each other’s homes (and beds) for the first time. Since then, we’ve spent every night together. Days are harder because her sole focus has been tying up loose ends here. My focus has been on her, with some work thrown in for good measure.

I’m culling my client list to devote time to a new endeavor. Aleena, Sheila, and Lola were excited at the prospect of launching a new division of our business. It’ll take a while to work out the logistics and fine tune the details, but I’ll offer workshops to men who want to learn how to improve their lives.

I’ll still help a chosen few who are looking to get the woman they desire to notice them, but we’re overhauling our vetting procedure. I need to be certain that every man I help in that way is in it for the right reasons.

The fucked up fiasco with Percy taught me that intentions matter. I took him at his word about wanting Opal because he saw her from afar. The fact that my former client, Dash, vouched for Percy cemented my decision to sign that contract with him.

It was a mistake from the start. I have a reputation to maintain, so no more avoidable errors moving forward.

“I can’t believe we officially open tomorrow,” Opal says as she appears from the back room. “Wow. Those rugs look as good as new.”

“They’re the crowning touch on this bar,” Draven says, smiling at his play on words. “I need to take off, Opal, but I’ll swing back around one night with my brother.”

“I look forward to meeting him,” she says. “I can’t thank you enough for everything you’ve done.”

Draven’s contribution to the bar reaches far beyond his work cleaning up the flood. He recommended a neighbor of his to handle food preparation. Leo is a culinary student with access to an industrial kitchen. A quick meeting between him and Malvie a few days ago, along with a recipe tutoring session, set him up to succeed.

He’ll prep the food off-site and drop it off each day, so Opal and her staff can serve it up.

To that end, she’s hired two more part-time employees. Scout offered to drop in if extra hands are ever needed.

My sister hit it off with Opal when they met two nights ago over a spaghetti dinner I prepared. Scout pulled me aside to tell me that she expects a wedding invitation to be delivered to her within a year. I told her it would happen. I consider it a sure bet.

“I’m happy to help.” Draven grins. “Good luck with the opening.”

“I’ll need it,” she mutters.

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