Page 71 of Ruthless Mafia Boss 3: Vino and Claire

Claire hopped onto the vibrant red four-wheeler, her face glowing with delight. “Yeah, she’s powerful. I could feel she could rip up any field or trail.”

Seeing that smile, the one I’d put on her face filled me with a warmth I hadn’t felt in a long time.

I nodded appreciatively. “You’re right. She does have some serious kick and practically glides over the grass.”

Claire winked playfully. “Told you.”

I grabbed the duffel bag loaded with weapons and snatched two sets of keys from the wall, heading toward the sturdy green six-wheeler. Claire jogged over, palm open and waiting. I dropped the keys into her hand.

I secured the duffel bag into the storage compartment on the back of the vehicle, twisting the knob firmly. “Let me show you how it operates.”

She pointed toward my six-wheeler. “Show me on yours.”

“All right.”

Her fierce independence tugged at something deep inside me. She’d managed so much on her own over the years without barely any help from a man, and it hurt me a little to see that. She couldn’t just call her dad or brother and ask either of them to fly to New York to put together a dresser. Sure, they could guide her over FaceTime, but it just wasn’t the same. Claire had to protect her family, and I suspected Gia had even arranged a security detail for them. Something they didn’t know about. Otherwise, Ivan might have tried to kidnap or even kill one of them to lure her. I definitely owed Gia a thank you in person.

Swinging a leg over the six-wheeler, I patiently explained the controls and buttons. Claire laughed softly, shaking her head. “Good thing I managed to drive straight out yesterday. I had no idea the ATV had a reverse button.”

My fingertips grazed her soft cheek. “You could’ve gotten hurt.”

She shrugged casually. “I figured your guards would’ve come to rescue me.”

Before I could respond, she straddled my lap on the six-wheeler, gripping the bill of my baseball cap and leaning close. “You’re rugged, handy, and incredibly sexy in a baseball cap.”

I arched a brow, a crooked smile forming. Her fingers tangled playfully in my dark curls as her eyes sparked mischievously. “Maybe later, I’ll ride you instead.”

My hand squeezed her ass instinctively, desire roaring through me. “Fuck, yeah.” I tilted my head to the side and slipped my tongue past her lips. Claire locked her arms around my neck, deepening our kiss. She pulled me under her spell, just like that.

After a moment, I pulled back hesitantly. “If we don’t get out of here right now, I’m going to flip you around and fuck you right here.”

She smiled coyly from beneath her hooded eyes. “Yeah, I’ll wait for that later,” she purred seductively.

“See if you can catch up,” I yelled as I revved my engine and tore out of the garage.

“Hey!” she shouted in the distance.

Gripping the throttle, I sped across the property. I stole a glance over my shoulder to see Claire wearing a scowl on her pretty face as she clutched the throttle, speeding after me. I looked ahead and increased my speed. The sound of her engine grew louder as she closed in.

My brows lifted as I glanced to the right.

Claire grinned. “Catch you later,” she called out, throwing two fingers in the air in farewell as she strode onward, the wind playfully tousling her hair.

Damn, she was incredible. A fearless little speed demon who left my heart racing.

Half an hour later, we pulled up behind the garage and came to a halt.

Claire jumped off her ATV, her smile radiant. “Woo hoo! That was amazing!” she shouted joyfully.

Throwing the duffel bag over my shoulder, I cupped her beautiful face in my hands. “I’m glad you’re enjoying yourself.”

At that moment, she appeared so effortlessly free.

“Me too,” she replied.

“You’re the light in my dark world,” I murmured against her lips.

Her hands slid up my chest, warm and sure. “Am I now? That sounds... intense.”

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