Page 50 of Hawk's Sapphire

“Understood.”Sergio replies, crooking his arm out for me to take hold.Again, I differ to Matteo.I feel ridiculous having to ask permission to touch another man, but it seems to intrigue the stranger standing before me.

“It’s all right, Dolcezza.But only Sergio.”I nod and reply with a timid, “Of course, sir.”And head out to the hallway where the restrooms are located.

Once we’re clear of the ballroom, I tug Sergio’s arm and whisper, “Who was that?”

“Senator Steven McAllister.”Sergio says with a sneer.“Stay away from him.Understand?”

“Understood.”

I’m confused as to why they both seem so pissed to see this person, but I can tell by Sergio’s demeanor, there’s something personal between the Senator and the Parisi’s.I won’t ask now, but I will find out once I can get back to my computer.

We reach the bathroom, and Sergio posts up outside the door.I walk inside and do my business and wash up.As I’m checking my hair in the mirror, a brunette in a beautiful red dress comes through the door a little giggly, and I immediately recognize her as the agent in the files I snagged from Trident.

What the hell is she doing here?

She bumps into my on her way to the sink but quickly turns to apologize.

“Oh.I’m so sorry.I love that dress on you.”Her sickly-sweet tone irritates the shit out of me.It reminds me of Candi when she’s buttering up to Hawk or Cash.

“Thank-you.I like yours too.”It’s a lie.I don’t like anything about this woman and I’m madder than shit to see her here.

An FBI agent attending one of these galas isn’t unheard of, however they rarely come dressed up.They’re usually part of someone big-wig’s security detail, which makes me wonder, who is she here with?I know she’s been looking into Vincenzo and his family, as well as the Kings.Maybe she’s here for Matteo, but then why dress up?Is she looking to get his attention?Maybe trying to turn his head and get him to take her home?

Matteo is no fool.He would see right through her little act.

I don’t wait around to find out.I’ll do some more digging tonight when we get back to the penthouse.Maybe I’ll get the invitation list and cross reference with her files to find out who would be a person of interest to Agent Galina.

As I come out of the bathroom, I turn to meet Sergio, only to be stopped by a familiar voice from behind.“Sapphire?”

Holy fucking shit.

20

HAWK

I can’t believe she’s here.My whole body reacts to being this close to her.The dark blue dress against her tan skin, and the way her eyes sparkle, she’s fucking stunning.

“Aren’t you going to say hello?”Sadie looks to the man beside her.I don’t recall his name, but I know he works for Parisi.I’ve seen him at the clubhouse once before.He gives her a stern look.Sadie’s eyes are pleading with him, and I watch her shoulders drop as soon as he gives her a curt nod.

“Be quick.The boss is waiting, and we still need to get your drink.”He instructs.I half expect her to lose her shit and tell him off for telling her what to do.Color me surprised when all she does is nod her acknowledgment.

“Hello Nathaniel.”Her voice is void of all emotion, but her eyes are staring daggers at me.She’s still pissed at me, and I don’t blame her, but the fact is so am I.We have some things we need to discuss, but now isn’t the time.

“Where’ve you been?”She glares at me, and I know she’s about to fire off some kind of bullshit about it being none of my business, or how I can go to hell, but again she shocks me.

“I’m staying with a friend.I’d love to stay and catch up, but I really shouldn’t keep my date waiting.It was nice to see you.”Her smile is fake.Her voice is too fucking calm.What the hell is she getting at?

She moves to walk past me, tucking her hand through her guard’s arm.I reach out and grab her other arm to spin her back to me, not liking the way she just up and dismissed my ass like we don’t even fucking know each other.

Sadie spins around, her nostrils flared, and her eyes narrowed almost to slits.

There she is.

“We need to talk about a few things, don’t you think?”

She smiles sweetly, but before she can get a word out, the bathroom door opens, and Agent Galina snuggles up to my arm.When her hand reaches my chest, Sadie flinches.There’s a flash of hurt in her eyes, but I watch as she straightens her shoulders and puts her mask back in place.

“Baby, who’s this?”Galina asks, playing up her part as my date.

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