Page 27 of All We Need

Stiffly,Isay, “Ifyou’re not serious about being here, we can have a talk in my office.”

“Youroffice?”

My mood instantly changes.Thatvelvet-wrapped voice has the hairs on the back of my neck standing to attention.Agrin spreads across my lips slowly asIturn to the woman whose gaze is ready to flambé me.

God, she’s sexy when mad.

“Hello,Silver,”Idrawl.Kyle’smistake is quickly forgotten, along with the endless row of tickets we have.

Alessandra doesn’t budge when a server walks in with anarmful of dirty dishes.Unlikeme, they have some sense, because they retreat slowly when they see her expression.

“Who do you think you are?” she snaps, the ringlets resting over her chest vibrating with her quick breathing.

Laughing is not wise. “Isthis a trap?Itfeels like a trap.”

“I don’t think it’s a trap,”Simonwhispers behind me. “Maybetake this outside.Andprotect your family jewels.”

“Nah.That’sno fun.”Inudge his shoulder, still partaking in a staring contest withSilver. “Iwon’t be long.Don’tforget, eighty-six on the tuna.”

I can hear the smile inSimon’svoice. “Thatwas really flying out today.Goodcall.It’sgoing to be a house favorite, for sure.”

For whatever reason, that angers my little temptress even more.

I break eye contact long enough to look at my sous. “Keepme in your thoughts.”

He signs the cross.

Alessandra storms out as soon asIround the pass, andInarrowly avoid getting my nose busted by the door swinging back at me.Shewalks toward the office confidently, like she owns the place.

Confused,Iturn towardJoandPat, who look on at the scene with equal perplexity from behind the bar.

“Do either of you know what the hell is going on?”Iask.

“Nope.ButIcan’t wait to find out.”Johannagently shovesPatrick. “Goand get some popcorn.Thisis gonna be good.”

My older brother crosses his arms and narrows his eyes. “Whatdid you do?”

“Nothing.Iswear.”Iraise my hands, then catch the angry glare ofAlessandraas she waits for me to follow. “TellMomIlove her.”

I follow my executioner, certainI’mwalking toward my own funeral, and keep my eyes trained on the back of her head.Notdaring to watch the amorous sway of her hips.

When we’re both inside the office,I’msmirking like a madman, thinking about the last time we were in here.Ifshe catches the look on my face, she may well murder me, soIkeep my back to her asIclose the door. “Didyou want to finish what we started last week?”

“I want you to tell me why you find it so difficult to follow orders.”Thesound of the desk chair rolling over the hardwood floor follows her accusation, and nowI’mreally drawing a blank.

I turn, and frown whenIfind her perched behind the desk.Withher arms folded on top of the other, she levels me with a look so cold, my balls shrivel.

“Umm, that’s my desk.”

“No.Itisn’t.”

“You got me.”Ichuckle half-heartedly. “Ishare it withPatrickandJo.”

She leans forward, waves a hand over the room, and shakes her head. “You’remisunderstanding me.Nothingin here is yours.It’smine.”

Deciding to go along with this little game,Isettle into the chair opposite her. “Okay,I’llplay ball.Everythinghere is yours.Nowwhat is itI’vesupposedly done that’s got your panties in a twist?”

I regret the words as soon as they leave my mouth.

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