Page 92 of On Ice

I also stand. “Yes, I’ve known Vittorio for what feels like forever.”

Laughing, Vittorio says, “You make it sound like a bad thing.”

“Not at all,” I say smoothly. “You know how important you are to me, Vittorio. Don’t play coy.”

Vittorio looks pleased. “I am pretty damn important, aren’t I?”

Evan smiles politely. “Do you work for Luca?”

“I prefer to say I workwithLuca.” Vittorio says, rocking back on his heels. “Our relationship is mutually beneficial.”

“That it is.” I smile agreeably. “We’ve made a lot of money together.”

“Indeed.” Vittorio’s gaze fastens on Evan. “Although, you’re unwillingness to throw the Chicago gamecostme a lot of money.”

Evan grimaces, looking chastened. “If I had a nickel for every time I’ve heard that today.”

“I’ll bet that’s true.” Vittorio leans toward Evan, his eyes suddenly cold. “You’re lucky Luca has a soft spot for you, and that I respect Luca.”

Evan’s body tenses. “If it makes you feel any better, I know I fucked up.”

“Is that right?” Vittorio looks like a predatory snake as he eyes Evan. I almost expect a forked tongue to slither from his mouth.

“I got confused by my loyalty to my team. It won’t happen again,” Evan says. “Luca explained how my actions hurt a lot of people financially. I didn’t think that through.”

“No, you didn’t.” Vittorio rubs his chin. “Loyalty to the syndicate must always come before anything else. If Luca tells you to do something, you’d better do it.”

Evan clears his throat. “I understand things better now. Luca was gracious enough to forgive me, and I’m really hoping his friends can too. I don’t want to lose him because I made a dumb mistake. Luca is too important to me.”

Evan is so convincing, he almost hasmebelieving we’re a real couple. I didn’t know the guy was that good of an actor. It’s unsettling to watch him. I’ll have to remember what a skilled liar he is.

Vittorio studies Evan, and then he nods. “I appreciate your candor. It can’t be easy to admit you made a mistake and to ask for forgiveness.”

“No, it’s not easy,” murmurs, Evan. “But it’s necessary.”

I’ve known Vittorio a long time. He’s not an empathetic person, not by a long shot. But as he watches Evan, his expression softens. I’m amazed that Evan has apparently gotten through to my jaded associate.

Bravo, Evan.

Vittorio smiles unexpectedly and squeezes Evan’s shoulder. “Your important to Luca, or you wouldn’t be here. If Luca forgives you, I have no beef with you.”

Evan slumps, looking relieved. “Thanks. That means a lot.” He slips his arm though mine. The way he looks at me, as if all he wants in life is to please me, makes my cock throb. I know it’s an act, but I’d be lying if I didn’t admit my pulse skyrockets in that moment.

Vittorio laughs gruffly. “You’re a lucky man, Luca. I’d kill for my mistress, or even my wife, to look at me that way.”

I smile. “I am lucky.”

Vittorio was the one person I’d worried the most about. He’s a cynic by nature, and I wasn’t sure he’d buy my story. Especially if Evan did anything to make him think this was all an act. But Evan passed with flying colors. We’re out of the woods for now. If Vittorio believes we’re a couple, everyone else should fall in line.

“Now, I’m going to hit the bar,” Vittorio says. “I think I see Tommy O’Malley over there, and he’ll drink up all the good whisky if I don’t hurry and get some.”

I laugh. “Smart man.”

Once we’re alone, I turn to Evan. “Good job,” I say under my breath.

“Thanks.” He grimaces. “I was worried I might be laying it on a little thick.”

“No, I think he believed you.”

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