Page 39 of Weaponized

“He is an asshole,” I hiss. “And you are a fucking vision.”

Elizabeth chokes out a laugh and I continue. “I am so sorry. I never would have insisted you come tonight if I knew this. In fact, I’d have kneed him in the nuts instead.”

She shakes her head emphatically. “No. Please. I don’t want you to make this a thing with him. It’s beenyears.I am trying to move forward, and maybe if I can be friends with him and Luca again, I can be okay with everything. I’ve been avoiding them since I got to St. A’s. I don’t intend to do that anymore.”

“Elizabeth—” I have no idea what to say.

“I’m not the same person I was back then. I’ve changed in a lot of ways. Grown up. Made new friends. Become more confident, more myself, I guess. I’d imagine he’s not the same either. I agreed to come because I don’t want to still be hung up on him. I need to move on. Not hiding behind others while I’m in his presence is a big part of that.”

The fact that she’s admitting he still affects her worries me. However, I’m not going to argue with her. Elizabeth is done running. She’s facing her fears. I respect that. Heck, I envy that.

Lately, I’ve been letting my fears consume me. My conscience is engaged in a seemingly endless battle with itself. I keep thinking of new ways to take out my father, so Luca never learns of my past or why we met. I can’t stomach the thought of him knowing my background. I can’t risk losing him. Of course, there’s a bigger part of me that knows that some day,eventually, I’ll have to come clean. If we have any chance at a real future, I’ll have to tell him. It’s absolute torture feeling this way.

I immediately told Rowan about this dinner, and he just as quickly told me to find an excuse not to go. After what felt like an unnecessary argument about my safety, Rowan conceded that I may be able to get some valuable intelligence. He asked that I keep my mouth shut and not draw unnecessary attention. At the same time, I am to listen for any sign of trouble or a potential alliance between the Bratva and the Family and report on either party’s reference to trafficking activities. Rowan wants to be well informed for his next meeting with Victor. Perhaps he can pair information from this dinner with the information he’s gleaned from our father to help speed along the talks of an alliance. While Victor is smart enough not to say anything of substance in my presence, there is a good chance he or the Russians may say something in their own language, thinking an outsider couldn’t possibly understand them. It’s an easy enough task. It just requires listening without looking like I’m listening.

I glance at my friend, who is still smoothing imaginary wrinkles from her dress. “For what it’s worth”—I smile at her—“you look smokin’ hot.” It’s true. I hope Matteo eats his heart out.

She gives me a genuine smile and looks back in the mirror. “Yeah, I do.” I laugh and she meets my eyes. “Thank you, Gráinne.”

I’m about to reply when I hear Luca’s distinct knock on my door. Man never rings the bell. I stop to pick up my handbag and turn to my friend.

“Open up, Angel. You are beautiful enough. We’re going to be late,” he calls through the door.

I am not prepared for what I see when I open the door. Luca is in a bespoke suit that fits him spectacularly. My man in a T-shirt is drool-worthy, but in a charcoal suit? Damn. Hints of his tattoos are visible, peeking out of his collar and on his hands. He looks so masculine. Larger than life. He’s clean shaven and I want to run my tongue along his jaw.

I suddenly notice he hasn’t said anything. His eyes are tracking down my body,blazing with heat. He takes in my ruby-red silk dress.

My halter tie pushes my boobs up to put them on full display within the dress’s low V-neck. The dress hugs my waist and hips before falling to the floor. A high slit shows off one long leg to my upper thigh. I stand a bit taller in my silver stilettos.

I’m wearing my hair up in a loose twist, allowing a few pieces to frame my face. I’ve stained my lips a bright red to match my dress, and added a smoky eye to make the blue of my irises pop.

My boyfriend still hasn’t moved.

“Luca? Baby? I thought we’d be late?”

He nods slowly. Matteo has stepped around his brother and is gawking at Elizabeth in the same way. I smile broadly. I hope he chokes on his tongue.

I miss what Matteo is saying to Elizabeth because I hear Luca make a noise in his throat. I turn back to him. God. He is so handsome. I walk up to him and run my hands over his lapels.

“You look edible, baby,” I tell him in a husky voice. He growls and drops his face to my neck. Inhales deeply. He smells of soap and laundry detergent up this close. Mmmmm.

“I have no words, Angel. God. You look—fuck.” His voice is guttural.

I pull back to watch him adjust himself in the crotch. I laugh. “Come on, big guy, let’s get this dinner over with.” I already want him alone. I step around him into my hallway.

“Aw, fucking Christ.” And…he’s just noticed my dress is backless. The four of us make our way out to Matteo’s car. Matt can’t quit sneaking glances at his date as he keeps his hand firmly on her lower back.For her part, Elizabeth manages to look unaffected, staring straight ahead.You go, girl.

When we get to the parking lot, I notice a few guys checking us out as they exit their own vehicles. Luca snarls as he pulls me closer.

I know the looks I get in this dress. I’ve worn it to get attention before. I should have anticipated this might cause a few issues with my jealous boyfriend tonight.

He looks really pissed off as Matteo opens the front car door for Elizabeth and Luca guides me to the back. His eyes are murderous as he takes in the guys across the lot, and I decide I’d better take action now or this night may not end well. I don’t need a war with the Bratva when we arrive at Titus.

“Baby.” I turn to him before he can open my door. He looks down at me.

I wrap my arms around his neck. “I love how you look at me,” I tell him honestly and I suddenly have his full attention. “I love you so much, Luca. I also want youverybadly right now.”

My boyfriend sucks in a breath, puts his hands on my hips, and his fingers flex. I continue. “You looksogood. I keep thinking about getting you out of that suit, what my lipstick will look like on your abs, your cock. God. I want to trace every one of your tattoos with my tongue.”

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