Page 18 of Blood & Loyalties
I turned to see Jag smiling, which was an oddity. Normal men would be shaking, but Jag was definitely not intimidated, or if he was, he didn’t bother showing it. And I liked it. I liked that he did have balls to stand up to Val. This was a bigger turn on than his smell…okay, so maybe a really close second.
I shook my head, turned to Jag, and grabbed his hand giving it a soft squeeze. “Thank you for the foot rub. They feel much better. I need to go back in now. Maybe we can meet up sometime.” I shrugged, moving away from him.
Jag pulled me flush against his body, causing me to shiver from head to toe. “Dolcezza”—my heart fluttered at the Italian word for sweetheart—“I’ll find you before you leave, and we’ll grab some food, okay?”
I nodded, immediately feeling stupid for once again not speaking. What the hell was wrong with me?
I finally found my voice. “I’d love to.” I smiled then kissed him on the cheek before putting my shoes back on and leaving Jag. As I walked past Val, I whispered, “Be nice,” then moved back into the party.
For the next hour and a half, I schmoozed and laughed at all the jokes that no one thought were funny, but made the players in our world happy. Kiera came and helped me, which I was eternally grateful for. At one point, my father came and wrapped his arm around me, giving me a reassuring squeeze. I didn’t need words from him to feel his comfort. My brother calmed down, but he kept his eyes on me while I ignored him. I was grateful when people began to leave for the night. I couldn’t wait to get home, undress, take off these shoes, and relax.
Hands wrapped around my waist then pulled me to a strong body, and I could instantly smell the sexiness that was Jag. I closed my eyes, but snapped them open as the sounds in the room came to a halt, and I saw all eyes were on us. My body tensed of its own accord as I looked from person to person, everyone’s eyes wide. My pulse picked up, and I had no idea why the hell I was so damn nervous all of a sudden. I breathed in and out deeply, trying to keep calm. I was going to eat with Jag, right?
Pulling myself together, I leaned into Jag.
“Bye, everyone. Thank you for a wonderful night, Uncle Vino.” I bowed my head slightly out of respect then turned in Jag’s arms. “Let’s go,” I whispered, not wanting to meet my father’s eyes for fear of seeing disapproval.
“My pleasure.”
He led me down the hallway before a strong bellow came from across the room, and I tensed, unable to move.
“Jag.”
Jag turned and I followed suit, coming face-to-face with my father.
“Yes, sir.” He was so damn calm and cool. I wondered if this was just him or some mask he put on when he was scared shitless. I hoped for the first, masks always fell away leaving a mess in their wake.
My father gave him a strong, penetrating stare, and my Uncle Vino came to stand beside him. Both men had their arms crossed over their chests, looking menacing. My knees wobbled a bit, but I held still—barely. I couldn’t help but feel unsure and a little scared.
“If anything happens to my girl, you’re dead.”
I gulped loudly as Daddy looked into Jag’s eyes, some strange conversation taking place that I would really like to be privy to, considering it was about me.
“I understand, sir.” Jag’s voice was strong, confident, and self-assured. The same voice that I’d hoped for from all those losers who ran the other way when faced with my father and brothers. I melted at the gesture, my heart thumping hard--yet showed no outward signs.
“Same goes for me,” Uncle Vino added.
“I’ll protect her with my life,” Jag assured them, knocking the air out of my lungs. Those words meant a lot, more than I could even describe, at least in my family. He didn’t even know me yet, but he was willing to say those words, the ones that showed respect and strength. The words that my family held in the highest regard. Ones that not one man I’ve ever been with has said. The pounding of my heart echoed through my ears.
Both Dad and Uncle Vino nodded in understanding and approval. Jag turned back to me, giving me a megawatt smile, and I could do nothing except smile shyly back at him.
“Let’s go,dolcezza,” He whispered softly, leading me out of the party with his arm firmly around my body protectively while eyes followed our every movement. I loved every second of it.
Chapter Four
SCRAPER DROVE USto a twenty-four hour diner just outside of town called Charlie’s. Kiera and I had been there many times because their greasy food hit the spot after a night of drinking. It was quaint and very old fashioned. Fifties memorabilia lined the walls, and there was an authentic fifties-style, black and white checkered tile floor throughout along with a jukebox that was just for looks since it had stopped working years ago.
Sidling into the booth, Jag sat across from me instead of sitting in the same seat, which rather surprised me because he didn’t let go of my hand the entire car ride. I couldn’t erase the stupid teenage smile on my lips, though.
I opened the menu, glancing at all the greasy perfection. At the party, I hadn’t eaten much because every time I tried, someone would talk to me. I had chewed quickly so I could respond to the conversation. Needless to say, I talked a lot and I was hungry.
“So, beautiful”—I looked up at his words, his mesmerizing eyes capturing me—“you really took down a man at the bar?” His deep voice laced with admiration sent shivers down my spine, giving me an instant zing pretty much through my entire body.
“Absolutely. It’d be wise to keep that in mind,” I said, trying to give my most kickass, don’t fuck with me attitude, which he picked up on and chuckled.
I looked over the top of the menu questioningly. “What?”
“Babe, that guy is a fucking douche. To give up this”—he pointed his finger up and down my body—“for anything, it just shows what a fuck up he is.”
