Page 35 of Straight, No Chaser
Satin skin shivers under my lips when I kiss the back of her hand. Wait until she hears what else I've got to tell her. Then I'll definitely earn more than an innocent peckon the cheek. “I have another surprise for you.”
Her head tilts in question. Relaxed and untroubled. Simply exquisite in her curiosity. “What?”
“How would you like to meet Shae Armstrong?”
She lights up like the sun. Eyes as wide as her mouth. “The singer? Are you kidding?”
“Nope. She’ll be at our dinner tonight. She’s married to Nick DeMarco, my business partner.”
“Oh wow! I love her music. I can’t believe I’m going to her house.” An ecstatic squeal erupts from her throat. “Thank you! I’m so excited!”
She engulfs me in a huge hug. Her head tucking under my neck. Peace filling me from her excitement. I've finally done something that makes her completely happy. No strings attached or underlying deceit. Just like I will continue to do from now on. “Me too. It’s going to be a great night.”
12
Chapter Twelve
Delicate fingers wraparound my forearm. Shaking the black fabric with her enthusiasm. I fucking love seeing her so excited without any doubts about me - about us - dampening her anticipation. She can enjoy her dinner now, and we'll both savor our dessert later.
DeMarco's house is impressive. Wrought iron gates slide open, and the SUV Nick had waiting for us at the airport, slowly winds up the driveway. Mounted cameras rotate, tracking every turn of the wheels, while his men stand at the ready, flanking each side of the huge wooden front doors. Which open as soon as we park between the flower beds overflowing with a rainbow of colors.
She tucks in close to me after I help her out of the backseat. Not sure if it's from our renewed connection or uncertainty from the guards overseeing our every step. Confidence from their obvious skills and hidden weapons palpable in their self-assured demeanor. They don't have a damn thing to prove.
Neither do I. Although I prefer my security a bit more inconspicuous. But after the rumors I've heard of the attacks on his wife from his own fucking inner circle, I can see why he's overzealous with protection. I curl Molly even closer, and scan the men again. No one is excluded from my suspicion. Or hers, from the questions lining her expression as we hustle inside.
Another suit greets us in the foyer. A practiced smile and a brief nod to Molly before he focuses on me.
"Welcome Mr. Ellison." He holds out a wooden box, lifting the bronze lid. "This is a family evening, sir, with Mrs. DeMarco and the baby here. No weapons allowed."
A test to prove my commitment to this evening as well as the deal. I have no reason to doubt DeMarco. We're joining forces to destroy a common enemy. Yet uneasiness still swells in my gut. It's one thing to take a chance with myself but totally unacceptable with Molly. Fuck me if I ever do anything again to hurt her.
She watches me, trepidation darkening her previously excited expression. These little suggestions must weigh on her that tonight is more than just a meal and the opportunity to meet her favorite singer. That the world I've pulled her into might be more dangerous than just obsessive security for the wealthy elite. Doubt chipping away at the foundation I’ve laid. I can't let that fucking happen.
I give him a curt nod and slide out my Glock. Laying the gun on the black velvet, I wink at her. No big deal baby girl. Her shy smile returns, relief smoothing her gorgeous face. I'm a lucky bastard.
I lift my arms and spread my legs, letting him frisk me. Satisfied I'm unarmed, he steps back and turns to Molly.
"Miss?"
One request past my limit. Even if it pisses off DeMarco and destroys our agreement. I don't give a fucking damn. No one lays a finger on my woman. "You touch her, and I'll break your motherfucking hands."
His steely gaze meets mine. Not used to taking orders from anyone except his boss. But, when it comes to her, Iamthe boss.
He acquiesces to my threat, shaking his blond head. "Women and children are always off limits - Mr. DeMarco's rules."
Something else Nick and I can agree on. Her small hand curls around my bicep. Squeezing to calm my anger. Reassuring me that she knows I'll fucking protect her to the death. "It's fine Luciano. Let's just have a nice evening."
My gaze slides from his to press my lips against her temple. The only affection I'll ever allow him to witness. We follow him through the living room, my stomach growling from the sharp scent of ginger wafting through the air from the huge kitchen to the left. An older bald man stands at the stove, swiping his forehead with the back of his hand, while a bored looking brunette woman sits at the kitchen table slicing oranges as big as my fist. Definitely not Nick and Shae.
The goon escorting us pauses at the French doors. Finally the end of our unwarranted and unwelcome supervision. Another huge man hustles toward us, with a friendlier sentiment on his face. A gurgling baby fills his left arm while he extends his right hand to me, then Molly.
"Nice to finally meet you in person, Luc, Molly. I'm Nick, and this is Evie."
He bounces the infant a few times, and she giggles before falling shy, twisting back to his chest and rubbing her forehead on his shoulder. Cute kid. Even better is the longing in Molly's eyes, which plays perfectly into my plan. Her goal may be to graduate next May and find a position that allows her to still care for Eli. Which I totally support. With a few adjustments of course. Sure she'll accept her diploma but as my wife, carrying my baby when she crosses the stage. She'll never have to work or want for anything. Fucking guaranteed.
Nick beckons to one of the most naturally beautiful women I've ever seen. Not because I'm a fucking asshole ogling another man's wife, but because it's true. She pauses in tucking blocks into a pink basket sitting on a huge lounge chair. A black and tan German Shepherd hops up, matching each of her steps, and positioning himself between us and her once she reaches Nick's side. The dog sits from Nick's snap, but doesn't leave his guard at her feet.
"This is my wife Shae." A possessive hand slides around her waist that I totally respect. Smart men protect what's theirs. Even smarter men kill for it. Which I know he most definitely has. "Sweetness, this is Luc and Molly."
