Page 63 of Ruthless Mr. Ricco
“I am never coming to one of these ever again,” she declares.
“I’m sorry, little rabbit.I didn’t bring you here to torture you, I promise.I genuinely forgot you weren’t used to this.You’re so adept at work I forget you’re opposed to crowds,” I say.
She sighs and pats the back of my hand.
“Your ability to praise and insult me at the same time is impressive.Can we just sit in silence and people watch for a few minutes?”she asks.
“Of course,” I say.
When a group begins eyeing us as though they might come say hello, I drape my arm along the back of her seat and lean toward her as though to whisper a secret.She clues in to the act and ducks her head conspiratorially with mine.
Despite all the glittering jewelry and sophisticated gowns, Brook’s mind captures my full attention.
“You’re the most stunning woman here, little rabbit.I can’t wait to get you back in the car,” I whisper into her ear.
Goosebumps rise on her shoulders.I slip my hand onto her thigh.
She sucks in a breath as need sparks to life in her eyes.Her breasts pillow against the top of her dress.The corset-style bodice ensures she won’t flash anyone, but the strapless effect drives me crazy.I long to nibble on and caress her exposed flesh.
“Not here, Matteo.”
My name on her lips has me half hard in the blink of an eye.
“Well, this is a surprise.”
My brother’s voice douses my arousal.Brook freezes before pushing my hand off her leg and leaning back.I cup her shoulder.The knot in my stomach loosens when she reaches up and covers my hand with hers, not to push me away but to cling to me.
“I never thought I’d see you here, Brook.Looks like my lil bro upgraded his plus one,” Angelo says.
I swing my gaze toward him and lift a brow.
“And where’s your plus one?”I ask.
He shrugs and pulls out the chair on the opposite side of Brook.The incredulous look she gives him warms my heart.
“She’s powdering her nose or whatever it is women do in the bathroom nowadays,” he says.
When he props his elbow on the table and unapologetically looks Brook over, I fight a visceral need to commit a felony.
“It’s good to see you’re okay, Brook.Everyone at the class reunion was worried about you,” he says.
She gives him a tight smile.
“It was a wild night, wasn’t it?I’m touched they’re concerned about me, even though no one except Matteo helped me,” she says.
Angelo tilts his head in exaggerated inquiry.
“Why would you need help?You looked like you were having fun to me,” he says.
She leans forward, mimicking his posture, and by the glint in her eyes, I know she’s about to land a killing blow.
“Fun?I recall climbing onto the table just to escape you.Can you imagine if your brother hadn’t caught me?”
He leans back, props an elbow on the back of his seat, and grabs his chest in mock pain.
“You wound me, Ms.Prescott.Escape me?”he gasps.
Despite his relaxed posture, the twisted gleam in his eyes as he studies Brook sours my gut.He anticipated her reaction, which means he remembers her declaration.
