Page 54 of Primal

“I guess that's good enough.” I try to lean in to kiss her, but a commotion steals her attention from me.

The sound of boots heading our way forces me to go on the defensive. Springing into action, I jump up, grab my gun from the holster, and point it in front of me. I feel Sophia coming to my side. She’s insane if she thinks I'm going to let her be in the front view of whoever the fuck is coming our way. I take a step forward and shield her with my body. She makes a huffing sound. I glare at her before she says anything. Now is not the time. I tense at the man in front of me.

Luca Varoni.

How did he find me? No one knows where I am.

“Well, well, well.” He makes a show of pulling out the chair, sitting, and placing his feet on the table.

He points. “You are a hard man to get a hold of, Mr. Volkov.”

Squaring my shoulders, I say, “You found me. You must be proud.”

“Put the gun down, Volkov. I come in peace.”

“As you can see”—I point my gun at the food in front of me—"I’m busy at the moment. We can set up a meeting for tomorrow and discuss why you came to Miami.” He needs to go. He has that crazy look, and I don't want Sophia anywhere near him if things go south.

“I don’t trust you enough for that.” He points to himself. “I’m here.” He points to me. “And you’re here. Let your toy of the night go, and we can discuss what I came here for.” I feel Sophia tense at the comment. The lion scratches the walls impatiently; he’s begging to be released. No, Sophia could get hurt. Luca leans in his chair to look behind me, but I move to block his view.

“I’m not going to hurt your whore, Volkov.” Sophia pushes her way to the front. Fuck, she is going to get herself killed.

“Who the fuck are you calling a whore?” She has a fucking death wish. I’m here, trying to protect her, and she jumps right in the line of fire. Her steps falter, and she gasps.

“Luca?” she says, confused. I look between them. How does she know him? Luca stands up and takes a step toward her, but I point my gun at his head.

“You take one step, and you’re becoming part of the decor,” I say to Luca.

He looks at Sophia with longing. “Sophia.” He whispers.

That's it. I’ve lost my patience. “Would anyone here like to tell me how the fuck you both know each other?” Neither of them answers. They just keep staring at each other.

“Answer me right now!” I see Luca shaking off whatever had him in a trance.

“Nice to see you again, angelo mio.” He says to Sophia.

“Fuck you! Luca, you lost the right to call me your anything a long time ago.” Sophia snaps

“Some things will never change. I see you're still feisty as ever.” He chuckles.

That's it. I’m done being fucking ignored. I point my gun next to Luca's feet and shoot. He hops out of the way, glaring at me.

“What the fuck did you do that for?” He yells.

“Sophia. Care to fucking explain how you know Luca Varoni?” I growl at her.

She looks at me with confusion in her eyes. Then she looks at Luca.

“Start talking, Sophia,” I growl at her.

“Luca is my ex-boyfriend.” I was not expecting that.

“Sophia, I’m sorry.” Is he serious?

“Fuck off, Luca,” Sophia says and starts to leave. I grab her by the arm to stop her. She isn’t going anywhere. I need the whole story.

“Luca, get the fuck out,” I scream at him.

“I’m not leaving until Sophia and I can talk.”

“I don't give a shit what you have to say. Go back to New York where you belong.”

I’ve had it with him.

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