Page 49 of Primo DeLuca

“If you’d like, maybe I can speak to her, show her the ropes of how to be a loyal DeLuca woman.”

“That’s nice of you, but I’ll handle it.”

I didn’t miss the sneaky smile in her gaze at my words. She didn’t think me and Nevah would be together for very long.

“She’s not going to last in this family,” she stated casually, referring to Nevah and confirming what I’d read in her gaze. “I can tell it at a glance. She’s one of those high-maintenance women that’s more suited for a suit and tie, straight-laced businessman.”

I didn’t comment. This was the norm with Leandra and me. She talked, and most times I’d let her while her words failed to make any type of lasting impact

My fingers rubbed at my beard while I eyed her with suspicion. Her hopeful gaze begged for a chance despite Nevah being near.

Why was this woman so interested in me? I was a dick most of the time, and she knew my track record with women didn’t include long-term relationships. It may have been why she was disrespecting Nevah like I’d already given her walking papers.

I believe it was time I took Leandra up on her offer to help me. I hated to go down this road with her, but she would eventually find out that I wasn’t worth the trouble she pour into trying to get my attention.

“Call me later. I believe I have a job for you.” I gave her a perceptive nod when I noticed Nevah exiting the restroom in the window’s distorted reflection. Leandra glanced over my shoulder at Nevah before returning her attention to me.

“I’ll call you later,” she said, standing. The glee in her face wasn’t missed. It was time I used every trick up my sleeve if I was going to flush out the DeLuca traitor among us.

When Leandra bumped into Nevah, on purpose I’m sure, I cringed.

After taking her seat, Nevah asked. “Who was that?” She flashed me a look I’d never seen in her eyes. Sharp and unblinking, it clearly said, I better not lie to her.

“Her name is Leandra DeLuca,” I started and didn’t end until Nevah knew Leandra’s history. There was no accurate way to describe Leandra’s interest in me, but I mentioned it, which only resulted in Nevah lifting a territorial brow that, of all things, turned me on.

Nevah’s lack of a vocal response during this particular history lesson and her subtle expressions, facial and body language, were saying, ‘bitch better back off’ and ‘he is mine.’

I had never been claimed before because I had never gone far enough with a woman to reach this point. Although I don’t believe it was a good idea to share my feelings on the matter with Nevah right now, I had to admit to myself that I enjoyed being claimed. I, of all people, was someone’s man, a notion that continued to take me by surprise.

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