Page 35 of Cassio (Belles & Mobsters 3)

“What are you talking about, Áine?” Margaret questioned me again, confusion in her voice.

My throat was closed in, hurting to breathe and talk. Part of my brain understood how stupid I was being, but the rest of it was just reacting.

“It’s okay,” his voice comforted. “Keep breathing.”

He sat on the floor, his back against the wall, right next to me. He was way too big to be sitting on the floor, in his custom fitted, expensive suit but having him next to me made me feel safe. I could feel his warmth seeping into my bloodstream, calming me.

“Did we meet a long time ago?” I asked, the question slipping through my lips without a thought.

“You are the prime minister’s daughter,” he replied. It wasn’t an answer, but maybe he knew Dad and I met him in passing.

“He’s dead,” I muttered. “Killed.”

“I know.”

“You worked for him?”

“Not exactly.” None of this made any sense.

“Your suit will get dirty,” I remarked for no good reason. “It looks expensive.” My eyes lowered to my outfit. “This dress should be five bucks considering how little material it has.”

His full lips tugged upward and another string in my chest loosened, allowing me to breathe.

My eyes dropped to his lips that curved into that confident, sinful smile I remembered from two years ago. I knew how good those felt on me, so did he. There was no fooling him. I wanted them on me again. It didn’t matter that he was a mere stranger. For some reason, he felt familiar and safe. Besides, it would be a good distraction, unless I suffocated kissing him. Though it wasn’t a bad way to go.

His face loomed in front of mine, so close I could smell his woodsy cologne.

He was sanity and safety wrapped in one.

ChapterEleven

CASSIO

Áine Evans was even more breathtaking today than she was two years ago. Her shimmering blue eyes could shatter a man with just a glance. Her extraordinary hair color made her stand out from any other woman I had ever known. But even more, it was the fighter in her that I loved. I saw it in that young girl I rescued. I still saw it in the grown up woman.

Two years ago after she walked out of my club, Callahan almost lost his sanity when my bouncer kept the Irish out of the club. Áine’s safety was his top priority and he always worried she’d run into either my father or half-brother in my club. Of course, I’d never allow either one of them into my clubs nor around her. Or any woman for that matter.

Once Jack Callahan cooled off after our initial conversation, he became slightly suspicious. He demanded to see surveillance of what Áine and Margaret did in my club. I refused him. He wasn’t happy about it, but I wasn’t ready to reveal my cards. Truthfully, when I strode onto the dance floor, the surveillance cameras were the furthest thing from my mind. That was what you got when you made moves with your smaller brain that zeroed in on a woman.

And without a doubt, Áine was mine. The only reason I didn’t insist Callahan deliver Áine two years ago was for her protection and to avoid the war. I had to ensure Benito wouldn’t become a threat to her. Not that Callahan would ever let me have her. He was clear that Áine would never be for the taking - by any man in the underworld.

Her parents wanted to keep her outside this world, despite the fact her mother married the head of the Irish mafia. Not that I could blame them. They wanted the best for their daughter.

Well, so did I.

Since the day we saved her, I’d check on her every once in a while. I usually used Nico and his resources. Not to stalk her but just to ensure she was safe. Until that night she ran into me at the club, I never thought our paths would cross again.

The moment our lips connected I knew she was the one. If I had to burn down this world, kill, and cheat… I'd do it. Gladly.

She was mine. Just like Nonno said - it took him a second to realize my grandmother was his.

My life over the past eleven years consisted of building my empire and taking down my father’s. I went from being a hired killer to owning a multitude of thriving businesses. I did it all for one purpose. To be the top dog in the food chain. But there was also an underlying reason why not succeeding wasn’t an option. This woman gave me that purpose and two years ago she became the main reason.

I knew Margaret would be here this weekend with her girlfriends. This hotel was mine, and I made sure to arrange for her and Áine’s room to be on the penthouse level. My intentions hadn’t unfolded yet, but nonetheless, I wanted them as close to me as possible. Margaret Callahan was my insurance. I learned later that Margaret invited Áine’s boyfriend to join them. I couldn’t stand the weaselly motherfucker who worked with Marco. I had to ensure Áine was as far away from him as possible. Destroying him would be an added bonus.

“Your suit will get dirty,” she mumbled, her face pale from fear. I purposely gave her my middle name that barely anyone used. I didn’t want to chance either her or Margaret recognizing me or connecting me to the Kings. “It looks expensive.” Her bleary eyes full of panic lowered to her own dress. “This dress should be five bucks considering how little material it has.”

She looked amazing in it. A total knockout. Once she sat on the floor, panic closing in around her, her dress hiked up to her thighs, revealing a lot and not enough. Luca kept his gaze averted, offering his respect. But the jackass that I was, I kept catching glimpses of her smooth, pale skin.

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