Page 88 of Cassio (Belles & Mobsters 3)

Our eyes connected. “Remember Vegas?”

She rolled her eyes. “Do I ever! Did you not hear my admission?”

I smiled.

“That evening you disappeared on me,” I started hesitantly, unsure how she’d take the news. “I ran into Hunter.” She waited, her eyes wide. She suspected what was coming. “I- I… ummm…”

“Just spit it out, Áine!”

“I slept with him,” I admitted guiltily. “I didn’t know he was yours. I wouldn’t have-”

I cut myself off because for the first time in my life, I wasn’t certain if those words were true. From the moment we met, the attraction to that man kindled, like a blaze bright and strong. He felt right; like he should be mine. His last name aside, his family aside… I felt connected to him. I felt like an indecisive teenager with her first love.

“Áine, he was never mine,” Maggie’s protest came out firm and strong. “And the way he looked at you in the elevator. I was shocked to hear he arranged to marry me. I wouldn’t be surprised if you were his end game all along.”

I frowned. His end game. I just hoped it was in the good sense, and we wouldn’t kill each other in the process.

“You liked sleeping with him?” she questioned mischievously and instantly the tension was out the window. “Is he good in bed? And does he have tattoos all over?”

I bit the inside of my cheek to stop the grin from spreading and instead rolled my eyes, as if I was annoyed. But she knew me too well. Playfully she pushed me gently against my shoulder and we both burst into a fit of giggles.

“Okay, okay, all seriousness aside,” Maggie said, straightening up. “What if he and his brother are working with Marco? Or tries to hurt you?”

I shrugged. My instinct told me Cassio wasn’t the type to hurt women. Or to force himself on one. My experience from Vegas was proof of that, though there were many unanswered questions. Besides, I could protect myself just fine, thanks to combat training I had been receiving since I took over The Rose Rescue. “If we bring all King trafficking to a halt, it’d be worth it.”

And I was up for the challenge.

ChapterTwenty-Eight

CASSIO

The headquarters of HC Architecture was a plain, steel building, and it was exactly that which made it stand out from other buildings in downtown New York. I have owned it for the past two years. Thanks to Nico’s magic, not too many people, outside my closest friends and my brother, knew I owned it. I intended to keep it that way.

Some people would consider my obsession with Áine going overboard, but I didn’t give a shit. I kept a close eye on Áine ever since our paths crossed two years ago. I bought the company she worked at, and when she searched for an apartment in the city, I ensured she heard about the availability in my building. It offered the most protection.

“Mr. DiMauro,” I was greeted by the receptionist. She offered me a big smile, smiling seductively. It was the name I used when transacting any meetings here. “I heard you’d be here. I hope you will stay a while.” Her brown eyes were bright with unspoken invitation as she swiped her tongue over her lower lip.

My lips curved, though it wasn’t a smile.

“Miss Evan’s office,” I told her.

The glass wall with HC Architecture logo stretched over the back wall with water cascading down both sides. It flowed down in waves and ripped over the logo causing a beautiful effect.

“I can take you-” she offered, but I immediately stopped her.

“Which floor?” I ignored her attempts.

She came around the reception desk and got too close. “I can walk you to her office.”

She smiled wide and leaned closer. I was half tempted to bark an order at her to get back to her position, but she wasn’t really worth me getting riled up. I was here to talk to Áine. I wouldn’t be playing games with my soon-to-be wife and have us tiptoe around each other.

As for this receptionist, I’d have someone get rid of her. It was bad form to have our front desk flirt with guests.

“No, thank you,” I told her. “But I would like my personal space back.”

Her brows creased in confusion. It couldn’t possibly be the first time she was rejected. Thankfully, she took a step back.

“Cassio?” A familiar soft voice came behind me.

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