Page 69 of Highball and Chain

Enzo

WatchingShanna eat the food I’d prepared topped my list of sexy non-sexual moments. Between the appreciative sounds she made, the way her eyes drifted closed, and the fork disappearing in her sinful mouth, I needed a cold shower. Better yet, I needed to bend her over the kitchen island and sink inside her.

“That was incredible.” Shanna sat back and flashed me a satisfied smile.

We had pressing matters to attend to, but my mind remained firmly entrenched in imagining a hundred and one things I could do to her with a spatula. “Glad you liked it.”

“Are you going to call Gabe now?”

The question snapped me back to the matter at hand better than a bucket of ice water. “Yes and you should listen in.”

She stood and stretched her arms over her head. “I’ll go upstairs and shower to give you some privacy.”

That’s odd.I thought she’d appreciate me allowing her to eavesdrop. “This affects you as much as it does me. You should hear what he has to say.”

Shanna frowned and stared at her hands. When she finally got around to replying, her voice shook as if she might cry. “I know, but you need to focus on what he’s saying. I’ll only distract you by breaking down or losing my temper.”

I lifted a lock of her damp hair. “You showered before you came down for breakfast.”

“I wasn’t aware we were under water rations.” She waved her hands, motioning to the room. “What’s the point in having all of this if you can’t have a shower and a soak in the gigantic tub on the same day?”

For a split-second, she reminded me of Nico throwing a tantrum, but Shanna had good reason for her emotional outburst. “Pamper yourself however you see fit.”

“Thank you, your highness.” Her snark didn’t surprise me. I’d come to understand she used sarcasm when upset.

“I’ll come find you when I’m finished.” I reached for her, but she glared and sidestepped my advances.

“No. Don’t.” Shanna wrapped her arms around her middle. “I need some time alone to process everything. If you touch me, I’ll fall apart.”

“I understand.” It killed me to let her walk away but pushing the issue would get me nowhere.

I went into my father’s office and called Gabe.

“Enzo, how are you holding up?” His voice had a gravelly quality that told me he hadn’t slept much.

“As well as can be expected.”

“How’s Shanna?”

“Shaken up.” I dragged my hand down my face. “But I think she’s more upset about the cat than she is about her apartment.”

“Women love their animals.” He half-chuckled. “She’s tough. If I know Shanna, she won’t rest until she finds out who did this and why. I bet she’s already researching recent arson cases and requesting international passenger lists.”

Fuck me, he’s probably right. “Should I keep her off the computer?”

“It’s not a bad idea. She’s got friends in the police department. The last thing we need is more cops snooping around.”

I’d told her more than I should have about the family business, but I kept that little tidbit to myself. Gabe had enough on his plate without worrying about Shanna inadvertently tipping off the authorities. “Did you get the meeting with Lazio?”

“Pietro Lazio denies any involvement with the fires at Shanna’s or your restaurant. He swore none of his people are in New Orleans.”

“Do you believe him?”

“I do, but one of the sons could have done this.” Gabe sighed. “The Fire Marshall is going to rule the fire at Shanna’s place arson. It’s only a matter of time before the press links her to you or Maggie.”

My stomach tightened. “We’re planning to lie low here until the shit storm passes.”

“Good. Lock the place down.” His voice came through muffled as if he’d covered the receiver to speak to someone else. “I need to go help Mags.”

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