Page 19 of Illicit Desires

I gave him a flat look. “A shotgun.”

His eyes went wide. He opened his mouth, probably to start ranting, but a voice interrupted him before he could start.

“Ouch. That one had to hurt.”

We both turned. Jaime was leaning his shoulder against the wall, his arms crossed and mild amusement spread across his face. He looked like he was watching a TV show. I wanted to be annoyed but I was tired of Gavin being here and was glad for the interruption.

“Mind your fucking business,” Gavin snapped.

Jaime’s smile grew into a smug grin. “She is my business.”

Pushing off the wall, his gaze shifted to mine and I could see the intention written across his face. I knew I should stop it but I didn’t move at his approach, letting my eyes slip closed as he cupped the back of my head and claimed my lips fiercely. Butterflies erupted in my lower belly and my knees went weak. I leaned into him, sighing softly as he plucked my lips, almost whimpering at the loss when he pulled away. My eyes stayed shut for a second as I tried to comprehend what just happened. When I finally looked up, he grinned at me, flashing me those dimples, and I almost lifted onto my toes for more.

Gavin’s irritated growl snapped me back to reality and I blinked, taking a step back from Jaime.

“Your mom never said anything about you seeing anyone.”

A fresh wave of irritation washed over me. “Stop taking advice from my mom. My love life is not her business, just like it’s not yours. I asked you to leave. If I have to ask again, I’ll be calling security. Goodbye, Gavin.”

I took another step back so Jaime could slip past me before slamming the door on Gavin’s face. It was beyond satisfying but I probably would’ve enjoyed it more if I wasn’t still reeling from that kiss.

Warily, I turned to face Jaime. I thought he’d try and kiss me again and didn’t want to admit I was disappointed when he moved away to sit on the couch instead. He gave me an expectant look and I let out a breath, coming to join him. He leaned back, grinning when Samwise leapt into his lap and sat down. Lifting his gaze, he gave me a soft smile.

“Okay. You start.”

My brow furrowed. “Start what?”

He lifted a shoulder carelessly. “I figured you’d have questions. I thought we’d start there.”

Pursing my lips, my gaze shifted toward the window. I didn’t know what to say to that. I don’t really have questions. I knew what would happen if I messed up and I can’t work like that. I didn’t want to be afraid to breathe wrong and constantly have to be looking over my shoulder in case Liam lost his patience and got pissed at me.

“He’s not going to hurt you, you know.”

Sucking in a breath, I jerked my attention back to Jaime. He could probably see the disbelief in my face because he shook his head slowly.

“I get that Liam is scary but he’s not going around killing every person who screws up. If he was, I’d be long since dead by now.”

At my confused frown, he shrugged. “Our personalities clash sometimes. That doesn’t mean I don’t think he’s got my back. He’s a good guy, a great boss. The most he’d do if you messed up is yell.”

He looked sincere but I took it with a grain of salt. For all I knew, he was here to force me to keep the job and was just being nice about it. He could be lying to keep me under control for all I knew.

“Look, Jaime–”

“How about I come with you from now on? I’ll be in the room for your meetings so if he starts acting like a dick, I can make sure you’re safe. I promise you you’re not in any danger but it wouldn’t hurt to have me nearby, right?”

I almost made a face. “I don’t need a babysitter. I just…” I swallowed hard. “Liam isn’t the first mafia boss I’ve worked for and I don’t think I can take the abuse again. I’ll find someone better suited–”

“Hold on, what do you mean by that?”

He was frowning, his eyes searching my face, but I could see the undercurrent of fury. It was sweet that he was angry on my behalf but he didn’t need to get up in arms about it. It was what it was and I don’t like wasting my time lamenting over the past.

“It’s nothing. I’m sure–”

“Like hell, it’s nothing! You just said you were abused! By who? Was it that asshole in the hall? I’ll fucking kill him.” He launched out of his seat, storming for the door and pulling a gun out from who knows where as he marched toward it. A freaking gun! I was surprised and sat too long on the couch trying to figure out what just happened before I raced after him.

“Jaime, wait!”

He ignored me, throwing the door open, intent on going after Gavin even though he had no idea what I was talking about. It was only Liam and Jo on the other side of the door that drew him up short.

---