Page 52 of Of Desire And Deception

I peered over his hand and saw it was after ten. “Maybe another hour, depending on the crowd.”

“I’ll come back in an hour, then.” He sauntered off to the back of the building, and I stood on wobbly legs, unsure whether his words were a threat or a promise.

Time passed quickly when you were having fun, but it dragged on for an eternity as I filled drink orders, my eyes constantly wandering toward the door Cosimo had disappeared through. Anxiety taunted me, making me jump when a customer slammed a glass on the bar top. Sweat formed on my brow and trickled down between my shoulder blades. My palms dampened, and I repeatedly wiped them on my black jeans, hoping to avoid dropping the glassware.

Too soon, the door opened, and Cosimo’s tall, dark figure passed through the doorway. His eyes found mine immediately. I couldn’t look away, could barely breathe as he approached, his long legs moving with purpose toward his goal—me. It was a heady feeling to be the object of his obsession, and all of my scruples seemed to fade away as arousal roared to the forefront.

“Goldilocks.” If panties could melt, mine would have spontaneously combusted upon hearing the nickname on Cosimo’s lips. And that knowing smile, mouth tipped upward on one side, like he was aware of his effect on my mind and body. He nodded at Zach. “Wynn is on break.”

Zach spared him a quick look, inclining his head and making a shooing motion toward me.

“How dry do you think that glass is going to get?” Cosimo asked with a deep chuckle. I looked down, where I was absently circling a glass in a cloth. “Put that down and come with me. Now, Wynn.”

Setting the glass with the others, I took the extra seconds to fold the towel before reluctantly following. I fisted my trembling fingers and plastered a smile on my face, feeling my muscles spasm from how tense I was. Real natural, Remi.

“How has your night been?” Cosimo asked casually, as the door closed behind us.

I had to hurry to match his larger strides as he hastened to his office. “It’s been fine, I guess.”

Where was the sass when I needed it? Oh, that’s right, I’d left it back with my inhibitions and better sense.

“I brought gnocchi tonight,” Cosimo offered, pulling a container from his small refrigerator. He popped it in the microwave and leaned against his desk, crossing those long legs. He’d removed his leather jacket, and his forearms flexed as he gripped the edge of the desk.

“That sounds great,” I said blandly, tucking my hands under my thighs as I sat on the couch so I wouldn’t be tempted to fidget more. Shit, could I actually see the outline of Cosimo’s abs through his shirt? Another drop of sweat trailed down my back.

“Well?”

My eyes darted up to his face. “What?”

That damn smirk quirked his lips upward, his dark eyes twinkling with knowing mirth. “I asked if you’ve had it before.”

“I can’t remember,” I answered honestly. The microwave beeped, and he sat beside me with the container and a fork. I reached for the utensil, but he pulled his hand back.

“Allow me.” Cosimo stabbed the plump little pasta with the fork and pursed his lips, blowing on it before bringing it to my mouth.

I opened obediently, and he moved forward, watching me take a bite and chew. My face flushed hotly at his intense stare. I swallowed hard. “You know, it’s a little weird that you’re watching me eat.”

“I’d watch you do anything, goldilocks.” He lowered his head and shook it slightly, realizing what he’d said was odd. The uncertainty vanished as quickly as I caught it, and his grin returned. He fed me another bite. “If I can’t watch the ecstasy on your face when I make you come, this is the next best thing.”

I choked, sputtering and coughing, and Cosimo set the food down, then slapped me on the back hard, jolting my body forward. The sudden unbalance sent me tipping toward the floor, but he wrapped a powerful arm around my waist and righted me. I panted, trying to suck in a full breath. “Thanks.”

“No problem.” He handed me the container and rose, running a hand through his disheveled hair. “Maybe it’s best I let you finish alone.”

I moved to protest, but then remembered I needed to keep my distance. “I’d prefer to get through the shift without aspirating.”

“Of course.” Cosimo nodded. “I want you breathing when I take you to my bed tonight.”

I nearly choked again, but clamped my lips shut, calming myself. “Your bed?”

“You’re coming home with me,” he said like it was a foregone conclusion. He frowned, tilting his head questioningly. “Do you need me to take you on a date first?”

This was my chance. Cosimo Neretti never had women inside his place. “No, it’s okay. I’ll see you when I’m done, then?”

“I’ll be waiting.” His words sounded ominous but sent pleasurable chills down my spine.

I hurried out of the office, scarfing down the rest of my food and rinsing the container before putting it with the rest of my things. The rest of the night dragged on, my mind constantly distracted by thoughts of the man lurking across the room. Then, when he disappeared while my back was turned, I sat on edge, half expecting to sneak up behind me while I was working.

He didn’t, though. I didn’t see Cosimo until I’d gotten my belongings from the employee room. I had one arm through my coat when I pushed the door open and found him leaning on the opposite wall, those thick thighs accentuated by his stance, propping one up on the wall behind him.

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