Page 16 of Merciless Desires

“What’s that mean?”

“She wants me to kiss her.”

“So, kiss her.”

“She wants me to really kiss her.” I glanced over at her, taking in her beauty as she took charge of the conversation. Whatever she was saying, the whole table hung on her every word.

“She’s hot, so I wouldn’t blame you for indulging a bit. I mean, if it were me, and I’m saying if I wasn’t married and not totally and completely in love with my wife, I would partake.”

“Weren’t you the one who said I couldn’t sleep with her? Would you have agreed to marry Lu if she wasn’t a virgin?” If I slept with Cin, all bets would be off for Janero and I’d be a dead man. “Do you want Janero to kill me?”

“I didn’t say you had to fuck her, but you could play with her. No one would have to know as long as you didn’t pop anything.”

“I’m not having this conversation with you.”

“Fine.” He held up his drink. “You’re the one who said she wanted you to kiss her, so I’m sure she’d be open to you satisfying some of her needs.”

“And what about me?”

“What? She could help you out too.”

“I’m not talking about that, you asshole.” There were plenty of women who would do that for me, and I was free to fuck them without getting myself killed. “I’m saying maybe I can’t get attached that way.”

“Why not?”

“Because then I couldn’t watch her marry someone else.”

“I knew you had feelings for her.” He slammed his hand on the bar. “Luciana and I saw it as soon as Cinzia walked into the house. I gave you the benefit of the doubt and told my wife you could separate your feelings for her and do your job.”

“I can.”

“Then why are you being such a pussy over a kiss that hasn’t even happened?”

“Fuck you.” I finished my drink. “I’m not kissing her.”

“Well, now that that’s settled.” Romero laughed. “I’m going to go kiss my wife.”

“I’m glad you think this is one fucking big joke.” I followed him toward the table. “Where’s Cin?”

“Hello to you too, Gio.” Lu reached for my hand, so I leaned down and kissed her cheek.

“My brother and I were just discussing his desire to kiss Cinzia,” Romero said as I gazed around the bar, trying to find her. “You were right, he likes her.”

“She’s very pretty and so funny.” Lu took a sip of her drink. “She thinks Gio is uptight, but I told her that couldn’t be further from the truth.”

“Where is she?” I asked, ignoring Lu’s statement.

“She went to the ladies’ room.” Lu motioned across the dance floor.

“Alone?” I told her not to go anywhere alone. “Don’t women usually go together?”

“If I would have gone with her, Jag would have followed. Cinzia was already going with Alberto. We would have made a scene, and then every woman in this place would have flocked to you and Romero, because they would have thought you were fair game.”

“She has a point.” Romero downed his drink. “But maybe you should find someone to relieve your stress. I can look after Cin tonight.”

“No, thank you.” I looked at Leo. “Find them.”

He nodded and quickly took off in the direction of the bathroom.

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