Page 6 of Merciless Desires

“Is that what you want?”

“Isn’t that what you want?”

Chapter Three

Gio

When Cinzia came through the airport doors in those white pants and shimmery silver halter top, looking more like a runway model and less like the girl I had left in Italy, I had to play it cool and pretend I was too busy on the phone to notice her. That couldn’t have been further from the truth.

An awareness came over me that I hadn’t expected. I had been attracted to her once she came of age, but I thought it was just a physical thing. Not that she wasn’t smart, funny, and charming, but because of who she was and where she came from I couldn’t expect to make her mine. That was up to her father. But once she walked onto American soil—my territory—something shifted. In the few minutes we were at the airport, I caught the glances from the men who couldn’t take their gazes away from her as she walked toward me. Complete strangers lusting after her. My own security team was taken aback by her grace and beauty. So was Alberto, her guard.

“Isn’t that what you want?” Cinzia asked.

We sat face to face as she waited for my answer. She offered me those full, natural lips that a lot of women paid big bucks to achieve. Those same lips that would make a man do insane things to taste or to have them wrapped around his cock. As I leaned into her, the scent of her floral perfume lingered between us. Am I crazy enough to…

The vibration from my phone buzzed against my chest, saving me from a huge mistake. She exhaled when I reached inside my pocket and glanced down at the screen. Thank you, Romero!

“I have to take this,” I said.

“Whatever.” She took her phone from her bag and began scrolling as I took the call.

“Hey,” I answered. “What’s up?”

“I just spoke to Janero,” Romero said.

“I did too.”

“He’s not worried about Cinzia now that she’s with you. He can focus on what’s going on with his business. He trusts you.”

“That’s good.” I glanced at Cinzia who was lost in her social media feed. “We’re heading back to the penthouse now.”

“Remember, this isn’t like when you take a woman back to your place. This is different.”

“You don’t have to tell me that.” Maybe he did, considering I had been in her presence for three minutes and was about to kiss her. “I’m not an idiot.”

“I didn’t say you were, but I know this job is complicated.”

“I’ll come to the house tomorrow.”

“Bring your new companion.”

“Why?” I asked.

“Luciana wants to meet her, and they can get to know one another while we’re discussing business.”

“Do you need me for anything tonight?”

“You have enough on your plate,” he said. “Focus on getting her settled.”

“I’ll see you tomorrow.” I ended the call, leaning back against the seat. “Are you hungry?”

“No.” Cinzia dropped her phone in her bag and then stretched out her neck and back. “Just stiff from the flight.” She licked her lips. “You probably know what it’s like to be stiff.”

“What?” I tried not to laugh, but she wasn’t wrong.

“You’ve traveled from Italy to New York before. Even in first class, it’s not that comfortable.”

“Right.” I smirked.

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