Page 9 of The Viper

“What are you making?” He peers over the coffee machine.

“A cappuccino.”

“I’ll have one of those.”

“If I make you one, will you go away and leave me alone?”

“Sure,” he replies with a dead straight face. But, I know he won’t.

“Promise me,” I push. I don’t want him hanging around.

“I promise.”

I wag my finger at him. “Say it. Say, ‘I promise I’ll leave you alone once you make me a coffee’.”

He’s doing everything he can to hold in his smile. But his flaming auburn eyes tell me another story. “I promise I’ll leave you alone once you make me a coffee.”

“Good.” I rapidly make him a cappuccino and give it to him in a take-out cup. “There.”

“You really want me gone, don’t you?” He takes the cup and lifts it to his mouth. “Wait, you didn’t ask me if I wanted sugar.”

“Because I don’t care. You have your coffee, now leave.” I pointedly look to the door, before quickly returning my attention to my job.

Sure enough, Dominic is true to his word and begins to walk toward the exit. I exhale as he reaches for the door, but my relief is short-lived when he turns and calls over everyone, “I’ll see you tonight, Rose.”

Abbie and Finn both stop what they’re doing, as do the patrons occupying the inside tables, and look at him. I don’t know what he’s playing at, but he’s not going to see me tonight. The bastard knows I won’t make a scene in front of my co-workers which is why he’s so bold. He leaves the café and walks out, where he speaks with his two guys, then leans up against a car parked right outside the café.

He's staring in while drinking his coffee, and I have no doubt at all that he’s watching me.

I could let it fluster me, but there’s no way in hell I’m going to give him the satisfaction. So I ignore him, and continue with my work.

“Who’s he?” Abbie asks. “Cause, he’s cute.”

“No one,” I say trying to keep that part of my life hidden from my colleagues.

“Are you two dating?” Finn asks as he slinks up next to me and looks over at Dominic who’s now watching us with a rigid jaw and tight shoulders.

“No, no.” I shake my head.

“How do you know him?” Finn asks. There’s a touch of sadness in Finn’s voice. Does he like me? I hope not. He’s a nice guy, but I’m not interested in anyone. Not Finn, not Dominic.

“My sister knows his brother.” Finn leans against the counter, closer to me and waits. “What?”

“Who is he?” Finn’s eyes harden as he waits for my reply.

“How about, none of your business. Now, just like I told him.” I point to Dominic who’s advanced closer to the glass as he stares inside. “I have work to do.” What the hell has gotten into everyone today? “And I’m sure you do too.”

Finn pushes off the counter and peers over toward Dominic. “Sorry.” He runs his hand through his hair. “I just don’t like the way he looked at you.” Finn clears his throat. “Is looking at you,” he corrects. I turn my angry face to him. “I’ll get back to work.” Finn lowers his head and walks away.

I stay at the coffee machine but can’t help looking out at Dominic who’s retreated and is again leaning on the car. There’s something about Dominic that makes my blood heat with desire. I squeeze my thighs together as I attempt to tear my eyes off of him.

What is wrong with me?

I know the Sacco brothers are bad news, so why am I inclined to give Dominic any of my time or headspace? It doesn’t matter. I can see how miserable Adrian has made Eliza. And there’s no chance I’ll have anything to do with Dominic. Hell no.

Chapter three

Rose

---