Page 28 of The Gambler

Shut up, inner voice. I’m not talking to you.

“I was wrong, Tess. I came to apologize. I want you back.”

Then Trevor did something totally bizarre. He went down on one knee and pulled out a little black box.

Well, look at that. Hell just froze over, and apparently, pigscouldfly.

CHAPTER 12

LUCA

As Luca assessed the kneeling man on his doorstep, he didn’t detect an ounce of love on his face. The stuffy-looking wolf in sheep’s clothing had the same look he’d seen on Natasha’s face. Funny how now he could recognize it for what it was—manipulation. Whatever it was this guy was here for, it wasn’t out of love for Tess. This piece of crap didn’t even deserve to be in the same room with her.

“Too late, pal, she’s already engaged to me. Now, why don’t you put that ring back before I shove it somewhere the sun don’t shine?”

Tess looked perplexed. “I’m confused, Trevor. I thought you didn’t believe in the ‘retarded institution’ of marriage? Not that I actually considered tying myself to you forever, but I do remember those words. What has changed? What did I miss?”

Trevor got back on his feet. He did, however, put the box back into his pocket. Then he mustered a tight smile on his face, all the while ignoring Luca.

He didn’t like the claim this man made on Tess. He also didn’t like to be ignored, so he crossed his arms and moved to stand right next to Tess. So close, he could smell her. Damn, she smelled nice. How had he not noticed that before? It was a delicious blend of strawberry and something lemony.

Focus, Luciano, focus. The rat bastard is trying to steal your prize.

Shit, don’t think of her like that. That’s not what she’s here for.

“I made a mistake, Tess. Please, can we talk about this in private?”

Luca shook his head. “I’m not leaving.”

“You don’t have to,” Tess said. “Whatever it is you want to say, just get it over with, Trev.”

Trevor straightened his dress jacket and once again plastered a smile on his face. Damn, the man was a chameleon. Part of Luca just wanted to slam the door in his face, so Tess didn’t have to deal with him. Sadly, he knew if he tried that, Ms. Independent might kick him in the nuts.

“Like I said, Tess, I’ve made a mistake. We belong together. We are a great team. Working side by side,beingside by side. I don’t know anyone else like you who’s at my intellectual level.”

Same intellectual level? Luca snorted. The prick was a pompous ass.

“I bet she’s loads smarter than you,” he taunted.

Trevor’s nostrils flared. “You stay out of this,” he snapped, obviously no longer able to ignore him.

Point one for Team Luciano.

“Am I right, Tess?” Luca asked, knowing she would answer truthfully.

“Actually, you are,” she conceded. “But I was told, numerous times, that it’s rude to point out that people aren’t nearly as smart as I am. Or when I insult their computer skills.”

“Ah. Like that time when you called me a dinosaur?” he reminded her.

She nodded earnestly. “Like that time. And the time when I called you Mr. Spoiled Boarding School.”

He scowled. “When did you say that?”

Her mouth formed an O. “Huh, guess I said that on the inside, or perhaps behind your back. See? I’m already learning not to voice every thought.”

Her faint smile assured him she was pulling his chain. Probably. Or not. He couldn’t help but return it.

Trevor watched the exchange between them like a hawk. Judging by his frown, he didn’t like it one bit.

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