Page 40 of Lies like Rubies, Part Two (Savage Jewels)

Her answering smile was so fucking feral I almost came in my pants. “I’m bringing my attack dog with me.”

“And who’s that?” I asked, more bitterly than I intended,not really wanting to know who else she trusted more than me, yet again.

She smiled slyly, “Dante, sit, stay.”

Nick’s shout of laughter startled all of us. Grinning, he pressed a kiss against the back of Sofia’s hand. “You’re a fuckin’ delight, baby.”

Bank by bank, she worked her charm, convincing bank managers to transfer the money despite her father’s orders to the contrary. When they pointed out that the amounts would attract federal scrutiny, she just smiled that gorgeous and open smile and reminded the bank managers that she wasn’t trying to hide a damn thing.

And they fell for it, the poor fucking bastards. Some of the accounts had passwords attached to them, requirements for Sergio to be present, more documentation, and this beautiful and clever woman convinced these men to give her access anyway.

Tony Russo was a fucking fool for not taking advantage of this woman’s brains, for not giving her everything she asked for to keep her in the family.

During one particularly boring encounter, I allowed my attention to wander, envisioning Sofia in front of the boardroom of my arms manufacturing business, negotiating with the Afghans to import their product through West Africa, giving the Colombians hell. My heart stuttered when I realized I was daydreaming, and I gave her a look so warm she blushed.

When the banks began to close at four, I brought her back to the suburban home I’d purchased, where Lorenzo waited with Miss Carolina and Lizzie.

“Miss Carolina, a word?”

She cocked her head and smiled at me. “What can I do for you, Mr. Oscuro?”

“I need you to disappear for a few hours tonight.”

“Despite your generosity in providing me lodging, I work for Miss Sofia, not for you, Mr. Oscuro.”

“Would you like to change that?”

She frowned, her gaze ping ponging between me and where Sofia sat across the room, listening to her daughter tell her all about the very exciting day she’d had in the new house with Miss Carolina.

“I’m Ecuadorian, did you know that? I married a Russian man when I was young and stupid and thought that the Bratva were glamorous and honorable compared to M-13. My husband died trying to kidnap Sofia’s sister, and the Bratva cast me and our two children out on the streets for his betrayal. Miss Sofia met me while volunteering with her church and offered me a job. She took a chance on me when nobody else would. I willneverbetray her to you.”

Once again, the loyalty Sofia engendered in everyone whose lives she touched astounded me. Instead of commenting on that, I answered, “And if she can’t afford to pay you?” She could, but I had to know.

Miss Carolina’s eyes raked me up and down, disgusted. “Then you’re not taking care of her like you should be.”

Ouch.

“Can you get Lizzie to bed tonight?” I asked.

Miss Carolina smiled. “If Miss Russo asks me to.”

When I looked over to Sofia, her blonde head bent over her daughter’s dark curls, helping Lizzie to form careful letters on the paper that Miss Carolina had rustled up to keep the child amused, a pang of longing shot through me.

“Kitten,” I said, drawing Sofia up against me. She looked up at me over her shoulder and smiled. My breath caught in my chest at the simple trust she placed in me, allowing meto touch her, to run my hands over her, even after everything she experienced.

“What do you need, Dante?”

How could I explain that I needed to hold her, to know that she was here, that she was mine? That despite everything that happened and the hold I no longer had over her, I needed to know she still wanted me.

When I hesitated, she asked me, “Do you have work to do?”

“I do.”

“Can you do it from here while I study?”

The skittering in my heart that started earlier changed to a full-on thump as my heartbeat turned uneven and ragged. “Do you want me to?”

She leaned back against me, wrapping my hands around her waist until I enveloped her with my arms. “Luca’s bringing dinner around seven. I’d like to study now, and then later we can discuss next steps together.”

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