Bruno took purposeful steps back into the room, shaking his head as he came close. The night was quiet, which made me even more nervous, my skin crawling. I was never wrong and my instinct was on high alert. He leaned over, whispering in my ear.
“We have an interesting guest.”
“Who?”
“Lorenzo Francesco.”
A snarl pushed to my lips. Damn the man. He was the last person I wanted to see tonight. “Wherever he is sitting, make certain you send a bottle of the special merlot.”
Bruno chortled. “As always, boss, the consummate professional.”
“Secrets, Dominick. One day they’ll destroy you,” she said absently.
I took another sip, studying the people on the dancefloor. She was right. There had to be a reason for Lorenzo’s presence. His own casino was one of the affected, even raided the night before last. He would certainly be on edge, ready for retaliation, not jumping on a plane. After a few seconds, I tossed my napkin and stood, immediately reaching for her hand. “Dance with me.”
She seemed taken aback, the same sneer on her face. “You really want everyone to know we’re together, don’t you?”
“While I certainly value our relationship in that manner, I simply want to dance with the lady in my life. Will you indulge me?”
Inhaling, she glanced around the room, finally allowing me to take her hand. As I led her out to the dancefloor, I felt something that was unusual for me. Pride. I was very proud of having her with me, enjoying the way other men longed to be the man holding her hand. I pulled us to the middle of the dancefloor, tugging her into a tight embrace. The feel of her breasts crushed against me was more powerful than having my cock buried deep inside, although my needs would be fulfilled tonight.
The subtle yet effective change in music, the soft strains alluring, was perfect for my mood. I kept my hand on the small of her back, listlessly fingering her soft skin. She’d selected an exotic perfume and as the scent filled my nostrils, I attempted to forget who I was, even if for a few minutes.
She finally relaxed in my arms, tilting back until she could look into my eyes. “You were different in my studio. I enjoyed spending time with that man.”
“As I said, I have many sides.”
“But which is more dominant? Which would you prefer to be, a decent man with a family or a murderer who uses revenge as a basic tool?”
Now, her words haunted me, stabbing at my very soul. She’d found a way to slide a knife under my skin, picking away at the hard edges. “I am what I was born into, Caroline. I can’t change that any more than you can with regard to your father. His hatred of the American people will surface, aborting any hopes of winning the election.”
Her mouth twisted and she seemed to shrink in stature. “You do know him.”
“I’m paid well to know everything about my enemies.” I cupped her face, sliding my thumb across her ruby-stained lips.
“Am I your enemy?”
“You’re everything I’ve needed.” I was surprised at my own words, the reality something that should bother me. She was empowering in many ways, but this could only work if she accepted my absolute domination.
“Dominick, my friend. I must ask, may I cut in?”
Hearing Lorenzo’s voice was enough to shut down every emotion. I eased back, eyeing his boyish grin. “You’re a long way from home.”
“An important situation brought me to New York. Besides, I knew you’d be here, and this must be Caroline. Lorenzo Francesco. Dominick has told me all about you. What he failed to mention was just how beautiful you are. Shame on him.” He took her hand out of mine, kissing her knuckles.
An important situation. The shit was getting deep.
She didn’t recoil as I would have guessed, merely pushing away from me. “How spectacular to meet your friends, Dominick.”
“One dance certainly won’t cause disruption to your evening,” he suggested, laughing as he always did at my expense. “Then you and I have business to discuss.”
Business. I didn’t like his tone or his tactics. To find me on my own turf was considered bad form, something I would find pleasure in reminding him of.
“Up to the lady.” I gave her an authoritative look.
“I certainly don’t mind, darling.” Her inflection held such amusement.
“Very well.” This would at least give me time to find out if there were any issues. I backed away, staring at them for a few seconds. There was no reason to feel threatened, but his presence was like a beacon, as if a war was about to begin. I motioned toward the door when I neared Bruno and together, we walked out of the room.
“Sorry, boss. He just arrived without notice. Doesn’t even have his detail with him.” Bruno shrugged.
“Which means what, exactly?”
“I’m not certain. He said nothing, seemed to know exactly where he was going.”
“He’s here for more than dinner and gambling. We might have to set up a meeting. Have you checked the private parties?”
Bruno nodded. “Every one of them. Nothing is going on as far as Angelo can tell.”
“Which usually means there is.” I could still see them from where I stood, their bodies clinging together. I clenched my fist, more aggravated than I should be. I knew Lorenzo wouldn’t cross a line, but his arrogance at being here gave me doubts.
“I can check again, but I don’t think you have anything to worry about.” He noticed my gaze, shaking his head. The man knew my limitations and they’d already been breached.
“Check the reservations. I want to know the identity of everyone who has checked in.”
“Okay. I’ll let you know what I find. You want me to escort him out of here, boss?”
“I’ll do that on my own.”