August
The table was in an alcove, sequestered away from the others and allowing me to see the entire room. The champagne was already open and within seconds of us being seated, the waiter had arrived, pouring two flutes.
“They’re all staring at us. Am I nothing like your other… girlfriends?” She lifted her glass, swirling it back and forth in her attempt to look bored. She gazed at the piano player, the blues style singer providing a perfect backdrop for the evening.
“I’ve never brought another woman to this establishment or any other for that matter.”
“Ah, you’re just the fuck them and leave them type. What a shame.”
Using just my index finger, I slid the tip down the length of her arm, enjoying the way goosebumps followed my trail. “I prefer intellectual conversations more than basic sex, but I will admit, there are exceptions. Tell me, did you enjoy our time in your studio?”
Sasha pursed her lips, but I noticed a slight quiver. “I didn’t know that you were a flagrant asshole, August, or I would have never gotten into a car with you and certainly wouldn’t have brought you to my studio.”
I took a sip of the champagne, savoring the flavor before responding. In the warm glow of the candlelight, she was even more beautiful. “Is that really the case, Sasha? I didn’t force you by any means nor did I attack you while behind closed doors. If that’s what you’re telling yourself, then I’m surprised. You are many things, but a liar isn’t one of them.” I sat back, drumming my fingers on the table. I noticed Angelo popping into the room, his face pensive. When he noticed me, he gave a single nod. At this point, there was no sign of intruders.
I motioned to Bruno, my hand gesture the only thing that was necessary.
“One of your goons? Just how many follow behind you on a regular basis? Poor Bruno, your basic lap dog.”
“I assure you that Bruno and all my employees are paid well.” I watched as he weaved his way through the crowd, pulling Angelo into the hallway.
She sipped her champagne, closing her eyes as the bubbles floated across her lips. “You do have excellent taste. Amazing music. Delicious champagne. You certainly have your fingers in everything.”
“A compliment. The men I employ have several jobs, security only one of them.”
“Why won’t you tell me anything about you? What am I going to do, run?”
My cock stirred again, the longing dipping into my deepest desires. “And I guess you’ve already read every newspaper article and internet garbage on the Gonzalez family. What do I have left to share with you?”
She laughed, resting her chin on her hand. “You’re right. I like to know exactly who I’m getting into bed with. Educated at Harvard, graduating Cum Laude with a degree in business and a minor in political science that only took you three years to accomplish. You’re a trained marksman, a sailor, and can speak three languages. You have been seen on the arm of several celebrities, even attending the Grammys one year. You’re an accomplished crook.”
“You have been searching. Nicely done.” Her biting words were doing the opposite of what she hoped. I wanted nothing more than to take her to one of the suites, licking every inch of her luscious body.
“I take after my mother, August. Cunning and brilliant. And you need to tell me about her. Where is she or was this just some elaborate hoax like everything else about you?”
“In due time, my sweet angel.” There hadn’t been a word from my father and I doubted there would be for some time. My father was very careful, refusing to make rash decisions. What I’d already found out made my skin crawl, but there was a significant piece missing, a terrible secret that Sasha and her mother paid dearly for.
Snorting, she jerked her head away, still fiddling with her necklace. “I hate you. I want you to know that. All the furs and jewels, expensive champagne and cars aren’t going to change that. To me, you’ll always be a monster.”
“Tell me about her.”
“You don’t deserve to know anything about her,” she retorted.
“I’m not your enemy, Sasha. You’ll realize that soon enough.”
“Whatever.”
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, August. 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.