August
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, Sasha. 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.
“August, 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 Sasha. Lorenzo Francesco. August 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, August.”
“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.”
I moved toward the doorway, watching the almost stunning floor show. There wasn’t a single person in the room who hadn’t noticed them. They all knew of his reputation, as well as his tactics. Lorenzo was a mainstay in the news, enjoying the limelight that his status offered. I walked in, moving to the very center of the room, standing with my arms crossed. I wasn’t usually a jealous man, had never experienced that given my short relationships. I wasn’t a commitment kind of guy.
But this. With her. And him.
I was incensed. Maddened.
He had his hand positioned on the back of her neck, far too possessive. His other hand was dangerously close to her bottom, his finger brushing up and down on her naked flesh. She was enjoying herself, far too much so.
Swallowing hard, I took long strides in their direction, almost furious that the song ended before I had an opportunity to kick his fucking ass.
Sasha immediately shifted away, her expression sheepish.
“Go back to the table. Order what you want. I have business to attend to.” My words were sharp, laced with the kind of venom that I had for Lorenzo, who stood off to the side, adjusting his cuffs. I had no desire to conduct any aspect of business with the man, but his casinos had already been hit. If the man had information, it was viable that I listened.
For now.
She tilted her lovely chin in my direction, her eyes studying mine. “Where would I go, August? I’m your prisoner no matter if I’m dressed in silk and diamonds.” Huffing, she walked toward the table, taking long strides.
“She’s a lovely choice, August. You should be very proud,” Lorenzo said in passing.
“If you have something to tell me, I suggest you get on with it. There will be no additional interruptions.”
After giving me a look of amusement, he exited the dining room. I curtailed my aggravation and followed, giving Bruno a nod before passing him and heading up the stairs. I had an office that I kept for these purposes, even though I loathed conducting any form of business in an open forum. This had better be good.