Page 94 of The Italian Obsession

“I’m going to get something to eat with Rico,” I lie.

Nat smiles mischievously. “Sure.” She looks over to Rico. “Take care of her,”

Rico’s eyes hold mine. “I intend to.”

We walk through the crowd and my body starts to hum. I know what’s coming, and goddamn it, I can’t wait. We arrive at the front doors of the club and he drops my hand.

“My car is this way.”

I follow him down the steps, and I go to grab his hand again. “Don’t,” he whispers, discreetly pulling his hand away.

I frown. “Why not?”

He looks across the road to a parked car with men sitting inside it. “My security guys are here. I don’t feel comfortable being affectionate in front of them.” He begins to walk faster.

“Oh.” I nearly have to run to keep up as my eyes dart around. “Is that why you wouldn’t kiss me inside?”

He nods once, and we arrive at a black sporty-looking car. He opens the door for me, and I get in. I look around at the black leather interior. It has that new-car scent with all the bells and whistles inside. Wow, this thing is swanky.

He gets in, and without a word, he starts the car and pulls out into the traffic. Once alone, he grabs my hand and lifts it to his lips. He kisses me tenderly as his eyes come to me.

“That’s better.”

“Where are we going?” I ask.

His eyes go back to the road. “My place.”

“What’s wrong with my hotel?”

“Nothing,” he replies casually as he turns the corner. “It’s just safer at my house.”

I frown, safe from what? “Why do you have security now?”

“It’s a necessary evil.” His hand slides up my thigh and he inhales sharply. “Let’s talk about how fucking edible you look in that dress tonight.”

I smile and glance behind us to see the two cars trailing behind. We drive on in silence. He seems lost in thought, and my mind is on the security cars behind us. Why are they here? Is he in danger of some kind? I turn again and look out the back window to make sure I’m not imagining it.

Two cars both filled with men trail at a safe distance behind. “Where do you live?” I ask.

“In the Magenta District. It’s not far.”

The farther we drive away from the club, the more a little of my sanity returns.

Shit, what am I doing?

I told myself to stay away from him, yet here I am on my way to his house. I get a vision of us in that office and how incredibly hot he felt. How dominant he is… hard. Damn my body and her carnal needs.

Horny bitch.

________

He pulls into an underground parking lot and the cars pull in behind us. I feel like I’m in a James Bond movie or something. He parks the car and then comes around to open my door.

The men get out of their cars and pretend not to look at me, although I can feel their assessing eyes.

“This way,” Rico says, void of emotion. I follow him into the elevator and the door shuts behind us. He instantly grabs my hand and smiles softly.

There he is…