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“Warned him about what?”
Tightening his lips, he shook his head. “Gian’s a troubled guy. He’s not a bad person, but he’s needing guidance and a fucking reality check. Dimitri’s trying to get me to let him train with the younger guys to get him ready for the streets, but I don’t think it’s the life for him. I think he wants to look cool for his friends and quite frankly, I think he’s a pussy. That being said,” he flickered his gaze, “I can see how that could get to be an issue, and I’m not about to take chances with Eliza’s best friend.”
I nodded, pulling smoke into my mouth. “If he doesn’t listen, talk to Antonio, since he owns the place, too.”
“He only owns that shit on paper.” He snorted. “We both know who runs the place. Maddie works tonight, so we can go keep an eye on things and make sure the little shit doesn’t fuck up. I’ve got to meet Dimitri somewhere anyway, then we’ll be there. Eliza’s still getting her stuff organized, so she’ll be okay if I’m gone a little longer.” He checked over his shoulder for any sign of life before leaning closer. “I have no problem telling the brothers I’m going to scare the piss out of Gian a little bit.”
“That would be fine, except I told Maddie she’s not going back to work there right now.”
He froze for a moment before a subtle smirk appeared on his lips. “Can I ask why, old man cock block?” I realized I should’ve left that part out when I told him.
I opened my mouth to speak just as the door opened and the girls sashayed out, followed by Lucas and three of his friends. He still looked half asleep. He rubbed his eyes, squinting as he stepped off the covered porch into the sunlight.
“Luc!” his friend, Micah, shouted.
“Wha—”
SPLASH!
The guys roared with laughter as he tumbled into the pool. They followed, diving in and becoming distracted in their own world. Maddie watched, cheering on Lucas as he revenge-dunked Micah. I couldn’t help but steal a glance at her wavy platinum blonde hair and unblemished long, bronze legs. Elizabeth plopped down next to Vincenzo, curling into his side with her feet tucked under her.
I stood, setting my cigar in the ashtray. “I’m going inside to go prep for the grill.”
Elizabeth started to push up, but Vincenzo pulled her back down, holding her tighter against him. “Let Maddie help him. You had a busy morning.” I had no desire to know what he meant by that.
Elizabeth giggled. “Maddie!”
She spun around.
“Will you please go help my dad?”
Maddie’s gaze darted to mine. I offered a single, subtle nod. Grinning, she paraded by, and I was unable to peel my stare away from her perfect backside, covered in only a pair of tiny white shorts and whatever bikini bottoms she was hiding underneath.
5
GOOD GIRL
MADDIE
Being in such a close space with James was both terrifying and intoxicating. While I made my, famous among our families, homemade slaw, he stood at the island behind me forming burger patties. A shiver trailed up my spine when he turned to the sink to wash his hands. His side pressed into mine and he glanced down for a moment with the hint of a grin on the corner of his lips. The same smile that drove me insane. I could only describe it as mischievous.
Taking a deep breath, I did my best to focus on the task instead of his cologne drifting through the air. He was wearing my gift once again, and I felt a sense of satisfaction that he liked it. After forcing myself from the trance of the aroma, my breath hitched. Instead of taking a paper towel from the stand closest to him, he reached around me, getting the hand towel off the dishwasher handle and drying his hands.
“Sorry,” he muttered, meeting my gaze when he purposely stretched back around me to hang it up. His arm lingered for a moment before his palm landed on my hip.
“Last night,” I exhaled.
He lowered his head, placing his lips next to my ear. “What about it?”
“We were interrupted when you were about to tell me something.”
Moving behind me with both hands on my hips now, his warm breath grazed my neck. “Right now, you need to be my daughter’s friend and I need to be her dad.”
He was right, and I felt like a horrible friend. Spinning around on my heels, I came face to face with the man I’d dreamed about fucking for years. But he’d said right now. I gulped, unsure if I wanted the answer or not, but I asked anyway. “And later?”
He leaned as close as he could. My hair fluttered next to my ear, causing it to tickle. “It depends on how good you are today.”
Good as in angelic, or good as in putting on a show for him? I nodded, as if I understood, though the questions and scenarios were spinning in my mind.
