Page 187 of Revere: A Legacy Novel

“It’s not really for women.”

“Not sure I really care,” Cross replied.

“Still—”

He closed the distance between their mouths before Catherine could get in another word. Once he was kissing her, the world titled on axis, slowed, and everything was just right. Her teasing tongue darted into his mouth, and flicked hard against his. The top shelf whiskey he had been sipping on was nothing compared to the taste of her. He did not want to pull away, but he caught the sight of his friend in the corner of his eye.

Catherine pouted when Cross nipped her lip, and nodded in Zeke’s direction. “Business, babe.”

“But—”

“Keep pouting, and I’m going to give your mouth a reason to do that when I stuff it full.”

Catherine narrowed her eyes at him. “Promise?”

“My tease. Keep that up, and we’ll see if we even get home before I get this Versace dress on the floor.”

“This dress cost you a lot of money, Cross. I saw the tag inside the box when you gave it to me this morning.”

“So?”

Catherine grinned. “Keep making those promises.”

“You know I’ll keep them. Why don’t you go dance down on the floor for a bit, huh?”

She winked, and pushing away from him to leave. He smacked her ass before she was out of reach. Her fingers waved over her shoulder, and then she was gone from the VIP section.

Zeke took a seat beside him on the bench. “Dad is on his way.”

“Good,” Cross said before tossing back the remainder of his whiskey.

“Here.”

Zeke handed over an item that made Cross sit up a little straighter. It was Calisto’s signet ring. He couldn’t ever remember seeing his father take it off. He vividly recalled memories of made men kissing Calisto’s ring, although his father had never made that demand of him.

Cross always thought that was because Calisto saw his son as an equal.

Not a man beneath him.

“I guess Calisto handed it off to my father today before he got on the plane,” Zeke said.

“Ma didn’t mention that when she called to say they were on board.”

“Does your mother ever mention things about la famiglia?”

“Point taken,” Cross said.

“Anyway, Dad dropped it off to me because he knew I would see you sooner today. You’re going to need it tonight once the meet starts with the men.”

Cross slipped the ring down his middle finger.

A perfect fit.

“You’re going to need to add a second ring soon, aren’t you?” Zeke asked.

“For what?”

Zeke passed him a look. “A boss needs a wife, Cross.”