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“That’s wonderful news,” Sammy replied earnestly.
“But you probably already know that. I’m sure she’s called you, and I respect you for not giving her away.”
“Uh, forgive me for asking, Mr. Albertini, but why am I here?”
“I know you win far more than you lose. In fact, you’re probably one of the best players in this town, but you live in a shit apartment and dress like a bum. You also borrow money from Bianca.”
“Then you know I always pay her back,” Sammy said hastily, surprised the infamous boss was aware of his poker skills.
“I do, but why the farce? Why take her money when you have a mint stashed someplace?”
Fighting an unexpected rising well of emotion, Sammy wanted to lower his gaze, but instinct told him he needed to maintain eye contact.
“Sammy, I asked you a question.”
“I’m not sure you’ll understand,” Sammy replied quietly, though leaning forward and frowning at Lorenzo across the small space.
“If I don’t, you’ll explain. Tell me.”
Sammy took a breath, steeled himself, then spoke. “It makes her feel needed,” Sammy said softly, then pausing, he added, “and I can relate to that in a way that’s truly indescribable. It’s something I would never take away from her.”
An odd expression crossed Lorenzo’s face, and for a moment, Sammy thought he was about to be slapped, but the man’s look suddenly changed.
“Sammy, I’m going to make you an offer,” Lorenzo declared, a smile curling his lips.
“One I can’t refuse?”
“One you’ll be happy to accept.”
* * *
Though Nick had been busy for the rest of the afternoon, the time alone had given Bianca the opportunity to catch her breath and explore the landscaped grounds at the back of the home. She discovered a plateau with a picnic area offering a majestic view of the distant ocean to one side, and the craggy canyons on the other. Sitting down and taking in the grandeur of the sight, she began to feel calmer. By the time she returned to the house, she was relaxed and ready for her date with Nick.
After taking a long, hot shower, she found a sexy emerald green silk dress, and though the white high-heeled sandals she selected were a size too big, they were manageable. Smoothing out her new blonde hair and staring at her reflection in the window, she liked what she saw, but she missed her long auburn locks. She decided the short blonde cut would become a memory, and with it, the traumatic events, but she hoped and prayed Nick would stay in her life.
Recalling how he’d taken control and slapped her ass when he felt she needed it sent her tummy tumbling. He was forceful, but he wasn’t a bully, and when he held her she never wanted to leave his arms. The thought made her sigh, and she felt a warm flood of moisture between her legs.
They’d agreed to meet in the living room around seven p.m. Checking the clock on the nightstand, she saw it was already five past. Giving herself one last look in the mirror, she hurried down the hall and walked inside. Though he wasn’t there, a low fire burned in the fireplace, and looking outside through the floor-to-ceiling windows, she admired the long shadows cast by the sinking sun. The ambience was setting the stage for what she hoped would be a romantic night ahead.
“Wow, look at you.”
Nick’s voice startled her, and quickly turning, she caught her breath. Dressed in dark slacks, a light gray polo shirt, and charcoal gray sports coat, he looked like a handsome billionaire, or maybe even a Hollywood star.
“Wow, back at ya,” she retorted with a happy smile. “You clean up good, Mr. Vincelli!”
“Not as good as you,” he replied, moving toward her. “You have no idea how badly I want to smear that perfectly applied lipstick.”
“Be my guest,” she murmured, leaning into him, purposefully pressing her breasts against his body.
“Not yet, but I’ll be thinking about it all through dinner. Anticipation is half the fun.”
“Or it can be torture,” she suggested with a wink.
“Bianca, are you wearing panties under that ridiculously sexy dress?”
She paused, then tilted her head to the side. “That would be telling.”
“Yes or no,” he insisted, leaning forward and placing his lips at her ear. “Are you wearing panties?”
