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“Why would you do that for me?”
“At first, it was because I’ve been in your situation. I didn’t have anyone to rely on either. But the more I get to know you… you’re kind, wicked smart, and a hard worker. What isn’t to like about you?”
She grinned. “You haven’t witnessed it, but I can be a huge klutz.”
I laughed because I had experienced that. “You’re forgetting how we met.”
“Oh, right.” She shook her head. “When I fell into you at the bar. Can’t say I regret that.”
I caught her hand in mine and held her gaze. “I don’t regret it either.”
CHAPTER SIXTEEN
SUMMER
The bosses kept Luc busy after our talk yesterday. He’d given me the day off, so I did what I needed, which was to sleep. I didn’t know if it was the stress of finding out I was pregnant or just the craziness of my life that had me so exhausted I couldn’t keep my eyes open. Either way, I went to my room and slept half the day and through the night. I had to process what I’d learned and deal on my own with what changes would come.
I felt so much better after I awoke.
Luc and I had met that morning to go over business. As we spent more time together, I realized that things were changing between us. He touched me often, and I found myself doing the same to him. Just casual, but the impact left a lasting impression. I would rest a hand on his arm. He would touch my leg. I would lean in to him. Or he would put an arm around me and pull me close. It was far from a boss-and-employee relationship. He’d gotten the message that my behavior the night he met me was unusual, entirely out of character. So he’d backed off and taken things slowly, and I was receptive to that.
Several times while I was studying algorithms for how the stock market was performing, I found myself drifting into thoughts about Luc. Things were good between us, and I worried I would ruin what was developing when I told him about the baby, which was why I jumped at the chance to go out when El brought it up after dinner. Marco was over, and he and Luc were finishing up whatever they were talking about. The plan was to go to one of Tony’s clubs, and after the insane amount of sleep I’d gotten, I was determined to have some fun.
We got ready quickly and were on our way to a different club. The same neon script was proudly displayed on a dark building, but the name was Seduction, which seemed fitting—it was something I was ready for from Luc when he made a move. I was hoping that would be soon. I needed something to hold on to after I left. He’d said I would move in with him, but I wasn’t counting on that.
The vibe was sensual, dark, and a touch sinister, as if illegal things were going on inside. It was Mafia owned, though, so of course there were illegal things happening.
Luc’s hand was in mine as he led us toward the private room Tony had indicated. I liked Tony, even though I sensed a slight wariness from the others around him. And tonight, he was hanging out with us. I went over to where he was checking on the bartender.
“Hey, Tony.” I smiled then nodded to the staff person. “Can I get a water with lemon?” While he was busy getting that, I turned back toward Tony.
“Summer. Are you enjoying yourself?”
I rolled my eyes then teased. “So formal. Of course, I am. Who wouldn’t be?”
He grinned, and the mischievousness of it instantly reminded me of Nicole. “What’s going on between you and Luc? Are you together?”
I tilted my head, studying him for a second. I didn’t think he was interested. It wasn’t why I came to talk to him. “He’s my boss. And it’s complicated.”
“Isn’t it always?”
He was tall and lankier than the rest of the guys, who all appeared lean and athletic. They weren’t people to mess with. My guess was that Tony had hidden talents of his own as well.
Then he leaned down so we were closer. “Luc’s staring at me like he’s about to rip my head off. I’m thinking it’s more complicated than you think.” He winked then straightened while I blushed furiously. I stole a peek to see if Luc was looking at me. When our gazes collided, I sucked in a fast breath. If looks could kill, Tony would have been dead.
I guessed Tony was right—it was way more complicated than I’d thought, and I couldn’t say that was a bad thing.
“Okay, well, you’re probably right.” I tore my gaze from Luc and refocused on Tony. “Have you talked to your mom lately?”
“No.” All teasing left his features, and the same fierce readiness the rest of the guys exhibited came over him. I shivered from the effect. He was definitely Mafia born but seemed to wear a different persona when mingling with people in the club. The guy could slit someone’s throat then take names, just like the rest of them. “What’s going on?”
“Nothing. I haven’t seen her since she went out with Sofia’s mom the other night. The house is monstrous. It’s probably that our paths haven’t crossed yet. I didn’t mean to alarm you.”
He ran a hand through his hair and took a step back. “I haven’t been around to see her that much because of work. And Max has been there, so I didn’t worry about it. I’ll call her, though. Thanks.”
I nodded as he squeezed my shoulder then went over to one of the booths that were farthest from the others and pulled out his phone. Luc was by my side as soon as I turned from accepting the water the bartender had ready.
“What was that about?” He looked primed for a fight, shoulders squared off and menacing with that determined laser focus he got when he went for the jugular, something I witnessed a time or two when we were working together and he had to settle an issue. I was thankful it had never been directed at me.
