AllFreeNovel
Share Us
She climbs off my lap and glares at me. “You’re an ass, Dario Gallo. A motherfucking asshole.”
Shit, I’ve angered her. Watching the way her eyes light up with anger, the way she moves fluidly as she stands in front of me, her hands on her hips and her lips pursed, she’s a sight to behold.
“You have no idea what goes through my mind, nor do you know what I’ve been through. You sit there on your high horse and think you’re God’s gift to women. Are you so insecure that it’s a hit to your fragile ego to have a woman turn you down?”
She’s firing jabs at me, and I know she’s trying to push me away. I get it. I’ve gotten too close to her.
“I don’t have a fragile ego, Portia. I just know what I want. But if you honestly don’t want me, then I’ll leave.”
The bluster leaves her, and her eyes widen in panic. “What?”
Fuck. Does she think I’d truly go? That I’d give up that easily?
I get to my feet and stalk toward her. “You should know better than to poke the bear, Portia. But Christ, I’m an ass, but not with you. I promised you I wouldn’t go anywhere and I’m not. You’ve lost your friend. Today is not the day to have this conversation.”
“I hate you,” she hisses, but there’s no heat in her voice.
“Sure you do,” I reply, pulling her into my arms. “It’s going to be taxing to hate me while I’m here, but I’m sure you’ll be able to do it.”
She releases a soft laugh. “Ass,” she murmurs.
I press my lips against hers. “I know that me saying you’re mine makes you fearful, so I’ll stop. But I meant what I said, Portia. You don’t fuck anyone but me.”
“That means you don’t fuck anyone else either.”
“Fuck, baby, tell me where the hell I’m going to get the time or energy? You’re a fucking handful.”
Her lips twitch at my words, and I know that the way to go with her is slowly. I can’t push her. If I do, it’ll only send her running.
The doorbell rings, and I know it’s Diego with the food. “Get us drinks, baby. I’ll sort the food.”
I move toward the door, and when I reach for the handle, her voice stops me. “I know I’m crazy, but I really am thankful that you’re here, Dario. It’s going to take a while for me to trust you, to let you in.”
“You’re worth the wait,” I tell her, and hear her sharp intake of breath.
I open the door, glaring at Diego as his gaze scans the apartment. “Keep your eyes to yourself,” I snarl at him, and watch as he steps backward, his brows knitting together.
“Boss,” he says respectfully. “I don’t see her that way.”
I raise a brow. “Really?” I don’t fucking buy it.
“Yes. She’s not my type,” he says, and then winces. “I’m not saying she’s not beautiful, just—” He shakes his head. “She’s not my type,” he repeats as he hands me the takeout.
I close the door and Portia starts laughing. “You have no idea what he meant, do you?”
I look over at her. “What?”
“I told you he didn’t look at me like he wanted me. You’re so dense sometimes. I’m not his type, but you could be.”
My lips part in surprise. I didn’t realize. Then again, I don’t know much about Diego. “How do you know?”
“I’ve known since we were kids. You know what the Famiglia is like, Dario. You know that being gay is frowned upon. I don’t want Diego to have to hide who he is.”
“He won’t. Rocco isn’t like our father, Portia. He’ll never turn Diego away because of who he is.” That’s not what we’re building. Being gay has nothing to do with the Famiglia. “I’ll ensure he knows that his secret is safe with me until he’s ready to come out.”
She beams as she’s sauntering over to me, and wraps her arms around me. “You, Dario Gallo, are a good man.”
No, I’m far fucking from it. I just know that I won’t do anything to cause her pain.
