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“You should be resting, not catering to that asshole. I doubt he’d let you stay at your desk and off your feet.”
No, definitely not. But James didn’t need to know that. I hobbled over to him, dropping into his lap. “If Liam wasn’t so important, I’d probably suggest you come be my bodyguard instead. Keep my boss at bay.”
James chuckled, dragging my face to his to kiss me lightly. “What makes you think I’m sending you to work alone?”
I blinked. Wait, what?
James endedup dragging me downstairs, ignoring my many questions about what he meant. He sat me at the table next to Jo, who was making a face at Liam. Liam just looked amused, his eyes soft. I nudged her with my elbow.
“So, is bossy and domineering just par for the course when it comes to these guys or did I get a faulty issue?”
Jo burst out laughing, wrapping her arms around her middle. James sat next to me, nipping my neck.
“Sorry, Elizabeth, it’s in their DNA. Pretty sure if Liam didn’t have someone to boss around, he’d blow a gasket. It’s why he won’t ever take me on vacation. Relaxing isn’t something they do.”
When Liam rolled his eyes, she blew a kiss at him and for the first time I saw Liam smile. He tossed his arm lightly over Jo’s shoulders, pulling her against him. She leaned against him, teasing him and I couldn’t help but smile. He may be an overworking mob boss but he was sweet to Jo and James loved him like a brother.
“See? He’s not as awful as you think,” James whispered. I made a face at him. He was still a buzzkill.
Dinner was amazing, braised short ribs that melted in your mouth over mashed potatoes with a side of brussel sprouts. I thought I’d hate it, I’m a little picky, but I couldn’t find one thing wrong with it, even the brussel sprouts. It felt really odd to be served my meal like I was at a restaurant but no one else batted an eye.
The dining room was crowded, guys filtering in and out. James introduced me to all of them but after a while, I knew I’d never remember their names. There were too many of them. One of them did try and bring up work and ended up getting raked over the coals by Jo, which was fun to watch. She’s so talkative and happy with me, it was crazy to see her entire demeanor shift, her eyes narrowing and her body tense. In that moment, she looked like the mob boss’s wife, not the girl who loves books and teasing her friends.
Liam had a huge grin on his face the entire time too. He apparently had no problem letting her deal with his guys, which was surprising. You hear mob boss and you instantly think misogynist. The guy she yelled at didn’t look bothered either, just remorseful, shooting her a sheepish grin.
“Sorry, Jo. Old habits die hard.”
“If it happens again, I’m going to hurt you.” The guy raised his hands, grinning as he escaped from the room. Liam leaned in, kissing her roughly. He didn’t release her until she relaxed. She turned to me, looking a little dazed before shaking her head.
“I’m going to meet up with Gabi tomorrow, want to come?”
I grimaced. “I’m sorry, I have to work. If I haven’t been fired, that is.”
Liam frowned. “Why would you be fired?”
James spoke up, growling. “Her boss is an asshole. She takes one sick day and he’s been calling non stop, talking about how she’s unprofessional. I’m seriously ready to deck this guy.”
“Is that why you wanted time off?”
Both Jo and I swung to face James, mouths agape. He frowned at us. “I don’t trust him to not let her stay off her feet. Besides, we still don’t know where the little shit is who tried to take her.”
Jo bumped me, leaning in to whisper. “He told me once that taking time off would be the worst thing in the world. I think he likes you.” She winked at me.
ChapterEighteen
I melted.That was more than a little sweet. James, the workaholic, taking time off so that he can watch over me. I leaned in, putting my hand on his chest as I kissed him lightly. He had been talking to Liam so he didn’t see it coming, his eyebrows shooting up. Liam chuckled behind me.
“Now you know how I feel. I am not nearly as productive as I used to be,” he complained, but he was smirking at Jo, who stuck her tongue out at him. When he raised an eyebrow at her, I watched her flush. She seemed to enjoy pushing his buttons.
James had his arm thrown across the back of my chair, but after I kissed him, he plucked me from my seat, pulling me into his lap with ease. I felt a little embarrassed with his friends coming in and out but when his face mellowed and he hugged me against him, I let it go. I’d handle being a little embarrassed if it meant he could actually relax.
I leaned against him, resting my head against his shoulder as he chatted with Liam about work, much to Jo’s annoyance. James was the only one who seemed to be able to get away with it. She made a face at me and I giggled.
“What’s so funny?”
“You two. Can you go five minutes without working? Isn’t this supposed to be a no work zone?” I gestured around the room. When Jo scowled at Liam, he gave her an easy smile.
“We could talk about future plans if you want?”
