Never Ever: Damaged Hero, page 8
“That’s why you choose the type of women you sleep with.” He nods as if he finally gets it.
“She makes me want so much more,” I whisper my admission and stare out the window for the duration of the ride.
Luca finds a parallel parking space across the street from the restaurant. “I’ll wait here, sir.”
Dashing between oncoming traffic, I slip inside, past the people waiting in line to be seated. Bruno is at the bar and scowls when he sees me. He flings a towel over his shoulder when I wedge between two customers as he approaches me.
“I’ll take a bourbon. The best you have on hand.”
His jaw twitches as he reaches for the bottle and places a glass in front of me, dropping in an ice ball.
“You remembered how I like it.” I chuckle.
“It’s my job to recall my customer’s orders.”
“Is Noa in the back?”
He leans his elbows on the counter and lowers his face next to mine. “If you hurt her, I’ll hunt you down. I don’t give a shit about your ruthless reputation when it comes to the people I love. I might die protecting her, but make no mistake, I’ll safeguard her from the likes of you.”
“I’m glad to hear it. She needs someone as overly protective as you in her life, but I have no intention of harming her.” I swallow the bourbon in one gulp. “I’m glad we’ve cleared the air between us.”
“I wouldn’t exactly say we’ve cleared the air,” he grunts.
Out of the corner of my eye, I see Noa coming from the back of the restaurant. She’s licking her lips and running her fingers through her hair. She looks neatly put together, but her body language tells me something is wrong. How did I get to read this woman so well, so quickly? Perhaps it was the hours I spent getting to know every inch of her body last night.
She does a double-take when she sees me and darts in my direction. “Hey,” she says softly as a pink glow eases onto her cheeks.
“You left without a word.” I flatten my lips.
“Bruno. I could use a glass of wine,” she tells him. “Actually, just give me a glass and the bottle.”
He hands them to her, and then she searches for an empty table and walks over to the hostess, telling her we’ll be occupying it. I follow her with my gaze on her ass as she sways her hips.
I sit and wait for her to speak. “I’m sorry. I thought it would be easier than you having me escorted out of your bed.”
“I had no intention of you leaving. I was looking forward to having breakfast with you.”
“By that, you mean coffee,” she snorts, “and watching me eat.”
My head tilts to the side. “I find great pleasure in watching you eat.”
Her teeth find the corner of her mouth, catching my meaning.
“I’d love nothing more than for you to be in my bed again.”
“I thought we had an agreement.”
“We do, but you’re still in town, so why shouldn’t we enjoy the time we have left together.”
She sighs. “Look, my life is in an uproar, and I don’t need to bring you trouble.”
“Trouble is my middle name.” I laugh. “I highly doubt whatever mess you’re in will bring me any danger.” My mess may get her killed. So why am I sitting here with her?
“Things are complicated.” She adjusts in her seat. “You’re a businessman. I could use some negotiating skills. I’m sure being a real estate mogul, you’re very knowledgeable and could offer great advice.”
“I’m an excellent negotiator. Shoot with your questions.”
“My late husband took out a rather large loan on the restaurant a few years ago, and the money is due. This restaurant can’t foot the cost of the loan. It wasn’t supposed to be due for several more years, and at that time, I’m sure it wouldn’t have been an issue, but the loan holder wants their money now. We offered them higher payments, but they turned it down, stating it’s due in full. They lowballed an offer on the property to purchase it. What do you think the real value on this place would be?”
“Without seeing the revenue it’s drawing in, I could only take a reasonable stab at the value of the property.” I pull a pen from my coat pocket and write a number on a napkin and slide it across the table to her.
“Wow!” Her mouth falls open.
“If you want to list it, I can have a buyer within a week.”
“I don’t want to sell it to just anyone. If I’m going to practically give the place away for a steal, I want to sell it to my sister.”
“Can she get her hands on a loan that large?”
“She’s looking into what she can afford.”
“The loan that’s being called, how much is it?”
She writes it on the napkin and spins it in my direction. “I can write you a check, and we can work out new terms.”
“I don’t want your money.” She half laughs. “Advice yes, money no.”
“Alright. Offer as much cash as you can spare with an additional interest rate for the next five years. Any reasonable businessman would take you up on your offer.”
“I’m not sure how sensible they are,” she mutters under her breath.
“I’d be happy to make some phone calls for you if you want to give me their information.”
“That’s not necessary. I’ll do as you suggested and counter another offer to them, but thank you for your advice.”
“Whatever else that has sadness in those caramel eyes of yours is more personal.” I reach over and cover my hand with hers. “You can talk to me.”
“I’ve shared enough for one day, and me giving intimate details of my personal life would cross the line we’ve created.” She sips her wine, leaving a light shade of pink lipstick on the rim.
“I’ll take anything intimate from you I can get.”
She swallows a few times and blinks. “I did rather enjoy our time together.”
“Come away with me for the weekend.”
“What? No, I couldn’t. I have a few things I need to deal with in town.”
“Whoever the loan is from won’t be negotiating over the weekend, and anything else can wait.”
“You make it sound so simple.” She trails her finger over the rim of her glass.
“It is. Pick me.” I don’t let my gaze drift from hers. “Think about all the pure animalistic pleasure we can inflict on one another.”
“A weekend of sex and no stress. That’s pretty tempting.” She scrunches her nose.
“I think you should take me up on it. I have the perfect place to steal you away. No phones, no busy streets, lots of sunshine and fresh air.”
“Does a place like that exist in New York?”
“It does in my world, and all you have to do is say yes.”
She drums her nails on the wooden tabletop. “I can deal with the loan on Monday, and the other, I’m dreading it anyway, so why not put it off for a few more days.”
“Is that a yes?” I waggle my brows.
She grins and nods. “Yes.”
“Great!” I smack the table with the palm of my hand. “I’ll have Luca pick you up at six and deliver you to me.”
She glances at the time on her phone. “That will give me a few hours to do some shopping.”
“Make sure you buy a skimpy bathing suit. Better yet, naked still works for me.” I wink, thinking how much I like this woman and how hard I am talking about her being naked.
“Don’t you work?” she snorts.
“I do, but I play harder.”
“I guess that’s the glory of being in business for yourself, even though that never rang true for Drake. He worked upwards of eighty hours a week.”
Her words ring in my ears. Now that I’m no longer employed with my father, I’ll delve into a few new legit real estate projects I’ve been wanting to develop. “Sounds like your husband needed a vacation.”
The smile she was wearing fades. “I think both of us needed to work a lot less than we did.”
“Are you planning on returning to your job?”
“At some point, yes, in a different fashion. I don’t want to travel anymore. I’ll start a food blog. I’ve been compiling notes for months.”
I stand. “I’ll see you this evening.”
As I’m walking out of the restaurant, my brother rounds the corner with an unfamiliar face. “Nick,” I say, wanting to move past him.
“This is my asshole brother, Ever.” He grabs my arm. “When he comes to his senses, he’ll be working for our father again. This is our new associate, Victor.”
He sticks out his hand, but I keep mine at my side. “I won’t be returning, so the introduction is unnecessary.”
Victor steps within inches of me. “He’s right. You are an asshole. I’m not a Leone, but even I know you don’t get to walk away.”
“I didn’t ask your opinion,” I spat.
He shows his teeth and takes a step back.
“What are you doing at the restaurant?” My brother peers through the large windowpane.
“Whatever everyone else is doing, enjoying the food.” I’d say none of his damn business, but I don’t want him to suspect I’m seeing Noa.
He narrows his gaze at me. “I’d hate for our father to get wind of you working against us.”
What the hell does that mean? “Strictly pleasure.” I cross the road to where Luca is still waiting and climb in the back seat.
“Who’s the new guy with your brother?” Luca asks, pulling into traffic.
“My father said he was hiring someone to take the load off of Nick, which means he’ll be doing the dirty work.”
“Nice guy, I bet.” He chuckles.
“Does my father still call you?”
“Every damn day, but you don’t have to worry. I don’t work for him.”
“Don’t ever mention Noa to him, even in passing.”
“I’d never disclose anything, sir.”
“You’re a good friend, Luca.” He’s way more than an employee to me. I consider him my one and only confidant.
10
Noa
When I step into Sofia’s office to snag my purse, she’s on the phone. I tiptoe inside and mouth the words, I’ll call you later.
“Wait,” she says, covering the phone with her hand. “I’ll only be a second.” She finishes her conversation with a vendor and hangs up. “When are you planning to speak with the company we owe money to. I’d really like to get it resolved before I apply for a loan.”
“Monday. First thing.”
“Oh.” She squints. “Where are you headed?”
“I need to get out of here for a few days.”
“Are you going home? You just got here a few days ago.”
I debate telling her the truth, then lie. “Yes. I promise I’ll take care of things when I return, and after being at my old apartment, a couple of days has been two days too long.”
“What are you going to do about Drake’s son?”
“Be in denial and not think about it until Monday.” I sling my bag over my shoulder.
“Are you sure you’re okay?”
“I’m not, but what choice do I have. I’ve really got to go. I’ll see you Sunday evening.”
“Call me if you need to talk,” she hollers as I haul tail out of her office before she asks me any more questions. I hate lying to my sister, but I’m not sure what the hell I’m even doing, and there’s no possible way she’d understand. I’ve agreed to a weekend away with a man I’ve just met…and slept with. My body tingles at the possibility of being in his arms again. It’s a short-term solution to my loneliness.
Bruno catches my eye and waves me over to the bar. “You really shouldn’t be sharing a meal with that man. I’m telling you, he’s trouble.”
“You worry too much,” I say and then have the strange sensation that I’m being watched. I skim the bar area, and there are two men sitting together dressed in black, and one of them is lowering his finger that was pointing at me. “Do you know those two men?” I whisper to Bruno. “One of them looks familiar.”
“The one on the right was here the other day with your new friend that I’ve warned you about repeatedly.”
That’s right, it is him, but the other man isn’t the same one that was at Ever’s table. They swiftly shift their gazes in my direction and then away when they see me watching them.
“Do you want me to escort them out of the restaurant?” Bruno asks.
“No. I’m leaving anyway. I’ll be back in a couple of days.” I squeeze his arm.
Walking the streets of Manhattan, I duck into several boutiques and find a short summer dress, a pair of sandals, and a navy-colored bikini with ties holding up the bottoms. It’s been years since I bought myself a new bathing suit or swam in the ocean, for that matter. The waters around Essex are cold, but I used to swim in them all the time when I was growing up. Oh, to be a kid again and not have a worry in the world.
I make it to Sofia’s apartment with just enough time to pack a bag before my phone pings with Luca’s number, letting me know that he’s parked at the curb waiting for me.
Clutching my overnight bag, I hustle down the stairs, and I’m greeted with an open door to the front seat. “Why does Ever sit in the back?” I ask, sliding inside.
He jogs to the other side and gets behind the steering wheel. “He prefers the back seat. I think his father ingrained it in him that it was his role.”
“His father. He doesn’t speak of him. Is that who raised him after his mother died?”
He exhales as he bites his bottom lip. “I’ve said too much. Please disregard me mentioning Ever’s father.”
Luca keeps his secrets like a loyal friend, but it makes me that much more curious. I want Luca to trust me as much as he does Ever. “It’s already forgotten,” I reach over and touch his shoulder. “So, where is it that you are taking me?”
“To Chelsea Piers.”
“To a marina? Is he taking me somewhere by boat?”
“I wouldn’t exactly refer to it as a boat.” He shrugs one shoulder.
“You’ve piqued my interest. I can hardly wait.”
Rush hour traffic is more brutal than usual on a Friday night, and I’m antsy to get to where we are going. “These are a few of Ever’s favorite songs.” Luca hits a playlist on the dash.
I take in the lyrics, most of them sad, and it makes my heart ache for him. My draw to him is like nothing I’ve ever felt before, not even with Drake. I don’t know if it’s because I find him wickedly mysterious, like a forbidden fruit, or if it’s his softer side he doesn’t wear on his sleeve. Right now, he’s a much-needed distraction from the chaos of my life. I should attach a red flag to myself to warn him to steer clear of me so I don’t drag him into my baggage. I have plenty of bruises. My mind drifts to the scars on his back that I saw when he was sleeping.
“Some scars never heal,” I say softly.
“Did you say something?” Luca asks, turning down the volume of the music.
“Just wondering how much longer.” I squirm in my seat.
“Only a few more minutes.” He looks at me as if he wants to ask me something. “I know I don’t give much away about my employer…he’s a good man.”
“That’s not what you were going to say, was it?” I twist in my seat to face him.
“He guards his heart, and I’d hate to see him give it away and be rejected.”
“I don’t think you have to worry about that. We’re only sharing time together while I’m in New York, and I’ll be going home soon.”
“Still…” he says.
His heart plays on repeat in my head until we park at the marina.
“I’ll grab your bag.” He turns off the engine.
“No need, just tell me which boat is his.”
“Walk all the way to the end of the dock and turn right. You won’t be able to miss it.”
“Thank you, Luca.”
“Text me when you get back, and I’ll pick you up.”
My bag sits firmly on my hip as I make my way down the wooden dock, admiring all the boats moored to it. The ships and their sails make a beautiful picture in any backdrop, even if the water is murky and uninviting. When I get to the end of the dock, I look right, and my mouth gapes. Luca was correct. A boat is an insult to the substantial yacht anchored alongside the dock.
Luca must have announced my arrival because Ever hops down and greets me. “I see you made it safely.” He kisses me on the cheek.
“Wow! This is yours?” I know he exudes an air of wealth, but this is uber-rich.
“Welcome to the Ella.” He splays his hand proudly in her direction.
A hint of jealousy hits me. “This Ella must have been someone very special to you.”
“Ella Christianson was my mother.” He elbows me. “You weren’t jealous or anything?” He chuckles. “If you were, I’d be okay with that because that means you like me.”
“Don’t go getting all carried away,” I snort. “I’m just mighty impressed. Real estate development has been good to you.”
“Are you impressed by the money or the man?” He looks serious about his question.
“As far as I’m concerned, you could own that dinghy”—I point—“and I’d be thrilled. I love going out on the water.”
He places his hands on my hips. “So your answer is the man.”
“Absolutely.” I peck his lips.
“Good to know.” He boldly kisses me.
“Keep that up, and everyone living in this marina might get more than they bargained for,” I tease, feeling my cheeks turn pink.
He throws his head back and laughs. “Come on, let me give you a tour.”
Polished floors slap beneath my shoes as I follow him onto the deck, and he holds open a tinted glass door with brass handles. “This is the main deck. You’ll find all the comforts of home in this room. If there’s anything you need, just pick up one of the phones, and my staff will assist you.”
There are two oversized sofas facing the windows that are adorned with thick white curtains. An area rug with a pale-blue pattern rests beneath the square cherry coffee table, with books laid on top of it. A bar is adjacent to the living room area, stocked with bottles of liquor.
