Page 35 of Mafia Obsession

“That’s not necessary.” I try to shake his hand, clinging to propriety.

He leans in to me instead, brushing a kiss to each cheek. The touch is light, European, devastating. “Youare necessary.”

“Thank you.”

“I’ll see you at the office tomorrow,” he says. “I’ll be at the Aurelian until after lunch.”

“Okay. Good night.”

Walking backward, he says, “Someone from HR will onboard you.”

I’mon boardfor more nights like this.

Stop it.

He gets into his Bentley, looking like aGreat Gatsbygolden-age mogul. The black SUVs idling behind Ares, however, make this look more like a scene fromThe Godfather.

I float up the stairs to my apartment. My belly is full, and my heart doesn’t hurt for the first time in years.

Stepping inside the living room, something feels…off. I reach for the light switch and flick it on.

David is sitting on the couch. “I came home early,” he says evenly. “Where were you?”

My hands close around my purse. I never even checked my phone. My stomach twists into a stubborn knot in just a matter of seconds of being in the breathing space with this vile man.

“I lost my job yesterday,” I tell him gently. “Nathan’s business got bought, and the new owner moved it to New Jersey. Overnight. But I found something else right away.” I keep my tone upbeat to sound proud. “An assistant position. Downtown.”

“Working late already?”

“It was a business dinner,” I say, shaking.

“Who are you working for?”

“Zervas & Company. Ares Zervas.” I clear my throat. “The man from the club last week.”

“Ares fucking Zervas?” David stands up. “You told me nothing happened in that lounge.”

“Nothing did,” I insist, folding my arms.

David narrows his gaze, then he rolls his eyes. “Yeah, you’re not Ares Zervas’s type.”

He’s not the only one who can’t fathom a man like Ares wanting me. I can’t fathom it.

“I’m making the same salary as before,” I say quickly to divert attention to something I think he cares about. “So, it worked out.”

“Don’t fuck this one up.” He picks up his video game controller and lights a joint, as if the conversation is already over.

“I didn’t fuck the other one up,” I bark back.

He stands up and I back away.

“I’m going to sleep. I have to be in the office at eight a.m.”

I retreat to the bedroom and close the door softly behind me. From my bag, I pull out the small planner I keep buried and flip to a blank page. I tally the money available to me against what it will cost to move Sandrine to Arizona.

I should have all I need by New Year’s Eve.

Ares said the Aurelian will open that night.