Page 19 of Terminal Voyage
Declan kept her occupied, but I didn't get the sense he was flirting with her.
"Enough about me," Luciano said. “Tell me about you. I want to know everything," he said, enamored.
"I'm afraid there's not much to tell."
His doubtful eyes narrowed at me. "You and I both know that's not true.”
"Why do you say that?”
"There is something special about you. It's in the eyes. It's always in the eyes. You have a story to tell."
"Everyone's got a story to tell.”
"Not everyone has an interesting story."
I didn't feel like going into detail about my recent adventure with Earl Vernon Maddox. But that was indeed a story. I didn't ever want to think about that man again.
"What do you do for a living?" Luciano asked. "We can start there."
"Isn't that where everyone starts?”
"Yes, I know. It's a standard, unimaginative question. I should have known better. You deserve more.”
I smirked.
Luciano stared deep into my eyes. "You have many gifts.” Then he added, "But you are not utilizing them to their fullest."
I figured it was a line he used on every woman. "Does that work?”
"Does what work?”
"I'm sure you're very adept at flattering strange women.”
"You're not a strange woman," he said, putting his hand on my thigh again.
9
"I'm not familiar either," I said, removing Luciano’s hand.
He smiled and surveyed me for a moment. "You seem genuine and caring. You help people. You’re a nurse.”
“No.”
“Hmm. You're in the service industry.”
I lifted a curious eyebrow. "I manage a bar.”
He shook his head. "That just won't do. You are capable of so much more.”
"I like my job, and how do you know what I'm capable of?”
"I have a good sense about people. I see greatness in you, if you will allow it to flourish.”
"And just how do I allow it to flourish?" I asked, playing along.
"You should come to Italy and see the villa. Take a tour of the vineyard. I'm always looking for outstanding people to help build my empire. I think it would be a fit for our organization."
"I thought your business was shipping.”
