Page 84 of War Within
She pivoted around quickly, gaze locking on mine. “What?”
“I think you need to not worry about a guy who isn’t concerned about you, and you need to get ready to have your little ass kicked at poker.” I smirked.
Her gaze averted to my hand. Resting her hand on top of mine, she twisted to corners of her lips into a menacing smile. “I. Don’t. Lose.” She thumped my hand off her leg playfully. “Who’s shuffling?”
I chuckled, handing her the deck of cards. “Lady’s first.”
“You think because I’m a fashion designer, I can’t play cards?” Suddenly, she shuffled the cards twice at rapid speed as she tilted her head with a smolder. “Or is it because I’m a girl?” She rearranged them another way. A way I had only seen dealers in my tournaments do it.
“Okay, so put your money where your mouth is.”
She delt the cards before lifting her hand to her chin, tapping her luscious lips. “I think we should make the game more interesting, yes.”
“Strip poker?” I grinned.
She glanced back over her shoulder once again for a moment before whirling back around. “Screw him. Yep. Let’s do it.”
We played four hands, each time me letting her win in order to level the playing field. Socks and shoes came off. I think she knew what I was doing, but she never called me out on it. The next hand, she beat my straight with a flush, legitimately. She was proud and beaming.
It was as if for a few minutes I was helping her rid her mind of Tyler. If I was being honest with myself, I did not want her to think about him anymore. I was absolutely fascinated by this woman the moment I met her. She had my full attention.
“What will it be, Carmine?” She giggled. “Pants or shirt?”
“I guess you forgot I was wearing a necklace.” I rolled my eyes, lifting it off my neck, laying it on the floor next to me.
“Boooo!” She gave me a thumbs down. “I feel cheated.”
“I’m not sure I like this game anymore.” I snickered. “You’re really fucking competitive.”
“Pay up.” She leaned forward, pinching the shoulder of my t-shirt. “It’s not like I haven’t seen you shirtless.”
Rolling my eyes, I crossed my arms, lifting my shirt over my head. Her breath hitched before she stood suddenly. I jumped to my feet, holding my hands out to the side.
“Are you happy now?”
She remained silent, staring at my six pack before trailing her eyes over my chiseled chest and biceps.
“Lily?”
“I…I like—”
KNOCK! KNOCK!
Startled, we both jumped.
“It’s open!” I called out.
The door swung open. Giovanni stepped inside, eyes round as saucers. His gaze darted back and forth. It then occurred to me how close Lily and I were standing. Our bodies were almost touching. I am sure it appeared suspicious as my shirt rested on the floor next to me.
“Carmine, meet me downstairs in my office in thirty minutes” He placed his hand on the doorknob, taking a step back. “That should give you guys enough time to finish.” Averting his stern gaze, he closed the door.
After finishing a couple of phone calls about Marco and Tyler, I entered my bedroom. I felt bad about leaving Jane alone for so long, but I knew she would understand considering the circumstances. She had made herself at home in the middle of my bed, blankets up to her neck.
I just wanted to be next to her for the rest of the night but knew I did not have long before my meeting. I slipped off my shoes then tugged the blanket and sheet back gently. To my surprise, she was completely naked, her rear facing up. A fire burned inside me as lust fueled my desire to be inside her. She was so peaceful but the rousing in my pants would not allow anything to calm me. Sliding into bed, I planned to only lay with her for a moment, respecting her need to rest.
Stirring, she mumbled in her sleep before her eyes cracked open. “Giovanni.” My name dripped off her lips like honey.
“I have a meeting soon but wanted to see you first.” I slid one arm under her, pulling her close to me with the other. “I didn’t mean to wake you.”
