Total pages in book: 98
Estimated words: 95049 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 475(@200wpm)___ 380(@250wpm)___ 317(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 95049 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 475(@200wpm)___ 380(@250wpm)___ 317(@300wpm)
“What about you?”
I turn around—ready to give him shit because he’s lost almost as much as I have, so he has to be half past drunk—and our fronts collide. Lorenzo is taller than me, but only by a few inches, so in this position, our mouths are close.
His eyes lock with mine, and I can feel the desire swimming in his blue orbs. And then they slowly descend to my lips, and I know he’s thinking about kissing me. I should back away—nothing good can come from us crossing that line. But the liquor is flowing through my veins, causing my brain to short-circuit while my lady parts beg me to let him touch me.
And instead of backing away, I stand here, waiting to see what he’s going to do, telling myself that if he kisses me, I’m going to let it happen, and I’ll enjoy it. Because it’s been too long since I’ve been kissed and I’m craving his touch.
But then his eyes go back to mine, and he takes a step back.
“Go pee, and I’ll make us something to eat,” he says. “You shouldn’t go to bed on an empty stomach after how much you drank.”
I nod in agreement, then disappear down the hall, telling myself that it’s for the best. Lorenzo kissing me would’ve made things complicated, messy … and the last thing either of us needs is complicated or messy.
16
Vanessa
“Shouldn’t you be home with your son instead of stalking your fake wife?”
I just walked into the casino, ready to start my shift, and was shocked to find Lorenzo sitting at the bar, drinking a whiskey, especially since I left Leo with him not too long ago.
It’s been a week since Leo was hurt and I started watching him, and everything has been going smoothly. I’m with him during the day, and I do my quizzes and assignments while he naps. Once Lorenzo gets home, he makes dinner, and then I get ready to go to the casino.
When I left this evening, he didn’t mention coming by here, so I’m not sure what his agenda is.
“A bit full of yourself, aren’t you?” Lorenzo smirks devilishly. “I have a meeting with Matteo, Dominick, and a few other investors regarding the waterfront expansion project,” he explains. “They flew in and couldn’t meet until this evening.”
I nod in understanding, having heard him mention the waterfront project a few times since I moved in with him. Apparently, Leysa tried to mess with it, but they were able to get it handled, and they’re back on track. From what Lorenzo said, it’s going to be a beautiful addition to South Harbor Point with hotels, condos, and shopping.
“And Leo?” I ask.
It might not be my place to ask, but Lorenzo understands that I care about his son.
“I left him with a bottle of whiskey and your playing cards,” he deadpans. “Told him he’d better practice if he wants any chance of beating you when he’s older.”
I snort out a laugh. “Wow, the grump has jokes,” I say, ignoring the aching feeling in my gut at the thought that when he’s older, I won’t be here. Maybe Lorenzo will let me keep in touch. Even though my mother is dead to me, I still plan to visit Nicole.
“He’s with Dani,” he clarifies.
“Good,” I quip. “He’s too young to have a gambling problem.”
I shoot him a playful wink and grab his glass to get him a refill and then work my way around the bar, seeing what everyone needs.
A few minutes later, Lorenzo gets up and joins the other men at a table, where they spend the next couple of hours talking and drinking.
I usually don’t pay attention to what’s happening outside of the bar area, but because I keep glancing at Lorenzo—where I catch him glancing back at me—I notice a man sitting at the blackjack table that’s closest to the bar. And after a few rounds, I’m almost positive he’s counting cards.
I watch a few more rounds to make sure I’m not wrong, and when it’s clear that’s what he’s doing, I glance at the table where Lorenzo is sitting, trying to decide if I should say something.
I should mind my own business. I’m simply here to make some money. But Dominick was nice enough to offer me this position, and I feel like I owe him for that.
So, when I know everything is under control, I tell Lyra I’ll be right back, and I walk over to the table where Lorenzo, Dominick, Kane, and Matteo are sitting—the other men having already left.
Lorenzo’s eyes meet mine, and then he rakes his gaze down my body, causing a shiver to roll through me. He might not want to want me, but that doesn’t stop him from doing so. And if I’m honest, a part of me—the part that should be locked up with a chastity belt—wants him too.