Chiara was shocked at the sound of Zane’s voice behind her. She turned as she pulled her hand from Emanuel’s and there stood Cash and Zane. They looked downright pissed off.
She swallowed hard, but held her ground despite the anger and spears of death both men were shooting toward Emanuel.
“Cash, Zane, meet Emanuel Botanno. A very good friend of mine.”
* * * *
Zane was furious. He and Cash could hardly concentrate on their meeting with the lawyers as they saw Chiara walk into the same restaurant that they were in. They watched as this wannabe model took her in his arms and hugged her with his hand practically over her ass. She looked like a supermodel, with her long brown hair in some fancy updo, the tight designer burgundy dress, and the way the designer black high heels made her look fucking sexy. The woman had all the right curves in all the right places and every fucking guy in the place took notice. Including this asshole that held her hand, whispered in her ear, and somehow brought tears to her eyes that he wiped, like he had every right to touch her and care. What the fuck?
The man reached out his hand as he stood. He was tall, but both Cash and Zane had a good three inches on him.
Neither reached out to shake his hand, and he smirked then took Chiara’s hand.
“Chiara, what is this? Who is this guy?” Cash asked.
“I told you, he’s a good friend of mine. What are you two doing here?” she asked, trying to lower her voice. Apparently Zane’s words had brought the restaurant’s complete attention to the four of them.
“We had a business meeting. And you?” Zane asked then eyed Emanuel over. The guy had class, and he had money. But who was he to Chiara? Zane couldn’t believe how jealous he felt.
“Pleasure. As she said, we’re old friends,” Emanuel stated, and then Zane noticed how Chiara’s cheeks turned a shade of pink. But she appeared stiff. Could she really care about his guy? Could Saturday and Sunday have meant nothing to her?
“We need to talk. Can you come outside with us for a minute?” Cash asked, appearing pretty damn calm. But Zane knew his best friend well. Cash was not calm. Cash wanted to hurt Emanuel.
Chiara looked at Emanuel. “I’m having lunch right now. Perhaps I can call you later?”
Zane looked at their plates. They were finished eating. Emanuel stared right at him but still held Chiara’s hand. That fucking pissed him off beyond belief.
“That’s not a good enough. You look like you’re finished eating and meeting your old friend. Come with us so we can talk,” Zane said firmly. He saw her body tighten, and even though the burgundy color of her dress was dark, he could see her nipples pebble. She shifted from one foot to the other, and he knew she was getting wet. She wanted them, despite whoever this asshole was.
“I can’t, Zane.”
“We want to talk with you. It’s important. It’s about the last two days. You know, that we spent together.”
Her eyes widened and she looked at Emanuel. Emanuel leaned closer to her. He whispered something and she looked at him appearing shocked.
“Let me pay the bill, and you can talk to your two friends outside. I’ll meet you, and then give you a ride,” Emanuel said to Chiara then kissed her cheek.
Did that fucker mean give her her a ride, as in sex or as in a car ride? Zane was seeing fucking red. After one look at Emanuel, he knew exactly what Zane was thinking.
“Come on. Outside now,” Zane said through clenched teeth.
Chiara looked at Emanuel and he smiled as he flagged the waiter over. Zane took her hand and led her outside with Cash to their awaiting limo.
* * * *
Chiara’s heart was racing. Emanuel was holding his own and pretending as if they were more than just friends and she loved him for it. Except, now both Zane and Cash looked about to explode. She stopped just shy of their limo, despite Zane’s and Cash’s firm grips on her arms.
“Wait, I can’t leave Emanuel. We have plans to discuss.”
Zane’s dark blue eyes widened.
“Oh no you don’t. You’re coming with us,” Zane said, like he had the final say as Cash opened the limo door, and Zane assisted her inside. As she looked out the limo door, she saw Emanuel. He was staring with a concerned expression and then a smile as she waved to him.
She looked back at Zane who really seemed upset.
“I’ll go, but I don’t have a lot of time. I had to squeeze in lunch with Emanuel,” she told him. Cash placed his hand under her elbow and looked her in the eyes.
“Please, we really need to talk.”