“Talk to your dad yet?”
“Not yet. He’s been avoiding me. I can’t tell if it’s a good thing or not.”
“You’re still here, so let’s assume you’re lucky once again. What is it with your father cutting you all the slack in the world?”
My lips press together. “It doesn’t feel that way to me.”
“Please. He should’ve forced you to marry years ago, but instead he lets you lounge around the house all day doing nothing worthwhile with your time. Seems pretty indulgent to me.”
“You’ve got a lot of opinions about me and my family for a guy that seems like he hates everyone and everything.”
He doesn’t reply right away. He brings his glass to his lips and lets out a sigh.
“It’s been a long day.”
I relax slightly and swirl my drink. “Any leads?”
“We’re working on it. You don’t have to worry.”
“But you don’t have him yet?”
“No, not yet. But I will.” His eyes are intense and lovely, and I believe him.
“So then it’s just a matter of me doing what I do best.” I take a long sip and the gin warms my stomach and eases some of the tension I feel in my shoulders.
“Which is?”
“Lounge around and do nothing.”
Nico snorts. Was that a laugh? I think I just made him laugh. That might be a first.
“If you’re not careful, you’ll turn into Elise.”
“I think I need to spend more time on yachts before that happens.”
“That or have a dozen surgeries or so.”
I laugh and take another long drink. He watches me carefully like he’s not sure if I’m about to lash out at him or not. My laughter dies down and I smile at him.
“You can relax, you know. Not everything’s life or death, even though you’re always so damn serious.”
“We don’t all have the luxury to act as though the world owes us happiness, princess.”
I sigh and rub my face. “Okay, there it is. I was wondering when you’d insult me again.”
He grimaces and stands slowly. I watch him unwind his long, lean body as he steps away.
“I’ve been thinking,” he says, not looking at me as he walks away and puts one hand against the pool table.
“Do you do that often?”
“Only when I have to.” His lips curl into a smile. All these jokes aren’t like him and it sets me on edge. “Your brother wants me to accept your proposal.”
I sit very, very still, and it feels like my blood turns to sludge in my veins.
“He said that?” My voice is a pathetic whisper. God, I hate myself sometimes. Why can’t I just stand up to this guy and tell him to fuck off once and for all?
Nico nods. “Thinks it’d be for the best. For both of us.”
“I thought you already said no.”
“I did. And I still don’t think we’re a good fit.” He looks at me then, his eyes blazing. “You’re a spoiled mafia princess with a skull filled with air.”
“And you’re a vicious asshole that only cares about himself.”
“I’d tear you to pieces, princess. You wouldn’t want this.”
“You think so highly of yourself.” I straighten my spine and glare at him, channeling my best Elise impression—the way she stares down the staff when they displease her. It’s not great, but it’s the best I’ve got. “But you don’t affect me as much as you think you do.”
His lips twist. A slight, lopsided smile. He’s so handsome when he lets himself smile, and I feel a tingle in my stomach—those stupid butterflies again.
Why does he do this to me?
It’d be so much easier if my body wouldn’t betray me, but it always does when it comes to him.
“Come here,” he says, still staring, staring, staring. Beckoning me with his eyes.
“For what?”
“I want to test something. Leave your drink and come here.” He puts his glass down beside him.
I get up off the stool. I don’t know why. My legs are leaden and my mouth hangs open.
My heart’s pattering so fast I feel lightheaded, but it’s not like I felt at the pool—this is different.
It’s excitement. Raw and intense.
He shifts toward me, leaning back against the pool table.
“What are we doing?” I ask and bite my bottom lip to keep from trembling.
“Closer,” he says. “Stop being so fucking shy for once and come here.”
“I’m not shy, you asshole. God, even now, you’re infuriating.”
“You’re standing there like I’m about to throw you off a cliff. You think I’m gonna hurt you?”
“No,” I say, shaking my head.
“Then get your ass over here, princess.”
I take three quick strides and get closer—
He reaches out and grabs my wrist, yanking me the rest of the way.
I stumble up against him. My hands land against his chest and my body presses against his.
He’s blazing hot. A furnace of lust and want and need. His heart hammers and I can feel it, so fast and strong.