I watched her sexy backside as she breezed through the lobby and glared at some men who stared, admiring her beauty. I was wound up, frustrated, mad, and knew I could fly off if the smallest thing went wrong. So much had happened tonight, my head spun, and I knew I had to pull myself together, but the loss of control had me doubting myself and fueled the white-hot anger inside me.
When we stepped into the elevator, we were accompanied by a few others who clearly had a lot to drink. The two men laughed as they tried to remember what floor they were on.
“Seven.” One man leaned down and tried to push the button.
“Allow me.” Wyatt helped him out while the other caught sight of Sienna.
I was like a ticking bomb as my fingers rolled into fists, ready to make a move. I focused on the elevator door and caught the reflection of my luggage tag that dangled from my
Brunello Cucinelli. The crow from our family crest was midflight coming up on the crown. Written below were two little words that I lived by,refined darkness. I tried to use it to control my temper.
“Take a breath, Elio.” Sienna glanced up at me with a knowing look.
“What language are they speaking?” one of the drunk men asked Wyatt, who had already spoken in English to them.
“Italian,” Wyatt answered politely.
“She with him?” He nodded at me, and I kept my murderous gaze fixed on the shiny steel door in front of me as I swiped out and hooked my arm around Sienna.
“Yes.” Wyatt nodded.
“He looks like he just came back from murdering someone.” The man hit his buddy as he laughed.
“No, no, he looks like the Godfather or his son.”
Slowly, I turned my head and stared directly into the man’s eyes, and his mouth snapped shut.
“Sorry,” he muttered and hit his friend, who was too oblivious to realize what was happening. Thankfully, the door opened, and they left the four of us to ascend to our floor in peace.
Moments later, we were inside the Equinox Suite where I made quick work of removing my guns and making myself a stiff drink.
“This place,” Wyatt sighed as he stared out the floor to ceiling windows that looked over the dark city. “Damn, Si,” he laughed quietly, “Georgio needs to step it up.”
“He sure does.” She joined him and admired the view.
“Our plane takes off at eight in the morning,” Vinni said as he mixed his own drink. “Niccola followed Jacob for about twenty before he lost him.”
“Figured.” I let the smooth amber mingle with my taste buds, desperately needing something to calm me so I could think.
“I’ll call my father and fill him in on what happened. Meanwhile, you round up the guys and be ready to go when I text you. We deal with this tonight. I won’t risk anything with this contract or with…” I moved my gaze over to Sienna.
“Understood. I’ll get Wyatt set up next door. His sister arrived, and all their things are here, so I’ll watch for your text.” Vinni looked as stressed as I felt.
“All right.” I loosened my tie while Vinni explained part of the plan to the others. Once the guys left, I filled my father in on what happened, and all the while, my gaze was on Sienna as she explored the room, running her fingers over various items as she went, she stopped at the sculptures that lined the bookshelf and studied them. When I hung up, she let out a long sigh, and I hoped it was because she was happy to be here with me.
“You still wound up?” she asked over her shoulder.
“Yes.”
“How wound?” She peeked over at me, and I moved toward her with one hand in my pocket, careful not to spill my drink.
“Enough to kill someone with my bare hands.”
“That’s wound.” She shifted to sit on the table, and I stepped between her legs and took a deep swallow of scotch. She slowly took the glass from me and took a sip, all the while keeping her eyes on mine.
“I believe this belongs to you.” I pulled her necklace from my pocket and held it up. I was relieved I had been able to find it at Mariano’s.
Her face relaxed, and a small smile appeared.