Silently, Jace lifts her foot to his chest and starts to massage it. At least he knows when to leave me alone. A handfasting ceremony.
One of these days she’s going to push too far.
CHAPTER 35
Our First Date
Nyla
Gio looks so sexy sitting across from me in his black suit and shirt, with the top three buttons open. His tanned skin is peeking out, reminding me of the hard body beneath.
This restaurant is amazing. The chandeliers, the ambience, everything is perfect. I smile at him as I sip my wine.
“This is so nice.”
“I’m glad you like it. Someday we’ll be able to do this more.”
“You’ve been doing fine, Gio. I understand why things are the way they are.”
“That doesn’t mean I like the way they are.”
“Let’s not. I don’t want to ruin the night.”
“Don’t drink too much. The chessboard is waiting back at the suite.”
I tilt my head as I look at him. “I would think you would want to get me drunk so I don’t kick your ass.”
“Fuck outa here. When have you ever beaten me?”
“You haven’t figured out that I allow you to win? I don’t want to bruise your ego.”
“Why do I believe you?”
“Because you know it’s true.”
“Here, I have something for you.”
He places a jewelry box on the table. I look at him in shock. He and Jace have spoiled me so much on this trip and it’s only been two days. I wasn’t expecting him to give me anything else.
“What is it?” I ask excitedly.
“Open it.”
I open the box and gasp. The diamond necklace inside is gorgeous. The lights of the restaurant bounce off it, making it sparkle with brilliance.
“Thank you,” I choke out.
“Hey, I know you’re not going to cry.”
“Shut up, Gio. It’s beautiful. I love it.”
He stands and rounds the table. “Let me put it on for you.”
The scent of his cologne surrounds me as he leans over me to pull the necklace from the box. He places it around my neck and fastens it, leaning in to kiss the side of my neck and then the back of my head.
“It’s not half as beautiful as you are.” He squeezes my shoulders and returns to his seat.
“Are you happy, Gio?”
I ask the question because lately, there’s something in his eyes. One minute you’d think he’s enjoying life. Living it up. He has a great position at Di Lorenzo Industries, he runs a club, his younger brothers look up to him, but I know him. Something is off.
“For now, I am.”
“Don’t do that with me. Finish the thought, G. Talk to me.”
He releases a heavy breath. “I didn’t think this would take this long. Granted, I’m not ready. I don’t have it all in place yet, but I thought I’d be closer to the end of it by now.”
“I can train more girls. Maybe I can help pick them too. I know what you’re looking for now.”
“Baby, this isn’t on you. You’re doing your part. I know my mother is still hiding things from me. Once I figure out what…Listen, I don’t want to think about all of that.
“How’s school? Have I told you how proud of you I am?”
“School is fine. I’m proud of you too. This is a lot. Don’t lose yourself, Gio. I’m always here for you. Talk to me when you need.”
He purses his lips and nods. “Let’s take dessert back with us. I can eat chocolate cake and beat the pants off you.”
“Oh, are we switching to poker?”
He roars with laughter and a genuine sexy smile comes to his lips. I love this man so much. I wish I could take all this away for him. I never should have let him promise me Riccardo. I could have done that on my own and he and his family wouldn’t have been involved or connected.
We stand and he helps me into my jacket. I look up at him and he kisses my lips. Placing his hand on the small of my back, he guides me forward, but leans into my ear.
“Ny. I’ll do what I said. It’s not on you.”
“You don’t know me,” I tease.
“Yeah, baby. I do. Stay away from Riccardo until I give you the word. Trust me, you’re not doing me any favors. I’ve got it covered.”
CHAPTER 36
Smart Grandson
Riccardo
“Oh, Dad, Grandpa, you’re here. I want you both to meet Bethany,” Franky says as he walks into the living room.
I tighten my jaw. I thought this was my smart grandson. I’ll give it to him. This one is pretty but she’s still a mulignon. Although she looks to be mixed race. I look her over dismissively.
Franky’s smile falls and he shuffles his feet as he looks down at them. He should be ashamed. If he’s smart, he’ll get his dick wet, get her out of his system and move the fuck on.