My phone’s alarm rings again, and I swing my legs over the edge of the bed. I turn the alarm off and make my way to the bathroom. Gemma’s already in the shower, letting the water rain on her, cascading down her gorgeous curves.
Not right now. There’s more time for that later.
I step into the large shower and go straight for the second showerhead. But not before slapping my hand on her fine ass. She chuckles and shakes her head at me, and we both wash up. She’s still busy with her hair when I get out.
Once I’m dressed, I grab what I need and go back into the bathroom to draw a naked Gemma against my chest.
“I have to go, passerotta.”
She heaves a heavy sigh, and I hate that she’s worried. But there’s no way I’m taking her to meet Nikolai. Even if we meet in neutral territory, the risk of something happening to her isn’t worth it.
I brush my thumb over her frown, smoothing out her forehead. “I’ll be back soon, and we can continue what we started earlier.”
That makes her laugh. “I’m pretty sure we both finished.”
I bite the corner of my lip and lean down. “There’s more where that came from, baby. Always for you.”
She groans and shoves at my chest. “Go. I can’t take it.”
I capture her chin and devour her mouth one more time to the point where she clings to my suit jacket like it’s a life vest. A little taste to tide me over until I’m back in her arms and between her legs.
Eventually, I draw back, and she wraps her arms around her middle. “Come back soon?”
I nod. “Promise.”
One last look at her, in all her naked glory, with her wet, dark hair framing her beautiful face. With that image imprinted in my brain, I turn around and walk out the door of the bedroom to make my way to the elevator.
In the parking garage, Zeno waits for me next to one of our blacked-out SUVs. He’s not alone since Marcello and Leandro will be joining us today. Four of us and four of them, like Nikolai and I agreed on.
Leandro lifts his chin my way and says, “Hey, boss.”
Marcello does the same before they slide into the back seat.
Zeno waits for me with his huge arms crossed over his chest and a frown marring his forehead.
I smirk at him. “You know, I left Gemma standing in the exact same position and wearing the exact same expression as you.”
“Mmm.” He grunts at me but doesn’t bother changing anything. This man doesn’t give in to pressure, which is one of his best qualities. Nothing can penetrate his focus or will, at least not that I’ve seen it happen.
“Let’s go.” I take my hands out of my pockets and get in the passenger seat while Zeno finally gets his ass moving and into the driver’s seat.
I know he’s not the biggest fan of meeting with Nikolai, but tough shit.
The drive is silent, something I’m used to after years of working with these guys. Marcello and Leandro aren’t always on my team like Zeno, but I’ve worked with both plenty of times to know they’re good at their job.
What’s different this time is how distracted and restless I am. Thoughts about Gemma circle around in my head, and this nervous energy I haven’t felt in forever buzzes through my veins. I don’t like it.
We get to the agreed-upon warehouse in neutral territory, and Zeno drives into the open garage, stopping several car lengths away from another blacked-out SUV. I hate trusting people like this, but with how messy things are with Nikolai and Alessandra, and the fact that I married her cousin and best friend, I have to hope it’ll be enough to keep things civilized today.
Marcello and Leandro get out of the back and approach the two guys standing next to the other vehicle. They talk for a minute and nod before coming back to us.
Leandro opens the back door. “Boss, they said it’s only Nikolai and Vladimir in the car.”
I snap my head around and stare at Zeno. “He brought Vladimir?”
Zeno’s frown is even deeper than before. “Maybe he changed his mind and wants to hand him over after all?”
Marcello clears his throat. “Actually, Nikolai said to remind you to honor your promise.”