I feel his smile against my neck as his lips press into the groove. “Who are you trying to piss off? Or are you just wantingme to get riddled with bullet holes?” He chuckles as he lifts me higher.
My feet leave the ground as he spins me around. He settles me back down, and his hands move up to my cheeks.
Aurelio’s eyes fall to my lips and his face leans in closer to mine. “I fucking missed you, beautiful.”
“I missed you more,” I whisper back.
There’s a spark in his eyes. Humor. “How far are we taking this?” he asks low in my ear.
“How far are you comfortable with?” I counter.
“Babe, I could bend you over one of the card tables and fuck you in front of everyone and not beuncomfortable.”
My cheeks flame. “Okay, not that far.” I laugh and then, before I know what’s happening, his lips press against mine. His thumb caresses my cheek.
“You really have a fucking death wish. Get your grubby hands off my fucking sister, asshole.” My brother shoves at Aurelio.
“CJ!” I gasp. “Don’t be an idiot. Go and show Daniella to her room. Aurelio is taking me for coffee.”
CJ glares at Aurelio as if he’s ready to kill him right here in the middle of the lobby.
“Come on, I need a shower.” Daniella pulls at CJ’s arm, which seems to snap him out of his stare-down with her brother.
“Perfect. I’ll help scrub your back.” CJ smirks, the remark clearly aimed at Aurelio.
Aurelio smiles. “Go for it. Enjoy it, though, because it will be the last fucking shower you ever have.” He then turns to me. His arm wraps around my shoulder. “Come on, baby, I need caffeine. Flying across the world is tiring, but I’d do it a million times over just to see you.”
I laugh. “You are going to make a woman very happy one day, Mr. De Bellis.”
“God, I hope not.” His face screws up. “This pretend thing I can get onboard with, though. Who are you trying to make jealous?”
“Not jealous. I’m just making a point that I don’t… well… I don’t know. I just know he’s watching me and I want him to see I’ve very much moved on.”
“So, Jacob then,” Aurelio states.
I nod my head. “I saw him yesterday.”
“And how’d that go?”
“He kissed me,” I mutter under my breath.
“Argh, how horrible for you. Was it better or worse than the kiss I just gave you?”
“Better.” I laugh. “So much better.”
Aurelio’s hand lands on his chest. “Ouch, that hurts my ego.”
“No, it doesn’t.” I laugh again. Aurelio didn’t even use tongue. But he was sure to make it look like he did.
Chapter Eight
Iwake to my phone vibrating across the wooden nightstand right next to my head. My arm reaches out. I pick up the device while rubbing a hand at my eyes, which feel like I’ve had a pile of dirt thrown into them. I slept like shit.
I was hard all fucking night, recalling the taste of Jazzy’s mouth. The feel of her soft, pouty fucking lips against mine. I really shouldn’t have fucking kissed her. I couldn’t help myself. I’ve kept away for so long and then she was right there. Right in front of me. A saint wouldn’t even have the restraint it would have taken tonotkiss her.
There were also the events of last night’s Court meeting. I fucking hate those things, but thanks to one of my great grandfathers, our family is embroiled in the society. There is no way out, according to my father.
I know I’ll have a visit from him today. I went against the grain and votednowhen everyone else votedyesto a request made from Dan Van Baron. I don’t care how much money or power these assholes have. I will not bow down and cower to them, especially when what they’re wanting to do goes against every moral fiber of my being.