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I smirked at her tone and his stunned expression. He must be used to having women fall at his feet.

He straightened, eyes still keyed on her. “You’re new in town.”

She smiled. “I am.”

“I am very well connected in this city. Perhaps I can show you around.”

“Oh, you think you’re the right man for that job?” Emilia batted her lashes up at him as if she needed to flirt. The man was already half in love.

Brazzi puffed out his chest. “I know I am. I own several restaurants, some with waiting lists a mile long, but I could take you anywhere you wanted right now.”

Oh, boy! That was sure to win over the ladies.

“So you’re a restaurant owner. Did you start as a chef?” Emilia played along.

“Oh, no. I have no interest in cooking.”

Her brows furrowed. “But you––”

“Love to eat,” he chuckled.

She beamed, and it lit up her face. Damn, she was good.

“Well, in that case, I should look into buying a few jewelry stores.”

His eyes dropped to her necklace and, likely, her cleavage. “Your taste is impeccable.”

“Oh, thank you.” Her fingers skimmed the diamonds before drifting over her breasts, and fuck if he didn’t watch.

“But that’s not all I do. I own several car dealerships and have land developments in the works.”

“He’s trying to impress her with the dirt he owns?” Cruz huffed.

“It’s not like he can rely on his good looks,” Derek muttered.

“So you also like cars and dirt?” Emilia asked, completely serious.

I nearly burst out laughing. She didn’t have a com, but she was still listening to us.

Cruz turned around, and his shoulders shook.

“Pull yourself together,” I whisper-yelled.

“Sorry.” He walked away, blending back into the crowd.

“You are very funny,” Brazzi deadpanned. “I like that in a woman.”

“Doesn’t sound like it,” Derek scoffed.

“My dad told me I couldn’t rely on my looks, so I had to grow a sense of humor.”

Brazzi looked offended. “Your father told you that you were not beautiful?”

She ducked her head. “He’s a very critical man.”

Well, shit. As if he wasn’t already falling for her, now he had to be her hero.

“Wrong guy, Emilia,” I grumbled.