Page 35 of Between Love and Loathing

“Pink, I think.” He smiled slowly at her before he reached out and grabbed one. Then the fucker stared at her as he slid the chocolate into his mouth and moaned. I regretted my decision about bringing him in here immediately, especially when I glanced at her and saw how she was practically leaning in to get closer to him.

And did he just glance down at her cleavage? “It’s … Wow. The flavors, Clara.” He looked fucking surprised. “Dom, have you tried this? I’m quite stunned actually. I’d love to have this on the restaurant’s menu, Clara, for guests to order through the night if possible. I think—”

“You know what?” Shit. I needed to stop him right then and there. “I’ve got to get Clara home actually.”

He glanced between us, confused. When I put my arm around her shoulders, though, he scanned her outfit, and I think it dawned on him officially then. “Oh, of course.”

“I’m happy you approve of the truffles. Makes Clara’s job easier. Let’s make sure we all get together again before the resort opens.”

“Of course, of course. Clara, we should do lunch. I talk with all the distributors. Did you get your mint from them?”

“Yes. But—”

“Ah. There’s better mint around the corner. They sell it every weekend.” His gaze flicked to mine. “Just local additions that help keep the food fresh. You understand?”

I nodded. “If we need them for distribution here, we’ll adjust.” It’s why we had a team regulating imports.

“I’d love to check it out sometime,” Clara confirmed.

“Yes, yes. Of course.” Valentino hesitated though and looked at me. He knew better. “You’ll come too, yeah?”

That’s right. He was aware of his place. At least for now. I saw him trying to encroach on my territory already. But, fuck, I knew Clara wasn’t really mine.

Maybe it was my stare that got him to back up, but he still waved before he said, “Let’s chat soon.”

And then he was gone, and she turned to glare those blazing green eyes at me as she shrugged my arm off her shoulder. “What in the actual fuck was that? He thinks we’re sleeping together now.”

“Yeah, although he probably thought that the moment he walked in and saw you wearing the same dress from last night.” I leaned against the counter to watch her run through the ten emotions she was probably about to have.

“I …” She hesitated, narrowed her eyes, then paced back and forth through the bakery. Then she shoved the tray so it slid a bit on the counter. “I don’t think so.”

“You know so. He wants to be the best man in the room, and you just became the best prize that isn’t available.”

“Well, that’s stupid,” she said and then stomped her foot like a mad little child. “I don’t want a man like that.”

“All men are like that. It’s a pissing contest, but he respects you more now at least. You showed you know how to bake.”

“Of course I do.” She glanced at her chocolates and a small smile played on her lips. “I … You know, I hate to admit it, and I know it’s idiotic, but it feels good to know a guy with a Michelin star wants my food in his restaurant.”

I grabbed a chocolate off the tray and took a bite because I wasn’t about to resist either. They tasted almost as good as she did, and knowing she baked it gave me some sick satisfaction eating it too. “It’s not idiotic. I sought approval of my superiors for years.”

“And now?” she asked.

“Well, I’m the most superior now, Clara. So, I don’t need anyone’s approval anymore.”

She rolled her eyes and then waved me toward the door. “Of course you don’t. Anyway, I’m going home now that you’ve made a fool of me.”

“Still want to pass on dating me? You might get the boyfriend of your dreams …”

She wiggled one of the tips of her new heels into the ground as she thought about it. I wanted to hearyesandnoat the same time, the feelings warring with each other in me. I could have her close, on my arm, maybe fuck around a time or two with her. But then she’d only be doing it for him, and I should have only been doing it to keep Natya away.

“You really need this girl to stay away from the resort? Will it hurt the bakery too?”

I sighed. “I’ll handle her either way.”

“But having me with you would be easier?”

“Probably.” I nodded, hoping it was true. Natya had never seen me with another woman, but my siblings were right that she never wanted to look like a fool.