Page 6 of Cruel Pleasures

I think fast for an excuse. “I don’t like coffee.”

“You don’t like?” he repeats.

“No, not really.”

But in my head I’m thinking about what Emerald said earlier—stay safe and never give away too much. I’m thinking about everything else I’ve ever learned about men through personal experience and general common knowledge. One of those things happens to be never accepting a drink from a man you don’t know, especially if you didn’t have eyes on it when it was made.

I’m also acutely aware how important it is that I charm Francesco and remain on his good side. Nudging aside the small cup of espresso, I fold my arms onto the table and lean closer, emphasizing my breasts.

“Thanks for meeting with me such short notice. I’m very interested to hear more about the Midnight?—”

“Shhhh,” he hushes quickly. “We do not talk about it. Not so openly.”

“Right, I’m sorry. The club. Is that okay to say?”

“You are very beautiful. Lyra never said she had friends like you.”

I’d be flattered if he didn’t attach a lecherous smile to his compliment. He flashes teeth that look on the cusp of gingivitis, his top lip curling. My insides roil.

With a clear of my throat, I say, “Thanks. Can you tell me more about the club and the next event they’ll be hosting?”

“Ah, yes. The club events. Would you like to attend with me?”

Damn it.

My smile falters for a split second. “Sure. I’d, um, love to attend with you.”

“Sono fortunato ad avere la tua compagnia.”

“I don’t speak Italian.”

“I am very blessed,” he translates, his accent no less thick. “The events are held at the Winchester. You’ve heard of it?”

“Who hasn’t heard of the Winchester? It’s one of the nicest hotels in the city.”

“Yes, very nice. But this next event will be somewhere else, bella.”

“As in not at the Winchester?”

“Out of the city. Would you like to come?”

I fight to remain neutral though my insides twist tighter. “That depends where the event would be.”

“It is far. Have you heard of…” he pauses as if struggling to remember the name. “Hurst? The Isle?”

“You mean the Isle of Hurst?”

His eyes brighten as he nods. “Yes, Isle of Hurst. It is an event for all the members. You would be my guest, bella.”

“I wasn’t expecting an event somewhere as far away as the Isle of Hurst. But, um, I guess I would like to attend. I would like to meet up with my friend Lyra. Do you expect her to be at this event?”

“There’s no way to say. Maybe yes, maybe no. You will see for yourself.”

My teeth gnaw on the inside of my cheek while my gaze wanders to the busy city street we’re seated in front of. The light showers have slowed up, though the wet scent of rain remains.

Francesco picks up on my hesitation and reaches out to pat my hand. “How about I give you a moment, bella? I need another espresso. You stay here and think.”

It’s the first thing he’s said that’s made me relieved since our meet up began. The second he walks off to go inside the Java King, I’m letting out the breath I’ve been holding in. A hand comes to my face as I consider what he’s proposing.