Page 94 of Endure the Pain

Dario picked me up from my hotel and drove me to a high rise that towered over the city. I followed him inside and through the lobby to the elevator. Both the entrance and elevator required a key card to open. It didn’t escape my notice that two goons were hanging out in the lobby, pretending not to watch as I walked by.

Dario and I didn’t speak as we rode the elevator to the top floor. He appeared bored, which I supposed was a good sign. If this was an assassination, I’d have expected him to look a little more alert.

The doors opened to Nicoli waiting for me in the penthouse’s foyer. He was wearing a black-on-black suit. His dark attire made his golden eyes stand out. He really was devilishly handsome.

With his hands in his pockets, he watched me step off the elevator and approach. Dario didn’t follow and I looked over my shoulder just in time to watch the doors close with him inside, leaving Nicoli and me alone.

Nicoli took in my long, dark gray dress, particularly the slit that went up to the top of my thigh. Apart from the slit, the dress was modest, with its long sleeves and sweetheart neckline.

“You look beautiful,” he said.

I glanced past him, peeking at the rest of the penthouse. All I could see was a modern furnished living room with black couches, white marble tables, and a glass fireplace. “If I’d known we’d be dining at your place, I would have worn sweats.”

The corner of his eyes creased, a sign that there was a smile hidden under his blank mask. “If you’re uncomfortable with being all dressed up, feel free to…dress down. I wouldn’t mind if you wanted to have this dinner naked.”

I fought to hide my own smile. If he wanted to play, then fine, I’d play. “You wouldn’t be offended if I decided to remove something?” I asked, my voice turning smooth and sultry.

His brows rose. “Not at all.”

I pulled up the skirt of my dress and stepped out of my heels. His wood floor was surprisingly warm under my bare feet. I let my smile free as I stared up at him. “There, that’s much more comfortable.”

His eyes dropped to my bare feet and frowned. “What a tease.”

I snorted and walked around him toward the living room. “So what are you feeding me?”

“The dining room is to the left,” he said.

Once inside the living room, I took a left and saw that he had an open floor plan. I had a full view of his gourmet kitchen and the area that held an elegant dining table. There were two place settings at the table, and as I got closer I saw that dinner was already served. It was tacos. There were multiple bottles of tequila and already prepared margaritas.

I chuckled. “What a stalker.”

“It’s not stalking when you share what your favorite food is with not only me but my family,” he said and pulled out a chair for me.

I sat in the offered chair and took in the spread of food before me. My mind wandered toward the memory of the time Louie and Jamie had taken me out for tacos right after I had returned home from Hartford. It was like dousing a flame with a bucket of water with how quickly I went from barely keeping it together to depressed. I had to look away from the table and stare down at my hands folded in my lap. I’d unintentionally chased the rabbitand now I was clawing to get to the surface from the black hole I’d fallen in.

“For someone who claims to love tacos, you look awfully sad,” Nicoli said as he sat in the seat across from me.

Deep breath, Maura. Grab ahold of your rage and pull yourself together.

I looked up at Nicoli with glossy eyes. “I’m always sad,” I whispered and reached for the margarita in front of my plate. I took a few healthy gulps, relishing the taste of lime and tequila on my tongue.

He watched me with an unreadable expression. “If it means anything, I’m sorry about what happened. I even feel bad for Coleman and your other lover.”

He’s fishing.

I narrowed my eyes. “I’m not in the mood for games. If you want to know something, just fucking ask.”

“I tried that last night,” he shot back.

I downed the rest of my margarita as I went through every scenario that would end up biting me in the ass if I told him. Eyeing the bottles of tequila, I snagged the Patrón and refilled my glass. “I’m going after the Aryans.”

“I had a feeling it was them, but I wasn’t sure.” He picked up his own margarita and took a sip. His nose scrunched and he set the drink back down. “That’s the plan? Wipe out the Aryans?”

I nodded and sipped at my tequila with a hint of margarita. “Don’t make me regret this.” I locked my eyes with his so he’d see the threat in them.

He rested his elbows on the table. “If I was planning to betray you, I would have poisoned your drink.”

I mimicked him by resting my elbows on the table, leaning closer without a tingle of fear inside me. “You’d be doing me a favor.” I brought my drink back to my lips to sip from it again.