Page 27

27

Luca

“What did I say about the champagne, sunshine,” I whisper into Layla’s ear. “This is only our first stop tonight.”

She pauses the flute at her lips, the rim coated in her red lipstick. I wish it was my cock.

I’ve got plans for this one tonight. After seeing her reaction to watching Asher at the club, I want to push her out of her comfort zone, and I think she’ll enjoy it.

“Where else are we going?”

“A surprise.” I slowly peel the glass out of her hand and take a sip, before placing it on the tray of a passing server.

“No fair.” She pouts.

“Yes, fair. Incoming,” I say before my uncle and his latest squeeze joins us. “John.” I nod to the bleached blonde on his arm. Her bright red dress scarcely covers her ample cleavage. Fuck me. “And you must be Matilda.” I give her a kiss on each cheek.

“Joanna.” She gives my uncle a look.

“My mistake.”

“You’re so terrible with names,” Layla adds, rolling her eyes, thrusting her hand forward to my uncle. “I’m Layla. Luca has told me so much about you.”

“Is that so?” John answers, peering down at her outstretched hand. He waits a beat too long, purposefully making Layla uncomfortable before he takes it and pulls her hand to his lips and kisses it. “Pleasure to finally meet you, Layla. Would you mind terribly if I borrowed my nephew for a moment.” His tone is polite, but his calculating blue eyes are already trying to place her.

“Of course.” She smiles. “Shall we go and get a drink, Joanna?”

I glare at her, and she beams at me.

“I’ll see you in a minute, sunshine.” I place a quick kiss on her cheek before whispering in her ear, “I will bend you over and spank you later for that.”

I lick her earlobe, grazing my teeth against it, then pull back. Layla’s eyes blaze with lust.

“Lead the way, John.” I gesture and watch Layla make her way through the crowd. Her arse sashaying in the dress that hugs all the right places.

I can’t wait to get her to the club later.

John leads me through the ballroom, between the tables towards the Covenant Leaders, who are holding court off the main dance floor area. The seating arrangement has them all grouped close together, to allow them to continue their pissing contest and constant belittling of one another. To everyone else, they are all powerful businessmen, who they want to impress.

Levi is there, and to my surprise, so is Duchess. Her father’s and her uncles’ expressions are an absolute fucking picture. I’ll give it to them both. It’s a bold move, this will cause even more unrest between the families, but then maybe that’s his game plan.

“Luca,” Robert Kenton says, “I was just asking Levi if we were going to be seeing you tonight.”

“No William?” I ask, shaking his hand hard, knowing full well they don’t allow children at these events.

“Stop being petulant, Luca,” John says, joining us.

“Are things in motion?” I ask, intrigued to know how quickly they have started to initiate the hits on the Albanians.

“They will be,” Robert answers quickly.

“Glad to hear it.”

“Anyway, that’s not what I wanted to speak to you about,” Robert says. “We have Cheltenham this week. We will all be there Saturday. Join us?”

“I’ll have to check on a few things. But I’m sure I can make an appearance,” I reply evenly. “Now if you’ll excuse me, I need to get back to my date.”

“Bring her next weekend. She’s more than welcome. It’s the women as well.”

I nod and turn away, but John’s hand clamps down on my shoulder.

“Don’t be stupid, Luca—Joanna and Layla are fine together. Look.” I follow his gaze and the pair are propping up the bar. Layla’s head is tipped back as she laughs; Joanna’s gripping her elbow the pair of them with two empty shot glasses in front of them.

The red mist descends.

I’m going to fucking kill her.

“Excuse me a minute,” I reply, anger coursing through my veins. I cross the busying hall, navigating the people smoothly, shaking hands and making quick small talk, then excusing myself. The temptress would have had another shot by the time I get there at this rate.

Fuck me.

“Luca Knight.”

I come face to face with a blast from my past.

“Owen fucking King.” He grips my hand, and I pull him into a manly hug, patting each other’s back. He pulls back, his green eyes full of intelligence, his face in a smirk.

“Cooper. Remember.”

“You may have changed your name friend, but you will always be King to me.”

“I’ve been meaning to thank you—” I hold up my hand and shake my head. “No thanks needed.”

“All legitimate?”

I raise my eyebrow at him, “Do I look like an idiot?”

“Do you want me to answer that question honestly?” He laughs and the rich sound takes me back to our time together in Wandsworth Prison.

“I still think you're mad. Politicians are vultures.”

“Says the man who is trying to take back London's cocaine industry.”

“No comment.”

I want to stay and catch up; I want to sit with a drink and talk about old times. But I can’t do that. Not in this public setting. Owen Cooper and I have a relationship that exists in the shadows.

“You need to not be seen with me, and I have to be somewhere.”

“The beautiful woman by the bar by chance? I saw you both come in, you look—”

“Unhinged.”

“I was going to say happy. I must admit I’m surprised.”

“Looks like we are both full of surprises. I think I almost fell of my chair when Henry told me what you were planning.”

“Someone has to be the change this country needs. I’m probably one of the only fuckers who has first-hand experience of the shitty system. That’s got to count for something.”

“Only time will tell.”

“Take care of yourself, Luca.”

“You too, you know how to get hold of me if the need arises. I’ll be looking out for you in the chamber, it’s a lot bigger than the older one.”

“Fuck off, Dick.”

I laugh and give him another handshake. “See you around.”

I step away from Owen, with a note to check the finances I’ve been giving him through my legitimate business, and to make sure he has everything he needs. Owen isn’t one to ask if he needs more. Becoming a politician is an expensive journey, and it helps to have friends with money.

For now, though, my attention turns to the woman that has me unhinged.

“I know you’re there.” She glances over her shoulder. “I can feel the daggers piercing my skin.”

“A simple instruction, no?”

“What was dear?” she replies sarcastically.

“Ahh the sarcasm, how I’ve missed it.” I pluck the drink out of her hand knocking it back for her.

“For fuck’s sake, Luca. I’m not your puppet.”

Someone clears their throat to my right, and I smile tightly. “If you’ll excuse me,” Joanna says before leaving.

“Keep your sodding voice down,” I hiss.

“You said stay by your side, and I’m left completely alone within ten minutes of being here.”

I pull back and search her face. “You’re pissed at me.”

“I’m constantly pissed at you, you’re an arsehole.”

“Ahh, you do care.” I grin and she rolls her eyes, going to stand. “Where are you going? I need to go back to John, we need to be seen by the families.”

“You need to do that; I need to find Katy. Where is she?” she asks, looking around at all the faces. “Why does everyone look the same at these events?”

“She’ll be here soon. Calm your knickers.”

“I’m not wearing any knickers.” She struts past me, and the words go straight to my cock.

“Fuck me,” I mutter, looking up to the grand ceiling, breathing through my nose, my jaw clenching.

Give me strength.

“I like her,” Duchess says from my right, startling me. Bloody hell, she came out of nowhere. “She’s spirited.”

“Is spirited another word for a pain in my arse?” I pull out my phone.

“I can see why you’re so taken with her. She’s definitely got the lost sheep feel about her.” Isabella watches Layla cross the floor to the seating arrangement; she sees a waiter walk past and grabs another glass of champagne.

Isabella tilts her head back and laughs.

Fuck’s sake. But I can’t help smiling. “Layla is anything but a lost sheep. Where’s my cousin?”

“With your uncle, talking about something or another.” She waves her hand, unbothered. I take in her low-cut dress, the cream-coloured lace hugging her slim frame.

“You know Levi is using you.”

“What makes you think I’m not using him?” She looks up at me through thick lashes, her large, hooped diamond earrings catching the light.

“I appreciate your concern, Luca.” She rubs my arm. “But I’m not some poor damsel in distress that doesn’t know the world she lives in. That describes Layla perfectly, yes, but not me. Did you see that the Blacks aren’t here tonight?”

“No, I hadn’t.” I try to sound uninterested.

“Andrew’s taken a turn.”

“Poor bastard. I think I’d rather be put out of my misery than have a disease eat away at me.”

“I’ll remember that,” she says, grinning at me. “Come on.” She holds out an arm, and I take it. “So where did you meet Layla?”

“You know the answer to that question.”

She taps her forehead. “Oh yeah. Silly me.”

“You’re a terrible liar.” She smirks up at me. “Let me guess, you’ve been sent over to entertain me while Levi talks to Layla.”

She looks quickly at me and shakes her head. “You’re very suspicious.”

“Everyone’s working an angle, Isabella. I’m just trying to work out what yours is, and what’s in it for Levi.”

She shrugs, patting my hand. “And there goes that imagination. I happen to care for your cousin.”

“Really?” I quirk my eyebrow.

“Why do you seem so surprised?”

“Have you met Levi?”

“He’s a pussy cat really.” A thoughtful look passes her face. “Ah, look, your man’s here. Who’s he with?”

Roman stands in the doorway, looking ridiculously uncomfortable with Katy on his arm, her eyes wide as she takes in the magnificent space. I can clearly read the words fuck me on her lips.

I haven’t got eyes on Layla, so I take the time walking with Duchess to scan the crowd. Layla was right, everyone does look the sodding same.

“Rome.” I nod once at him and turn to Katy, who looks beautiful in her floor length midnight blue dress. Her hair is poker straight, framing her face, accentuating her features, her olive skin has a shimmery gleam to it.

Rome may look uncomfortable, but they do make an attractive couple. Oh, I’m going to have fun with this.

“Katy, this is Isabella.”

“Fuck me, this place is something isn’t it?” She doesn’t mince her words, and Rome glares at her.

“Having fun?” I ask, prodding the bear and he just stares at me, fuming.

“I’m getting a drink,” he finally says. “Katy.” He nods, unhooking his arm and disappearing into the crowd.

“Oh, toot-a-loo.” She waves after him. “Tell me, Luca, what is that man’s problem? I’ve never known such a grumpy git.”

Isabella laughs, and my lips twitch.

“I’m serious, he seems worse than you.” She turns to Duchess and kisses her on both cheeks. “Nice to meet you, Isabella. If everyone here looks like you, I’m leaving. Your dress is stunning.”

“Thank you so much.”

“Have you seen Layla?” she asks, looking worried.

“There she is.” Duchess points, and there’s Layla with none other than Levi.

“Suspicious my arse,” I mutter, throwing Duchess a look. She just shrugs.

“Lovely to meet you, Katy. I’m sure I’ll see you throughout the evening.”

“Yeah, you too,” Katy replies before she squints at me. “Just for the record, I do not like you nor do I trust you.”

“Noted,” I say, bored. “If you’re going to give me the ‘If you hurt a single hair on her head’ speech, let me save you the bother.” I step closer, invading her space, Katy's eyes widen, and she takes a step back. “I will protect her even if it means taking a bullet and ending my miserable existence. Layla is not at risk with me. The exact opposite.”

She pulls back startled, her eyes wide. “But she said—”

“What, what did she say?”

“No, nothing.” She glances over to Layla. “I don’t even recognise her,” she whispers. “She looks so—”

“Beautiful.” I excuse myself and signal Roman with a nod. He rolls his eyes and if we weren’t in a room full of people, he’d tell me to fucking do one.

And I don’t even bother hiding my entertainment, which just makes his scowl deepen.

“There you are,” I kiss the side of her head. “Levi.” I throw my arm around her shoulder and tuck her close to me. She comes without a battle.

“Luca.” He grins at me, and then before we know it Duchess is next to him, and I’ll be damned, his eyes soften.

“You look beautiful, Layla.” Duchess says.

“Thank you.” She smiles tightly and looks down at the floor and I want to fucking slit my cousin’s throat.

“Excuse us,” I say.

She lets me lead her through the mass of people into the large reception area, and I weave us through the corridors of the hotel.

Finding a door labelled conference room two I try the handle, opening it, and we step into the darkened room.

She places her bag down on the desk. Her back’s to me, and she’s taking deep breaths.

“Sunshine.”

She whips round, her hand coming up quicker than I can intercept, and she slaps me in the face with a thwack. My eyes widen in surprise, and I lift my hand up to touch my now burning cheek.

“Don’t you dare leave my side for the rest of the evening.” She points at me aggressively. “You demanded I stay by your side and twice, fucking twice, I’m left on my own.”

She goes to hit me again, her rage rolling through her making the air thick with tension, but I intercept her and grab her wrist, spinning her round with her back to my front.

“That’s the only time you will ever raise your hand to me.” She fights in my arms, but I hold her wrist at an awkward angle that I know hurts like a fucker.

God, she’s stubborn.

“You left me, and that piece of shit—”

“That piece of shit what—?”

“He licked my face. He licked my face!”

What.the.fuck?

Her body squirms against me.

“I’m here now.” I whisper in her ear, her breaths heaving out of her in her wild rage. The only thing stopping me from marching back in and stabbing my cousin is the way that her body starts to soften in my arms. The feel of her arse pressed up against my crotch.

“In front of everyone. He’s making you a laughingstock, Luca. They all saw it. All those people, those so-called leaders. This was supposed to sell us to them, and all it has done is given Levi a chance to turn you into a fool.”

“If I let you go, will you calm down?”

“When in the history of being told to calm down, has someone calmed down!” But even as she gives me her sassy remark, she nods her agreement, and I release my grip.

She shivers, stepping away from me, and I miss her warmth. “He’s disgusting. I can still feel it on my cheeks.” She rubs at her face, and I step forward.

“Layla, stop.” I take her hand in mine, softly this time. I pull it away from her face and push her gently to the table. “Sit.” I reach over to her little diamante clutch bag and open it. Looking for the compact that I know she placed inside, I take it out and pop it on the table next to us.

Gently lifting her chin with my fingers, I guide her gaze to mine. “This is a long game. This is part one in a bigger plan. Remember that.”

Her legs are on either side of my body, grateful for the fucking slit in her dress. I kiss the cheek that the sick fucker licked.

“Don’t feel his tongue, feel me, feel my mouth, my lips.” I pepper kisses on each cheek, her neck, her forehead. I lick and suck at her pulse, at the spot I know makes her wild, and with each motion she relaxes.

As do I.

Her head drops each way, giving me full access, a soft moan releases from her lips.

“I’m sorry I left you. You will not leave my side for the rest of the night—you have my word.”

She pulls back, biting her lip as she searches my face then nods.

I breathe in her scent…the perfume she’s wearing is different tonight, sweeter, but her skin still has the vanilla and coconut scent I could bathe in.

Opening her compact I dab the powder onto the little sponge thing and apply it to her face. Re-applying the shimmery powder, I hope I’m removing any leftover traces of the sick fuck.

How dare he touch her.

She. Is. Mine.

“Luca,” she says while kissing me on the lips and I can breathe again. “Calm.”

“I am calm.” I plunge my tongue into her mouth, my lips moving against hers and she meets me with every thrust, with every nip.

And with each passing moment, my cock gets harder, and the rage subsides.

She pulls back and smiles, and I swear my heart skips a fucking beat.

“Liar,” she whispers and then pulls back, wiping my mouth with her thumb.

“Keep your lipstick there, I want everyone to know I’ve had your lips all over my mouth.”

“Do you want some other lips over your mouth?” She grabs my hand and runs it over her body, leading it down to where the slit in her dress is.

Eyes burning into mine, she’s seeing who breaks the contact first.

My fingertips graze her skin, and I almost explode there and then, but still, she guides me closer. She pulls her lip into her mouth and bites, smiling coyly as she pulls my fingers under the sheer material.

“You want to play, little lamb?” I say, trying to keep my composure and not tear the lace from her body. She holds my hand over her cunt, which is warm, soft, and bare. And I groan. “You weren’t lying.”

“You’d only put my underwear in your memory box.” She lets out a moan as I slowly run my fingers between her folds.

“Along with the fingers,” I reply pushing my index finger inside her.

“Fuck.” She holds my hand there to stop me from moving, her eyes rolling back into her head. I bend my finger and grin when she bucks against me, her hips gyrating.

I take her earlobe in my mouth. “Later,” I whisper and pull my hand out from under her dress and place my finger in her mouth. “Taste how sweet you are.”

She sucks and bites the tip before drawing my finger deeper, all the while her eyes blaze into mine. Hissing I pull out, then grab her cheeks and slam my lips onto hers and devour her hungrily.

Pulling back, her eyes are wide with lust, and I deserve a fucking medal for not bending her over and fucking her.

I rub my nose against hers before kissing her forehead.

“Come on. I’m hungry.” I lead her out the conference room, and she giggles.

She fucking giggles, and it’s the best sound I’ve ever heard.