Page 33 of Plus-Size Bratva Possession

“Elena,” he said in a tone that hinted I was trouble. “This is... unexpected.”

I cleared my throat, trying to regain my composure. “I was in the neighborhood. Thought I'd stop by.”

His lips quirked in that almost-smile that always made my heart skip. “In the neighborhood?” He looked past me, and I knew what he was thinking.

“Yes. I know Dom followed me. He brought me here.”

“I’ll-” he began, frowning.

“I forced him to,” I insisted, hoping he wouldn’t get into trouble.

Gastone huffed like he didn’t know what to do with me and gave me a nod, letting me in. I entered and closed the door behind me.

The office suddenly felt much smaller, with just the two of us.

“So,” Gastone leaned against his desk, arms crossed over his chest. “You've developed a stalking habit?”

I scoffed, grateful for the return to our usual banter. This I could handle. “Please. If anyone's the stalker here, it's you. Making poor Dom follow me around all day.”

“That's for your safety.”

“Is it? Or is it so I don't run away from my captivating husband?” I emphasized the word with enough sarcasm to make my position clear.

He smiled then, a real one that transformed his face and made my heart do a stupid little flip. “Captivating, am I?”

“I meant captor,” I said quickly, though we both knew I hadn't misspoken.

“Right.” He pushed off from the desk and walked toward me, closing the distance between us. “And yet, here you are, in my office. By choice.”

I stood my ground even as my pulse quickened. “I was curious. Sue me.”

“About?” He was close enough now that I could smell his cologne, something woodsy that made me want to lean in closer.

“What you do all day. This place.” I gestured around the office. “The mysterious Gastone Ajello, mafia don by night, businessman by day.”

“Import-export,” he said simply.

“Right. And I'm sure it's all perfectly legal.”

His smile turned predatory. “Absolutely. Would you like a tour?”

The thought of spending more time with him, watching him in this environment where he was clearly in his element, sent another wave of heat through me. I needed to get out of here before I did something stupid.

“I should probably go,” I said, taking a small step back. “I… I don’t want to keep you from working.”

Gastone raised an eyebrow. “You came here on an impulse, didn’t you?”

Busted. “Yes.”

“You manipulated Dom to bring you here.”

“I asked nicely,” I corrected, taking this bait to seek out some information. “Besides, he was distracted. Something happening that I should know about?”

“Nothing that concerns you.” His eyes searched my face. “You cut your hair.”

The sudden change of subject threw me. “Just a trim.”

“It suits you.” His gaze lingered on my face, and for a wild moment, I thought he might reach out and touch me.