Page 67 of Sins of the Orchid

But what if they hurt Santi or my brother?

I stood up and rushed to my father’s office, my phone in my hand.

“Dad, have you heard from Luigi?”Or Santi?I added silently. My throat tightened at the thought of either one of them being hurt.

My father set his pen down and filed away a piece of paper. “No, why?”

The memory of Santi’s kisses from last night and the way he felt inside of me burned through my body along with the fear I’d never have it again. Of course, I was worried about Luigi too. My older brother was too rash, but Santi was too brave, too reckless, too hungry for revenge.

My back tingled in awareness, and I whipped around to find Santi and Luigi behind me. A sharp inhale echoed through the room. It was mine. Relief washed over me like a cool breeze on a hot, humid day.

The assurance both were safe and sound, here in front of me, was priceless. Both my grandma and father prized power and wealth. I didn’t give a shit about either. Not if it meant losing the ones I loved.

My gaze locked on Santi, examining him for any injuries. I watched him in his dark, three-piece suit, a phone in one hand while with his other he unbuttoned his jacket. His gun in the holster. His black vest hugged his strong torso, and his tie tucked perfectly inside the vest. I watched those expert fingers move gracefully, and my cheeks flushed crimson remembering how they felt on me.

“Hey,” I greeted them both. I was careful not to keep my eyes on Santi too long. Luigi was very observant when he wanted to be.

There wasn’t a scratch on Santi. Nor on Luigi. That was all that mattered.

“Hey, sis. Everything okay?” I nodded. My cheeks were hot, and Santi’s proximity made me weak in the knees. There was nothing more I wanted than to wrap my arms around him and feel his strength against me.

“Yes, everything is fine,” I answered, my voice slightly breathless. “I just saw the news.”

“News is not for girls,” Luigi repeated the same thing he had been telling me for years. “Russo wants to talk to Pà.” I just rolled my eyes and went past him.

“Hey, Santi.”

Our shoulders touched as we passed each other at the doorway, his fingers brushing against my knuckles, and heat instantly ignited through my veins and made me burn for him. Light scruff covered his jaw, and I was dying to trace it with my fingers. His dark, soft expression burned right through me, and butterflies fluttered in my stomach.

I had a feeling he purposely moved as I was leaving the room so that he’d brush against me. Though it seemed out of character for him.

“Amore.” Jesus, my name on his lips could make me combust. When he said it, all I heard were his groans from last night; Santi crying out my name as he spilled inside me.

Great, now my cheeks were on fire and probably matched the color of my hair. The door softly clicked behind me as I left Dad’s office. I went back to the couch. Adriano was gone, nowhere to be seen.Shit!

I dialed him up, but his phone rang and rang. There was no doubt in my mind he let it go to voicemail on purpose. Why did it seem like I was losing my best friend as I was getting a boyfriend?

My phone dinged and I slid the message open. It was from Santi.

*Dinner. You and me. Tonight.*

A giddy smile broke on my face. Of course, Santi wouldn’t ask. He would demand. That’s okay though because I’d demand sex later.

*Yes. Where do I meet you?*

I headed to my room, digging through my closet to find something adequate to wear. Most of my latest designs were left in Italy. I never dreamt that such a tragic reason for return would turn into this. A night with Santi.

Digging through my closet, I pulled one dress out after another. Soon enough, my bed was a big pile of clothes, the dangers of the cartel on pause. I’d enjoy every single second with Santi I could get.

I couldn’t wait to go out with him.

*I’ll pick you up at five.*

I wondered if Dad gave him permission to take me out or were we using Adriano as an excuse. Dad never denied me hanging out with Adriano, but I had a feeling his answer wouldn’t be the same when it came to Santi. I had nothing to base my opinion on except a gut feeling, and I have learned to trust it over the years.

I shot a quick message to Adriano.

*You left without saying goodbye.*