Page 20 of The Bonventi Hitman

"I should get back," I say, though my body betrays me by swaying slightly toward him.

Gabriel leans in, his lips brushing my ear. "Don't enjoy your evening too much without me, Sofia. I'll see you again soon."

As he pulls back, his stubble grazes my cheek, leaving a trail of fire in its wake. I step away, my breath shaky.

"Thanks, you too," I manage to say before turning and walking away, my skin still tingling from his touch.

Approaching the table, Luca looks up. "Everything all right?" he asks.

"Yes," I nod, "all is well."

I decide not to mention my encounter with Gabriel.

We eat in silence. Luca orders champagne, pours me a glass, then finishes the bottle. He orders two more while I nurse my single drink.

By dessert, he's slurring badly and reeking of alcohol.

His hands are on me as we leave the restaurant, and I fight not to cringe.

In the car, his hand slides to my thigh. I tense but force myself to relax. I take his hand and lean into him.

"I want to do something special for you," I smile, moving his hand away.

“Oh yeah, really? Back at the Starlight?" he slurs, licking his thin lips.

No, you fucking idiot.

"No, something special. To thank you for everything," I say, biting my lip.

He mimics my tone drunkenly. “What did you have in mind?"

"You've given me all these beautiful dresses. I want to get one myself, something that'll make it impossible for you to resist me, something..." I trail off suggestively.

"I gave you lots of dresses."

"Yes, but that's the point. I want to choose something special for you. Tomorrow," I stroke his thigh. "Just think where you could take me in it."

He seems to consider, or try to. "Okay, okay, sure, baby, anything you want," he slurs, falling against me as we turn.

His hands grope my breasts, and I fight down revulsion. I can't risk him changing his mind or repeating the other night, so I allow it briefly.

I push him back against the seat, still stroking his thigh and moving higher.

"Maybe a little blowjob while I wait for this special dress."

"Just one more day. I'll make it worth the wait. Can you do that for me?"

He spreads his legs, gripping my hair. "I think I deserve one."

As he pushes my head down, I struggle not to vomit.

You can do this, Anna. This gets you to the FBI, which means you can put this bastard in prison.

I reach for his zipper. "Are you ready?" I ask, masking my hatred.

No response.

I look up to find him passed out cold.