Page 38 of The Pretender

“It won’t fail. I promise.” Deo looks at me. “And I have help.”

“You do.” I search his eyes, very tempted to taste his lips again, but fortunately, I remember where we are and hold back.

“It’s so cool that you’re home,” Brogan says. “We can hang out now. I missed you.”

“I missed you too, Brogan.”

Nonna sets a small cup of espresso down in front of me and one in front of Deo, then she smacks a kiss to the side of her grandson’s face. “Everything is gonna be fine now.”

“No pressure, Nonna.” Deo’s voice is filled with affection. “I’m committed to doing the work. Whatever we need.”

“Such a good boy.” Nonna pats his cheek then sits down beside me. She pokes my arm with a sharp nail. “You take care of my boy, huh? You wouldn’t like me so much if you hurt him.”

The threat is clear, but before I can defend myself, Brogan cackles.

“Oh come on, Nonna. Out here sounding like a mafiosa.”

“I could’ve busted some kneecaps in my day. You don’t know.”

Brogan waves his hands. “Ooh, so scary. What are you, eighty now?”

“Young enough to smack your ass still,” Nonna claps back.

Nantes is laughing, and since everyone else looks amused, I relax slightly. Now I’m even more committed to making sure Deo doesn’t get hurt because of this ruse. I can contribute by hopefully helping the business, and then we’ll figure out a reason why I have to leave eventually. One that saves Deo’s dignity.

“She’s more bark than bite,” Deo whispers. “But she can bite.”

“I have no doubt.”

Deo turns in his chair slightly to face me. “You did great. Thank you.”

“I enjoy your family. It feels like… something I had once upon a time.”

He smiles, brushing his fingers across my cheek. “I’m glad you get to have that back for a little while at least.”

As I gaze into his pretty eyes, I block out any thoughts of what will eventually have to happen. None of this is real, and I didn’t expect to feel so welcomed, but the worst thing I can do is get attached. My life is hundreds of miles from here, and eventually I’ll find a way to get Vin to back off and go back to it.

“Ugh, get a room.” Brogan makes gagging noises.

Deo grins. “I think we’ll do just that. Ready to get out of here?”

“Lead the way.”

TWELVE

amadeo

Back at thecottage I head straight for the bedroom, followed by an eager Balt. I scan the room, looking for my red bag with my toiletries in it, knowing that’s where the lube and condoms are. Balt sits on the edge of the bed, slowly unbuttoning his shirt. It’s still early, and after the espresso I have plenty of energy to get absolutely railed.

I find the bottle of lube and grin, holding it up to Balt. “I hope you aren’t tired yet.”

Balt shakes his head as his eyes heat, roaming from my feet all the way up to my face. “I’m plenty alert.”

I pull my phone from my back pocket and open my music app to start my favorite getting freaky playlist before I pop it down on the nightstand. Then I slowly remove my clothes, almost like a strip tease. Balt leans back to rest on his hands at an angle where he can easily watch me.

After removing my shirt, I toss it to the floor and work on my jeans next, trying my best to give an enticing shimmy as I slide them down my body and kick them off. Standing before Balt wearing just my briefs makes me feel sexy. The heated look on his face makes me feel desired.

I step closer to him, between his legs, and begin opening his slacks to get them off, but before I make much progress, Balt wraps his arms around my waist and hauls me onto his lap. His hand moves up my back to rest on the nape of my neck as he pulls me close for a kiss.