Page 93 of Vows of a Mobster

I chewed on my lip, uncertain if I should say anything or remain quiet. Mateo’s hand around me tightened, as if trying to protect me. Except, my sixth sense was screaming, both of these men were dangerous.

“P-please don’t do this,” I muttered, although I wasn’t sure what. Would they really try to shoot each other in this restaurant?

Twenty-Nine

Declan

The moment my eyes landed on her, I understood why I was able to sneak up on Mateo yesterday without him shooting me. The woman was beautiful and Mateo Agosti was utterly smitten with her. His whole focus was on the woman next to him. He was still a dangerous man. But this man in front of me was different from the ruthless and cold rival I have known for years. And this woman that stood next to him was the reason for it, he sheltered her like his most precious cargo.

I eyed her. She was slim and short, barely five foot five. Next to Mateo’s strong frame, she looked petite. Her gorgeous dark hair reflected various shades of mahogany under the lights of the room. I wondered what shades would reflect in that mane of hers under the sun. And her eyes… those bedroom tilted eyes. I had my fair share of women, but this one would be a great conquest.

Marissa Agosti has been my greatest. Even after all these years, I still couldn’t get her out of my system.

Too bad I couldn’t have this one to see if she’d succeed in getting Marissa out of my system.

No, I wouldn’t be able to get close to this woman without causing a full-blown war with Mateo. The way he held her and watched her, it was more than just a passing affair. I’ve seen him with his mistresses over the years, and not a single one had ever captured him. Just like nobody had captured me since I’d tasted Marissa.

“P-please don’t do this,” she spoke softly, her voice nervous. Her eyes were wide with fear, her fingers gripping Mateo’s sleeve. I didn’t even think she realized she was doing it. She didn’t belong in our mafia infested world, making me wonder how she found herself next to the boss of the Italian mafia.

“What’s your name?” I asked her.

Her soft brown eyes watched me. She was afraid to tell me her name and I didn’t blame her. It meant she was smart. My eyes traveled down her body. She looked exquisite, although not the type of woman Mateo usually had. Nor my type, but fuck, for her I’d make an exception. Everything about her screamed grace and fancy upbringing.

“Get your eyes off her,” Mateo threatened.

“My- my name is Brianna,” she answered in a shaky voice, and her eyes shifted to Mateo as if seeking his approval that she did the right thing.A bit too late, I thought smiling to myself.

“Declan, if you want to get out of here alive,” Mateo’s voice brought my attention back to him, “you’ll leave now.”

He wasn’t giving empty threats. He didn’t want a war with the Irish, but for this woman, he wouldn’t think twice to start it. Brianna’s eyes were wide, darting from her lover to me. Damn, how old was she? She looked to be in her early twenties.

“I’m sure you have heard what resurfaced,” I told Mateo, watching him. But the bastard was good at keeping his face stoic. It was his strength. I blew up too quickly. “I want a meeting tomorrow, just the two of us.” My eyes shifted back to Brianna, standing to his left, so he could easily protect her. “I’m guessing you’ll be busy tonight.”

Brianna blushed hard and it made me like her even more. Yes, she was young for sure.

“Antonio will arrange it,” Mateo responded, his eyes cold on me. If he could strangle me right now, I had no doubt he would. And it pissed him off that I watched his woman. Although I was sure there was no chance in hell she’d ever let me fuck her. The way her body shifted and moved with each breath towards Mateo, like he was her gravity. It was actually kind of fascinating to watch.

I nodded in acknowledgement and gave Brianna my brilliant smile that I was told made women weak in their knees.

“It was a pleasure to meet you, Brianna.” She just tilted her head slightly, but never moved. Yes, I didn’t make her weak in the knees at all. She was all Mateo’s, whether she knew it or not.

Thirty

Brianna

The moment Declan left, I exhaled a shaky breath.

“Are you okay?” Mateo’s voice brought my eyes to his face.

“Y-yes,” I muttered, attempting a smile and not succeeding. “It was just a greeting.”

I left out that it was the most intense greeting I had ever encountered. There were no raised voices but short words and the tension said it all.

“You’re safe,” he placed his hands gently over my fingers that gripped his sleeve. I didn’t even realize I was doing it.

“Gosh, I’m sorry,” I mumbled, releasing my grip. “I wrinkled your sleeve.”

“It’s okay.” He took my face between his hands. “I’m sorry this happened while we were on our dinner date.”