Page 71 of Dangerous Games of Trust
Chapter 36
We pull up outsideof a moody-looking bar in downtown Ravens Hollow with a well-lit sign of a raven hanging above the door. “Where are we?” I ask Ricky. I had been imagining we would be going to their club or the casino.
“One of the Strykers’ bars, The Raven’s Nest. It’s owned by the youngest Stryker sibling. Geovani thought it would be useful if we checked it out tonight.”
“Oh.” He’s sent them here because of what happened to Pia, I just know it. Geovani said she was linked to the Strykers.
He takes my hand, kissing my knuckles before we get out of his car. “You look so beautiful tonight, baby doll. Sad but beautiful. Are you okay?”
“Thank you.” I smile at him, feeling a warmth spread through my hand as our fingers intertwine. I want to say so much but know I can’t. I knew he would be the hardest to hide my emotions from, he picks up on everything. “Ricky, no matter what happens, you know you’re the most incredible guy and any girl would be lucky to have you in their life, right.”
He raises a brow. “You want to have a deep and meaningful right now, babe?”
“No.” I laugh. “It’s just deep down, you boys know all I want is the best for you. And we all know how terrible the last few months have been. I hope all your dreams come true and things really do change.”
He runs his eyes over me, a flash of concern clouding his pretty-boy features. “What have you done?”
I laugh lightheartedly. “I haven’t done anything.”Yet. “I just wish things were different, don’t you?”
“Every day. But they’re not, so we just have to make the best of what we got. And lucky for us, we have you.”
My heart sinks knowing that won’t be true for much longer. I force a smile back onto my face and gaze up at him, wishing I could see it all so simply.
He opens his door and comes around my side to help me out. Pressing my body into the car, his lips come to mine. Kissing me deeply, he makes me really feel how much he loves me, and I kiss him back just the same. I love him so much it hurts, and I wish I could say it.
As our kiss deepens, he picks me up and presses my body into his Jeep, and I wrap my legs around his waist. Oh, fuck this man. He turns me to a puddle on the floor every time. Our serious conversation from the car vanishes in an instant, and all I want is his body on mine.
Someone clears their throat from behind us, and we snap back to reality. We look up to find Alessandro and Maddox approaching in their expensive suits.
Ricky helps me down to standing, and I smirk up at him. “Fun police have arrived,” I sass.
He adjusts his crotch, and I know he’s thinking the exact same thing. “To be continued later.” A playful grin spreads across his lips.
Alessandro’s eyes come to mine with way too much heat in them. He looks mighty fine tonight after shaving off his beard. “Sorry, boss.” I throw him a wink just to rile him up. I need to act as normal as possible, after all. “Got a little carried away.”
“Try to control yourself, princess, we have some business to attend to before the fun can begin.” He drapes an arm over my bare shoulder, and the four of us walk through swinging double doors of the front entry of The Raven’s Nest together.
On the inside the bar is stunning, all black with silver trim and velvet-looking booth seats around the feature bar that stands pride of place in the center of the room. Not what I was expecting at all. A server who looks to be in her thirties approaches us instantly. “Mr. Moretti, a table?” she asks, looking between us all. “Your papa often frequents our bar, but I haven’t seen you boys in a long time. Since you opened up the Flamingo Hotel, I think.”
Alessandro smiles at her like they’re old friends. “Needed a change of scenery tonight. Do me a favor and make sure Sloane knows we’re here.”
“Sure thing, sir.” She beams back at him like he’s a fucking celebrity or something, and I can’t help but roll my eyes so Maddox can see.
His lips twitch into a smile.
I can see the boys are scoping out the place, and I wonder who or what it is they’re looking for. “Out of interest, has Enzo booked a table for tonight?” Alessandro asks.
“Not that I know of.” She looks over her shoulder. “I can check with Sloane?”
“That won’t be necessary.” He laces his hand with mine. “What are you having to drink, princess?”
“Margarita sounds good.”
“Virgin margarita and three Macallans, thanks, Sally.”
I give him the stink-eye. Is he fucking kidding? He’s still playing at this bullshit I’m-pregnant thing.
She nods and wanders off in the direction of the bar.
