“I would believe that except you came all the way out to Crimson and didn’t just go to Ivory.”
He’s not wrong. There’s always more work at Ivory because it’s so close to the territory line and it’s our busiest club.
I grunt in response.
“What’s going on with you and Mia?”
“When have you ever gotten into my business?” I shoot back.
He doesn’t miss a beat. “When the business in question is Sofia’s best friend.”
I set my head in my hands as I prop it up on the desk.
“Nothing?” I pose it as a question.
“Then why was she at your house this morning? Sofia said she sounded winded. You fucking her?”
I look up at his face. He has an emotionless mask in place.
“What if I am?”
He shakes his head as he frowns.
“Don’t hurt her. Sofia would kill you if you hurt her. She’s already wary of your relationship with her. If you’re fucking her, then be extra careful. This isn’t some hussy you can fuck then forget. Mia’s here to stay. You’re one of my best friends, but if Sofia wants to kill you, I don’t have it in me to deny her.”
An involuntary chill runs down my spine. I’ve seen an angry Sofia. I’ve seen her shoot a man in cold blood. I don’t doubt she would kill me in a heartbeat for Mia. I also don’t doubt that Bash would cover it up. He loves the girl more than he loves the family. It’s a true testament to how important she is to him.
“We aren’t fucking, boss. We have an understanding. We each know the score.”
“And what score is that?”
I’m irritated by his audacity to question me, but I can’t ignore him. I never wanted to be boss, but in this moment, I wish I was. No one would be able to question me.
“Mia wants to be friends. She understands why I can’t give her more. It’s not in my DNA. Last night, she asked me to take her out. Anything that happened after is up to her to tell. Just know, I had the conversation with her and confirmed many times what this is and what it isn’t. She’s aware.”
His hard glare softens. “One day she’ll find a man willing to commit. Are you going to be ready for that?”
I growl. The amusement in his eyes frustrates me even more.
“That’s what I thought. Might as well commit now and get it over with. Take it from me. Once she’s under your skin, she’s there for good.”
I don’t bother responding. Instead, I change the subject. “Where’s Gio?”
“Downstairs taking inventory. Did you think I came alone?”
“I was going to beat your ass if you did.”
He chuckles. “I can handle myself.”
“You shouldn’t have to. That’s what Gio and I are for. Can we go over the new promotions now?”
With that, Bash lets the conversation fall into comfortable territory, away from women and feelings and into something I can handle. Business.
∞∞∞
Mia: Can you give me a ride to Bash and Sofia’s tonight?
I had made it up to an hour without thinking about her. It was a miracle, but as soon as her text came in, all my hard work was wasted. The sound of her moans. The way she screams my name. The look on her face when she finally let’s go. It’s haunted me all day.
