A huge smile spreads across her face. “I have the perfect dress.”

  I follow her as she sifts through her closet because I have no idea what the hell I’m going to wear tomorrow. She pulls out a silver, shiny, slinky dress. “It looks like that will barely cover my ass.”

  “You are such a prude. What about this one?” She holds up a halter jumpsuit. “This one will just show your cleavage.”

  “Well, let me try it on.”

  I quickly change and look in her tall mirror. “This is the one,” I tell her.

  “It looks so good on you, Gen.”

  Livia and I have always traded clothes and did each other’s makeup since we were old enough to do so.

  Chapter Six

  DOMINICK

  “Well, the hit is done. Now I don’t owe you a damn thing,” I tell Sebastian over the phone, who I owed a favor to. Even though I didn’t do the killing myself, there’s always resources to get the job done. In my line of work, it’s always about favors and getting owed favors. It’s just how it works. But I hate owing anybody anything. Some people use that to their advantage, and that is exactly the case with Sebastian. I hang up the phone once Sebastian is good with our conversation and end the call.

  I have to get ready for my dinner with Geneva. I fear if I called this a date, she would not have accepted the offer. I can’t help myself but want to be in her company, even if she is as stubborn as a mule. But it is kind of cute at the same time.

  After my shower, I grab a pair of black jeans and put on a button up thin striped shirt, folding the sleeves half way up my arms. I style my hair with some mousse and add some cologne on as well.

  Once I’m all set, I head downstairs, ready to greet Geneva when she arrives. Checking the time, it’s six o’clock on the dot, so she should be getting into the SUV right now.

  I check in with Belva, who decorates for all my fancy dinners. “How’s dinner going?”

  “The caterers are just finishing up. Is the table to your liking?” she motions to the room that is set up.

  I check with a quick glance in the sun room. We can have more privacy, and it’s almost like sitting outside with all the glass windows. I don’t normally use this room; I have no real use for it for except a tall bookshelf and a cozy chair in the corner. It’s the perfect reading area if you like reading books. I have an array from fiction to non-fiction books. I try to read books a couple times a year at least.

  Then, on the other side of the room, there is a low table, and we can sit on pillows, and it will be nice and a little more intimate. Belva decorated the table with short, chunky white candles, some fake greenery and a flower arrangement.

  “It’s perfect, Belva. Thank you.”

  “Glad you like it.”

  “My guest should be arriving soon.”

  “I’ll go check how the food is coming along.”

  I offer her a nod and pace the floor like a love sick puppy. What on earth has gotten into me? Five minutes later, there is a knock on the door. Belva rushes over to get it, but I stop her. “I’ll get it.”

  I open the door wide to allow Geneva in. “Hi. Come in.”

  “Hi,” she says.

  “I can take your coat,” I say as she steps in.

  She shrugs her coat off and hands it to me, and I put it on the coat rack by the door.

  “You look stunning.”

  “Oh this. Thank you.”

  She is wearing a halter top style jumpsuit that is perfectly form fitting, long earrings and her hair is pulled back into a low ponytail. She looks so elegant.

  “You look good, too. I wasn’t sure if you owned a pair of jeans,” she tells me.

  “I own a few pairs. I don’t wear suits all the time. How’s the eye? It looks like the swelling has gone down.”

  “It still hurts like a bitch. But yes, I iced it all day, and it helped the swelling.”

  “That’s good. I hope you’re hungry,” I say, leading us to the sunroom.

  “I am.”

  “It truly is the least I could do. I would have taken you to a fancy restaurant, but I brought the restaurant to us.” I present the candle lit table, and the pillows on each side. Soft music plays in the background.

  “Oh my gosh. This is so much better than a fancy restaurant.”

  “Have you ever been to Haden’s?” I question about a restaurant in the city.

  “I know the place. I’ve walked by there plenty of times. But I have never stepped inside.”

  I smile. “Well, I’m sure you’ll love it. I wasn’t sure if you ate meat or was a vegan so I had them cook both options.”

  “Dominick. You didn’t have to go through all this trouble. It’s too much. But I do eat meat.”

  I continue smiling. “Good. And this was no trouble at all. Are you comfortable?” I ask as she sits on the pile of decorative pillows.

  “I am.”

  Belva and a waiter from Haden’s arrive to hand us the first course.

  “This looks amazing.”

  “Dig in,” I say.

  “I don’t want to be rude or anything,” she starts to say. “But there will be no more favors. I just can’t do that again.”

  “Of course. Of course. That was a one-time thing.”

  “Good.”

  We finish the scallops and are served with the second course. We eat, and I ask her about everyday things. Conversation is easy between us. “Are your parents around?” I ask.

  “My mom and my dad are. And I’m an only child.”

  “And you are close to them?

  “I am. I’m a Daddy’s girl. What about your parents?” she asks.

  “My dad died when I was seventeen from a heart attack, and I have a step dad.”

  “I’m so sorry about your dad. That must have been devastating for you, especially at that age.”

  I try to smile through the pain. “It was. But it brought me and my mom closer. We try to at least meet for lunch once every two weeks.”

  “You should be seeing them every week,” Geneva says.

  “Maybe I will have to start and take you along one week.”

  She laughs. “I think you are being a little presumptuous.”

  I wink. “Am I?”

  “Yes, you are, Mr. LaRocca.”

  Our main course is served, and I’m starving for this steak we are about to devour while we continue to talk. I can’t remember a time when a woman had captivated me as much as Geneva has. There is a mystery about her. And I want to know more. But with my lifestyle, I’m not sure that is a good idea, no matter how much I want her.

  Conversation is easy and flowing between us. She even laughs at my stupid jokes. And her smile, it’s contagious.

  We finish the meal by splitting a slice of cheesecake that sits in between us.

  “I have to say, this is the most I’ve ever eaten in one sitting. I’m used to living on ramen noodles,” she tells me.

  “Well, I can say, I have never had that in my life.”

  Her eyes grow wide. “Never?”

  I chuckle. “Never.”

  “Hmmm. Must be nice to have lavish meals prepared for you all the time. And I’m sure your mother cooked great Italian meals when you were growing up.”

  “My mother is a great cook, so you would be right. But I’m no snob. If you invite me over to have ramen noodles, I would never pass that up.”

  “Oh. I will think about it.”

  We finish dessert, and I make a suggestion. “Would you like to go outside and enjoy the cool air? It feels a little stuffy in here.”

  “Sure.”

  I rise and offer my hand to her.

  Chapter Seven

  GENEVA

  I can’t pinpoint what Dominick’s motive is now that we have established that I will no longer do any more favors for him.

  Dominick slides the glass door open, and he lets me step out first and the slight chill causes goosebumps to form on my shoulders. “It’s so peaceful out here. All I hear in the city are ambulances, firetrucks, police cars, and people causing a ruckus.”

  Dominick takes a throw from the sunroom and places it over my shoulders. “It is peaceful.”

  We stand in silence, enjoying the peacefulness that surrounds us.

  “I do want to say that I’m sorry to put you in the predicament I put you in. I realize I probably shouldn’t have put that on you. So for that I’m sorry. I owed someone a favor, and I wanted to get that favor paid back so I don’t owe them anything else.”

  He leans against the door frame, his hand in his pockets. Tattoos decorate his arms, and I even see one peeking out of the neck of the shirt. “Are you in the mafia or something?” I think I already know the answer to that.

  “Do you really want to know?”

  “No. I don’t know.”

  “It’s probably best to reveal something like that on a third date.” He chuckles.

  I laugh. “You think this is a date?”

  “I didn’t say that.”

  “Cause it’s not. And I’m just going to assume that you are in the mafia or something of that nature. There, mystery is solved.”

  “You are just a little know it all, aren’t you.”

  “I’m not. I’m just curious is all.”

  He steps closer, and all of a sudden, I find it hard to breathe.

  “You’re curious about me?”

  “Don’t flatter yourself, Mr. Fancypants.” I give his chest a pat with my hand and smile. “It’s late, I should go. I’m sure you have things to do tomorrow morning, too.”

  “I can bring breakfast by your place tomorrow morning,” he grins.

  “Nice try. But I’m not sure what this is between us.” I motion with my finger. “I don’t even know if it would work. Maybe we should just stay friends.”

  “Damn, wound a guy when he’s down, Geneva.”

  The way my name sounds from his lips, it causes my heart to skip a beat. I know it could never work between us. How would it? He’s a guy that lives a world of mystery and danger. I work a full-time job during the day, dance at night and live a simple life. A life as simple as possible.

  “If that’s what you want,” Dominick says.

  “It’s probably for the best.”

  “Let me get your coat, and I can drive you home.”

  “Oh, I can take an Uber, it’s no bother.”

  “Absolutely not. I invited you here as my guest, I will make sure you arrive home safely.”

  “Well, okay then.”

  We walk through the house, and Dominick assists me with my coat, gets his own leather jacket, and we head out to the SUV. Or I assume we would be taking it, but Dominick walks over to the garage and raises it with a remote. It reveals the most expensive car in the world, and it’s extremely hard to get because they only make a couple a year.

  “I’m sorry, I’m pretty sure I’m hallucinating. That is a Bugatti La Voiture Noire.”

  He smiles wide. “You know your cars.” He moves to open the passenger door, and I slide in.

  This car will run anyone about eighteen million dollars. Who would spend that kind of money on a car? I’ll tell you; it seems Dominick would.

  I’m still dumbfounded when Dominick gets behind the wheel. He gives me a wink before he starts to head to my place. We enjoy the ride as the car whips in and out of traffic, and it seems like we arrive to my apartment in a flash. Dominick parks in a spot in front of my building. And I turn to him. “Thank you so much for dinner. I enjoyed it a lot.”

  “I’m glad. I’m happy to do it again anytime.”

  “I guess I’ll see you.”

  “See you, Geneva.”

  There he goes saying my name again causing my heart to pitter patter. I exit his vehicle, adjusting my purse strap on my shoulder, and I turn to wave him off. But I’m turned around by someone and they are running off with my purse. “Hey asshole!” I yell.

  Dominick exits his car. “Go inside, I’ll meet you there.” And he takes off after the guy.

  I can’t believe this is happening. I’ve never had an issue like this before. With a huff, I head up to my apartment. Luckily, I already had my keys out of my purse before I got out of the car. Kicking off my heels, I drop my keys on the kitchen island and immediately grab two glasses to pour some whiskey.

  Leaning against the bar, I contemplate my bad luck and thank God Dominick was here to go after the guy even though it’s probably not worth the trouble and take a swig of my drink.

  There’s a knock on my door. With a glass still in hand, I open the door knowing Dominick is on the other side. “Here’s your purse,” he says. That’s when I notice his bloody hands. “Jesus, I hope you didn’t kill the guy.”

  He doesn’t reply to my comment. I grab the other glass and hand it to him, knowing he needs it. “Come on. Let me get you cleaned up,” I pull his hand toward my bathroom. “Run your hands under the water,” I instruct while I grab the cotton swabs and bandages from the cabinet under the sink.

  Taking his hand, I run some mild soap on his wounds and then carefully dry them.

  “How come you aren’t using peroxide or alcohol on my hands?”

  “Because that is actually more harmful and can hinder the healing process.”

  “Oh.”

  After drying his hands, I apply some antibiotic ointment on his knuckles, and then I use a hand bandage to wrap them up because a normal bandage wouldn’t hold.

  “Thanks for getting my purse. But you should have just let the guy go.”

  “I couldn’t let him get away with that.”

  “Well, by the looks of your knuckles, I doubt he’ll do it again,” I smile and look up at him.

  “If I needed anyone to tend to my wounds, it would be you. Thank you.”

  “You’re welcome. You’re all set.”

  He finishes his drink, and we head back to the kitchen. It’s completely dark out, and he takes a moment to look out of my living room window to enjoy the city lights.

  “Just had to get another look at this view. It’s incredible.”

  “Do you want another drink?” I offer.

  “No, I’m good. Thank you.”

  “Sure.” I pour myself another because I hate the silence between us, and wonder what he’s thinking.

  But it seems like he turns around quickly. “I should go. Thanks for wrapping my hands.”

  “Thank you for everything tonight.”

  I start to walk him to the door, and I open it for him. He moves to go through but suddenly stops and turns to me. It’s happening before I can process what he’s about to do. He plants his lips on mine, and cups my face with his hands. I’m on my tip toes kissing him back. I let his tongue tangle with mine and we stand there kissing like no one has ever kissed us like the other. His lips are soft, but he takes mine greedily. His calloused hands rest on the sides of my face.

  And just as quick as it started, he pulls away. “I’m sorry. I…”

  I hold my hand up. “Don’t apologize.” I don’t need to hear him say this was a mistake.

  Chapter Eight

  DOMINICK

  I’m not quite sure why I kissed Geneva. And I’m not sure why I turned away and walked out after she said not to apologize. Does that mean she liked the kiss? I loved the way her lips felt against mine. I remember seeing the bowlike shape of them just as I was about to kiss her; they were soft and tasted like cherry flavored Chapstick.

  “Just head home, and then we can head to the drop point,” I tell Ramos.

  I make a few calls on the way home and try to take my mind off Geneva. But the reminder of her lips on mine are at the forefront of my thoughts. But I have to think about my business first and foremost. I can’t let a woman distract me from that.

  Once I’m home, I go in search of Art, who I find eating in the kitchen. “Eating Belva’s famous spaghetti and meatballs,” I say, entering the kitchen.

  “It’s too good to pass up. Thought I could get a few bites before we make the drop tonight.”

  “You got time.” I swear it’s like he lives here and doesn’t have a home of his own. But there is no one there waiting on him except the empty house, which I think is why he is here most of the time. He likes to have people around.

  “Why are your hands wrapped like that?” Art points with his fork. His real name is Arturo, but everyone calls him Art.

  “Oh. I beat the shit out of a guy because he stole Geneva’s purse when she was about to enter her apartment building.”

  “He still alive?”

  I smirk. “Barely.”

  “So you like this Geneva girl or something?”

  “It’s complicated. I like her. But she says we should just be friends.”

  “Burn.” He takes a moment to laugh. “She might be right.”

  “Well, I don’t recall asking for your opinion.”

  He nods. “You’re right. My bad.”

  “I’m going to go change, and you can get the SUV ready with the goods.”

  “On it,” he says.

  Shaking my head, I head up the staircase to change into a pair of dress pants to go with the dress shirt I am already wearing. Then I slip on a suit jacket to complete the look. Slicking my hair back with my hand, I head back downstairs and meet the guys out front.

  Chapter Nine

  GENEVA

  It’s been a little over a week since I received the black eye. It’s a Saturday when I wake up, I head to my bathroom to look at my eye, and see the coloration is starting to clear up. I could easily get away with stripping tonight because no one would be able to tell with the way the lights are with a little cover up makeup, it will look good as new.

  After the incident at the jail, I was cleared to go back, and I was able to give a statement about what I knew happened. I played like it happened so fast, it was hard to get the details straight. They seemed fine, but put me on leave while they investigate.

  Thankfully, I don’t work at the jail on weekends, there’s another girl that works part time. I only have to worry about stripping tonight, and it should be a busy night. I take a shower and put on joggers and a crop top. I head to the kitchen to make something to eat. I pull the eggs, bacon and sausage out of the fridge when there is a knock on the door.

 

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