some respect for the Family.” Michael leaned over the table, pinning me with his intense glare. “You’ve had it easy, baby girl. You have no idea what it’s like to grow up hungry. You’ve had a cushy upbringing, and I’ve never asked you for a goddamned thing. All I want from you is your part.”
I followed his gaze to Leo. “Which is?”
“I’m not saying you have to marry him, but give Leo a chance.”
Fuck. “What if I hate him?”
“You won’t. He’s nice.”
Whatever.
It wasn’t a big deal to talk to a man for a few minutes. I’d entertain Michael, make my excuses, and split, but my brother was high if he thought I’d elope with a stranger. No, I’d get out of marrying the Legion biker on my own. I stood and headed toward the bar, forcing a smile as I approached Leo.
He was handsome in the traditional sense, but he wasn’t drop-dead gorgeous. Crow’s feet wrinkled his skin, and gray peppered his brown mane. He stepped aside, giving me his stool.
“Hey, there.”
I liked his voice. It was smooth and thick, and as tempting as a warm bath. I sat beside him, which unfortunately gave me a front-row seat to Vinn making out with the flavor of the week.
“So.” Leo stared at me shrewdly. “You old enough to be here?”
“I’m twenty-one.”
Relief rippled across his brow. “What’s your poison?”
“I’m still figuring that out.”
“Then I’ll have to guess.” He flagged the bartender. “Two Moscow mules.”
Leo passed the copper drink and bumped his mug against mine.
I sipped, my nose wrinkling at the harsh taste. “So, what do you do?”
“I deal with construction. I’m a project manager. Lots of meetings with architects and city hall officials.” He waved it off and leaned into his hand. “What about you? College student?”
“Yeah. Bourton.”
He whistled. “Wow.”
“Don’t be impressed. I have no clue what I’m doing.”
“They don’t let just anyone into Bourton.”
“Sure they do. You just need deep pockets or a family member who was an alumnus.” I motioned him closer, whispering. “Have you heard of Alessio Salvatore?”
“Of course.”
“He paid off the board to admit his wife. She didn’t even take the SATs.” The injustice of it burned every time I glimpsed her on campus.
“Sounds like my line of work. Bureaucracy gets waived with enough cash. Do you know what you want to do?”
“Not yet.”
“Well, a girl like you has a lot of options. Especially for dating.”
“Because I’m Michael’s sister?”
“Because you’re beautiful.”
“Thank you.” The compliment stroked my body like warm feathers. It was a little cheesy, but I liked the attention.
“I saw you here a couple of days ago. All by yourself.” He clicked his tongue. “No bodyguards, either.”
I grabbed his wrist. “Tell Michael, and I’ll kill you.”
“Do I get any last requests?”
“None.”
He laughed, his rich voice smoothing to a decadent silkiness. “I won’t say a word, but I insist on walking you home.”
“If you must.”
My brother’s promotion to consigliere came with its consequences, like an increased risk of being shot. Michael often complained that Vinn refused his security.
I hated him, but still hoped he was safe.
My gaze darted to Vinn.
Leo’s finger slid along my jaw, pulling me toward him. My skin tingled as he released me.
“Your hand looks heavy. Can I hold that for you?”
My cheeks burned, but I nodded.
Leo’s rough calluses glided over my palm, and then he balled me in his fist. Warmth buzzed inside me as he stroked me, right there on the bar counter.
I chanced a look at Vinn, who’d stopped reacting to the girl on his lap. His stare struck me through the smoky lighting. Seconds ticked by, and Vinn stood, a fortress of power.
He muttered something that made his date flinch. Abandoning her, he stormed across the room. He was like a dark cloud, gaining energy, siphoning attention.
What the hell?
Men in suits gathered behind him like predators sensing a kill.
This would not end well.
Vinn was tall and packed with enough muscle to fuel a football team, and he seemed to despise Leo, who greeted him warmly.
“Mr. Costa. Can I help you?”
“Who are you?”
Vinn’s graveyard voice was like a magic spell, infecting the atmosphere with fear. A deathly quiet interrupted the clinking of pool balls, the laughter, and the clattering of flatware. Everybody watched us.
Leo cleared his throat. “Leo DiMaggio.”
Vinn didn’t seem soothed by the information. He stared at Leo as though he’d just admitted to fucking me without a condom. His lip curled, taking in our closeness with apparent disgust. His accusatory gaze landed on me.
My stomach clenched.
What did I do?
Leo squeezed