Love And War - Mallory Monroe Page 0,3

have a word.

“I’ll meet you at the elevators,” Sal said to Yvonne, and Yvonne, smiling at Tommy, headed in that direction.

Sal looked at Tommy. “I know what I’m doing.”

“Do you?” Tommy asked. “Messing with another man’s woman is low, Sal.”

“Then I’m low, motherfucker. Fast don’t own her, just like I don’t own any of my ladies. This is still a free country.”

“What about Gemma Jones?”

Tommy could tell that question did have an effect on Sal. He even hesitated before responding. “This has nothing to do with her.”

But Tommy was concerned. “How are you ever going to find somebody to love, a good woman, if you keep pulling this shit?”

“I’m going out for drinks with her, for crying out loud! You said that wasn’t even a date in your book. And she sure as hell isn’t giving it up any time soon. What do you expect me to do? Wait around for her?”

“She’s a special lady, Sal.”

“So, what are you saying? You’re saying Gemma deserves better? I know that, alright?”

“That’s not what I’m saying.”

“Then what are you saying, Tommy? Spit it out.”

“I’m saying you deserve better,” Tommy replied. “You deserve better than these going nowhere relationships. You said you found somebody interesting in Gemma. See where that takes you. Don’t settle for this.”

Sal stared at his brother. He knew what he was saying, but it was a scary proposition to Sal. He wasn’t ready to settle down, was he nuts? That was why he settled for less. And probably always would. “Whatever, Tommy,” he said just because he didn’t want to discuss it any further.

Tommy shook his head. He knew Sal was as stubborn as a mule when he wanted to be. “You were the one who said you didn’t want to fuck up. Now Yvonne? That piece of trash? Give me a break!”

But Tommy hugged his kid brother anyway, and kissed him on his cheek. “I’ll see you later,” he said, and headed toward the revolving doors.

Sal stood there watching Tommy as he left. Because he knew Tommy was coming from that place of love. But Sal didn’t see what realistic choice he had. He was still a man with raging hormones, and Yvonne was still one woman he really wanted to try out. A relationship with a woman like Gemma Jones was a pipedream anyway. What would she want with a man like him? Then he shook his head. He knew he was rationalizing. But that didn’t mean he was lying. He was an asshole, what could he say?

He headed for the elevators, for a quickie with Yvonne.

Yvonne stood at the elevator in the back of the lobby putting on lipstick. She felt as if she was on top of the world. She’d known females who’d been with Sal Luca, and every one of them declared it was the best sex they’d ever had. There were rumors about some black chick suddenly popping up on the horizon, but she didn’t believe it. Sal wasn’t into black chicks. He loved him some busty blondes. And it didn’t get more busty and blonde than her. She was about to become, she fervently believed, the best he’d ever had.

Besides, Fast Eddie was getting less and less able to satisfy her. She needed a man more her age, somebody still young and virile. Somebody muscular and strong and rich and good looking like Sal, she thought, as she looked up and saw him approaching her. She smiled that grand smile and tossed her lipstick back into her clutch. She looked at his midsection, and how big his bulge looked even when it wasn’t fully activated. Those tales other women told about Sal in bed had her aching too. She needed a replacement man. She chose Sal.

“Come with me,” Sal said as he walked past the general public elevators to Reno’s private elevator further back. Yvonne smiled as Sal swiped his keycard and the doors opened. Sal didn’t talk as they got onto the elevator. But Yvonne was accustomed to men like him. He wasn’t going to make it easy: they never did. Any moves were going to be up to her. And she intended to pull out the stops.

Sal pressed the button to head upstairs. But they didn’t make it upstairs. Yvonne decided to give him a teaser. As soon as they got onto the elevator, Yvonne began removing clothing. Specifically, her bra. She’d heard that Sal was a breast man, and she knew he wouldn’t be able to resist. She was right.

He