Speak Easy (Speak Easy 1)

I was tempted to gulp down the rest of my champagne, but I left the half-drunk glass on the desk and headed for the door. Enzo followed me down the hall and into the stairwell, saying nothing as we descended one flight. Was he not going to offer an explanation? What the hell was he thinking? Finally I couldn’t stand it any longer.

I whirled to face him. “Why did you lie?”

He went around me and continued down the steps, and I clambered after him, grabbing his arm.

“Why did you lie? The money wasn’t all there.”

He met my eyes. “Because I’m not ready for this to end. Not tonight.”

I swallowed. Not ready for what to end? Was he talking about the kidnapping or something between us? “Then why wouldn’t you agree to help me before?”

One side of his mouth rose. “That wouldn’t have been any fun.”

I dropped his arm. “This is fun for you?”

“Well, certain parts of it are fun.” He came up one step so that his face hovered near mine. “Don’t you think?”

I can’t think with you so close to me. His dark eyes glittered, and I forgot all about ransom money, whisky, and deadlines. My breath came faster, and I felt the silk of my dress whispering across the tight, hard peaks of my breasts. Enzo lowered his gaze to watch my chest rising and falling. Then, meeting my eyes again, he lifted one hand and slowly brushed the back of his fingers over one taut nipple, poking visibly through the thin bodice of Rosie’s dress. Desire sparked at the center of me and zipped through my veins like fire along a fuse.

But I wouldn’t explode.

I can play this game too. With one hand I reached for the button of his coat. Slipped it through the hole. Without breaking the stare, I ran the back of my hand down the front of his trousers in the same deliberate way. But I didn’t stop there—I turned my hand over and slowly moved my palm up and down, enjoying the way he sucked in his breath, the way he swayed toward me, unsteady on his feet. The way I could feel his flesh growing beneath my touch. Now who has the power?

I brought my lips close to his. “We should get back,” I said softly as I stroked him. “Someone is waiting for you.”

“Fuck,” Enzo whispered, eyes closing.

My thoughts exactly.

I stepped to the side and continued down the stairs without him.

#

When I had cleared the curtain into the main room, I stopped for a second, bracing myself against the back of a chair. Oh my God. It felt as if steam would rise from my skin, I was so hot. I need to get out of here. Not only was I in danger of losing complete control if Enzo and I were alone again, I had to find out what happened to Joey and tell him about the rum shipment tomorrow night.

I saw Rosie at the bar and headed for her, smoothing my dress. “Hey,” I said, tapping her shoulder. “I’m leaving.”

She turned slightly, barely enough to make eye contact. “Oh. OK, see ya.” She was about to ignore me once more when her eyes went wide. “Criminy, who is that?”

I wasn’t surprised to hear Enzo’s voice in my ear seconds later. “Don’t go.” He placed a hand on the small of my back, sending heat buzzing down my legs. “I’ve decided you can’t leave. Is this a friend of yours? You should both join my party.”

“Sure we will,” said Rosie, turning her charm on Enzo. “What’s your name, sweetie?”

“Tiny? Will you stay?” It sounded like a question, but the way he pinned me with his eyes and pressed his fingers into my back made me feel differently.

Say no. Say no. “All right. But not for too long.”

He nodded to Rosie. “I’m Enzo DiFiore. You are?”

“Rosie LaChance,” she said sweetly. “A real pleasure to meet you.”

“Ladies, follow me.” We trailed him to a group of tables at the front, where a group of young people sat drinking, smoking, and hollering at their friends on the dance floor. As we approached, the brown-haired smarty from earlier narrowed her eyes at us.

“Have a seat.” Enzo pulled out two empty chairs, and I lowered myself into one, the smarty’s eyes burning holes in my skin.

“Who’s this, Enzo?” She had a voice like squeaky chalk on a slate.

“Ladies, this is Gina Meloni,” he said, gesturing to her. “And Gina, this is Tiny O’Mara and Rosie LaChance. Tiny is doing some business with my father. These girls are our guests tonight.” Gina scowled at that.