Possessive Boss

“Just say what?”

“I think they were mobsters.”

I stare at him, eyes wide. My heart’s racing in my chest.

Darin Ficino, son of the Ficino Crime Family. The real reason I’m here.

And he’s sending Jacob into a meeting with mobsters.

But Jacob clearly didn’t know they were mafia before the meeting. In fact, he seems totally uncomfortable with the idea. Which makes me wonder just how much he knows about his friend’s family and where they make their money.

“Mobsters?” I laugh, trying to act like I don’t believe him. “That’s crazy.”

“I know. I’m probably just being a little racist. I mean, they were Italian, so.”

“So obviously they’re in the mob.”

He groans. “I know. It’s terrible.”

“Maybe not. I mean, did they make you an offer you couldn’t refuse?”

He grins at me but there’s not a lot behind that smile. “You’re right. I won’t tell that story ever again.”

“I didn’t mean that, but—”

I get cut off when the waitress returns. She pours more wine and asks if we need anything. When she leaves, Jacob moves the conversation on to something new, and I don’t know how to go back without sounding totally weird.

We keep it light for the rest of the night. I have a couple more drinks and I’m feeling happy by the time the check arrives. I don’t remember the last time I went out with a guy like this and spent the whole time laughing and smiling.

The comment about the mob plays in my head. I want to ask him about it but there’s just no natural way to do it. And anyway, I don’t want to do that right now. Maybe it’s my job, but they’re only paying me to dig around on work hours.

This is my personal life. And I happen to be having fun right now.

“What?” he asks me, looking up from the check. “You’re smiling at me.”

“I am?” I laugh a little. “Sorry. I don’t remember the last time I was out and just… had fun.”

“Really?” He tilts his head. “That’s surprising.”

“Why?”

“Girls that look like you usually have a lot of fun.”

I blush a little bit. “Oh, stop.”

“Really.” He shuts the bill book and leans back. “Why haven’t you been having fun?”

“I’ve just been busy.”

“Busy, huh?”

“You’ve seen my resume. Was there any time to have fun in there?”

He hesitates a second. “You’re right.”

“I know I am.” I laugh a little. “I’ve been busy studying and working since I was eighteen. It’s not easy being in finance, you know.”

“You mean, being a woman in finance?”

I wince. “Yeah. I guess.”

“Look, you can just say it. You’re not the first woman I’ve met working in finance, you know.”

“Okay. Guys are pigs and dogs.”

He laughs at that. “Okay, I didn’t mean you should go so far.”

“You asked for it.”

“You’re right, I did.” He grins and shakes his head. “I know you’re right. Truth is, you can’t get away from that mentality in this world. I don’t know what it is.”

“There just aren’t enough women around. Guys start to forget how to act when they’re always around each other. It becomes like, competitive. Women become one-dimensional.”

“That’s a good way of putting it.”

“Anyway, it’s not that bad. I work hard, I keep my head down. Most people I meet are perfectly nice.”

“It’s just the few bad apples that ruin the whole bunch, right?”

“Right.” I look away. “And they can be bad.”

He reaches out and takes my hand suddenly. I look at it and back up to him. He smiles a little. “You don’t have to worry about that at my company. I mean it, if any ever says anything to you that makes you remotely uncomfortable… tell me. I’ll deal with them personally.”

I nod slowly. “I believe you.”

“Good.”

He releases my hand and leans back. The waitress returns, takes the book, and wishes us a good night. He smiles back as she floats off.

I’ve never met a man like him before. He just looked me in the eye like he was going to protect me for the rest of my life. It was incredible and intense. I still have chills from the way he touched me.

“Let’s head out,” he says.

“I should go home.” I yawn a little. “I start a new job soon.”

“Yes, you do.”

We get up and he leads me out. We walk for a little while, enjoying the cool crisp evening. He puts an arm around my shoulder and I lean in against him, not really thinking about it, just feeling and experiencing.

I know I should keep my distance. My boss didn’t put me in this job to fall for Jacob Lofthouse. I’m only supposed to investigate them from the inside. And anyway, Jacob’s not even our target. So it doesn’t matter if I get involved.

At least that’s what I keep telling myself.

Eventually we get into his town car and the driver takes me home. I get out and Jacob follows me up to my front door.