The Banker (Banker 1)

I gave him a slight wave in understanding.

Giovanni walked out.

Bates shut his laptop then stuffed it into his brown leather bag. “Who’s Siena?”

“The art buyer.” I stood up and finished the rest of my glass before I left it behind.

“Good. She’ll liven up the place.” Bates pulled the strap over his shoulder, a slight smile on his face. “Or at least your bedroom.”

I hadn’t told my brother about my previous experience with her. “I don’t think I’ll get the honor.”

“Wow. Didn’t realize there was a woman out of your league.”

I walked him to the door. “I just think we have different preferences.” My cock needed two pussies every night, two mouths, and two assholes. Regardless of how stunning Siena was, I suspected a lay with her would be disappointing.

“Then that means she’s fair game.” Bates walked out and entered the entryway. The second we were out in the open, he stopped discussing her, knowing she might be able to hear our conversation.

Which was why I didn’t speak further on the matter.

Bates invited himself into the drawing room and found Siena sitting on the couch like last time, a glass of scotch in front of her. He turned to me, wore a smug smile, and then kept walking. “The art buyer.”

Siena turned around at the sound of his voice. She must have realized we were related because our features were so similar. Anyone with eyes could figure it out. She stood up and gave him an effortless smile, one that wasn’t genuine but still undeniably beautiful. Whether she was smiling or frowning, she still had the exact same appeal. It was something I’d noticed after watching her from across the room. “Hello.” She shook his hand. “You must be Bates. Pleasure to meet you.”

Bates reciprocated, but he had a sinister look in his eyes. It was the same expression he wore when we were out on the town. He liked what he saw and wanted more of it. His hand squeezed her wrist a little too long, and he took his time withdrawing. “The pleasure is mine.” He slid his hands into his pockets and continued to stare at her.

My brother and I were both predators, stalking our prey in the open. We’d shared women before, so he wouldn’t hesitate to do it again if I were interested.

But I knew Siena would never go for that.

I gently clapped my brother on the back, silently excusing him. “I’ll see you tomorrow, Bates.”

“Alright.” He kept his gaze on Siena before finally turning away and walking out.

He shut the door behind himself, so it was just the two of us.

The second he was gone, Siena dropped her smile. She regarded me seriously, turning into the cold professional she’d been just a few days ago. Today, she was in a black pencil skirt that hugged her hourglass frame phenomenally and a white blouse. Pearls hung around her neck. She also wore pearl earrings. Her hair was pulled back like usual, showing the contours of her feminine face. I preferred it when women left their hair down, long and luscious around their shoulders. My fingers liked to grab on to something while I pinned a woman underneath me. But her elegant updo enticed me anyway. She commanded respect in her silence. It must have been her posture or her natural confidence. She’d turned me down and called me a pig, but I still found her fascinating.

My hands rested by my sides as I gazed into her face. Her tall stilettos still couldn’t make her match my height—not even close. But her poise made her confidence rival mine. Most women couldn’t tolerate my intensity. They fidgeted in place and looked visibly nervous, waiting for me to take the reins and guide them. But just as she’d warned, Siena seemed like a woman who could hold her own.

“Let’s get started, Mr. Marino.” She sat down and crossed her ankles, sitting like a princess wearing an invisible tiara.

I stared down at her, imagining her on her knees instead of her ass. “Cato is fine.” I lowered myself onto the couch across from her.

“I prefer Mr. Marino.” She opened her folder and examined her notes.

I liked the way she referred to me with respect, but I didn’t like the way she challenged me. “Cato.” When she referred to me by my surname, it seemed like she was just another person in the crowd. But when she said my first name, it was easy for me to imagine how differently that night would have gone if she hadn’t stormed out.

She lifted her gaze to meet mine, looking at me through the thickness of her lashes. Coy but confident, she was alluring.

Fuckable.

When I’d looked at her initially, I’d thought she was beautiful like most other women. Nothing too special about her. But her smartass mouth and strong opinions made her far more interesting than I’d anticipated.