by Ginger Ring
“Look, Lay, you’re the most beautiful woman I know. Any man would be the luckiest man in the world to have you but it isn’t me.” The pained expression on his face took her off guard and she took a step back.
“You don’t want me?” she whispered.
“Of course, I do. What man wouldn’t? But you’re out of my league.” He turned and strode to the kitchen. ‘The room with the stove’ echoed in her mind. Following, she witnessed him grab a take-out menu from the counter and slide it her way. “Hungry?”
“What the hell does that mean? Out of my league?” She’d gone from hurt to pissed again in 2.5 seconds.
“You’re the daughter of a don. Mob princesses don’t marry beneath them.” He placed both hands on the surface in front of him.
“So, you thought about marrying me?” she questioned while pretending to read the menu.
“I would never disrespect you by thinking of anything else.” At least he was being honest. “You are the kind of woman a man builds a life with. Not the kind to sleep with and toss away.”
“I don’t think you’re beneath me. No one does.” Her lip trembled just thinking that he thought that way.
“Your father does and nothing will change that. I won’t disrespect you. I won’t have things halfway. In this family, when you find the woman you want, that’s it. All or nothing.”
She pondered his words. This was the most personal discussion they’d ever had together and she took a moment to let everything sink in. He did care.
“Until this is over, I have to keep protecting you as my main focus. Please don’t try to distract me and get both of us killed. Agreed?”
When she didn’t answer he reached across and lifted her chin with his finger to stare into her eyes. “Agreed?”
“We’ll see.” It was a challenge and one she would win. If Arlo thought he could keep things from getting serious between the two of them, he had another thing coming.
Chapter Eight
Arlo
He was beyond tired and if he thought he’d get any sleep with Layla staying in his home, that wasn’t happening. She was in his town, his home, his bed, and always in his mind. Just thinking about the woman he craved being so near, and yet so far, caused his heart to ache and his head to throb. Well, it wasn’t just his head that was throbbing. He’d had a hard on ever since she’d walked through the door.
Having nothing to sleep in, Arlo told her to pick whatever she wished from the closet. Was the woman curled up in one of his cotton t-shirts or had she chosen a long sleeve dress shirt? It was hard to tell, the woman always surprised him and he was dying to know. Maybe she slept in the nude. The thought of that nearly caused his eyes to roll back in his head.
Just like the meal they’d just shared together. Not trusting to get food from anywhere, he’d picked Firenza. The Caponelli-owned restaurant had excellent food and there was no fear about it poisoning them. Arlo totally expected Layla to order a sushi, soufflé, or some lightweight shit like that. She blew that theory out the door and went all out.
He’d taken a much-needed shower while he left the selection to her. Imagine his surprise when Jasper and Jackie had shown up with their food and joined them. Not only had Layla ordered enough food for an army, she’d invited them to dinner as well.
They’d dined on wedge salad, steaks, baked potatoes, and cake. It was good company, and as the evening went on the tension of the previous night had faded. Jasper had teased that since Arlo and Layla were going to be spending so much time together, he was going to start calling them Laylo, by putting their names together. They all had a good laugh about that and as much as he hated to admit it, Arlo really enjoyed it. He could get used to nights like that and that was something he’d never thought he would say.
Layla was a good influence on him. Always being a loner had hardened him. Friendships were few. There was ice in his blood but when his thoughts turned to Layla, she flowed under his skin and melted it all away. Sure, he’d spent time with the guys over beers and burgers but never had he dreamed of a dinner with another couple at his place. That was what normal people did. Not Arlo Brunetti.
He enjoyed their company and it was on the tip of his tongue to invite them again but Arlo held off. It was all too much, too soon. Near tragedies can change a person, but things like this had never affected him before so why should they now?
Arlo yawned and sat up. Sleep should be easy to come by but he was still on edge. Adrenalin was a hard bitch to calm and she’d been surging through him like lightning ever since the boat blew up. Another hit was coming, it was just a matter of time.
“Ah, fuck.” He rose and padded on bare feet to the fridge and opened the door. That damn cannoli cake dared him to take another bite. It was the best thing he’d tasted in a long time. Arlo pulled out the plate, set it on the counter, and took a fork from the drawer.
The utensil was halfway to his mouth when the door of his bedroom opened and Layla poked her head out.
“Are you eating cake?” She was drowning in one of his green and gold Packer shirts. The sight caused him to drool more than any dessert, even the cannoli cake.
“Great choice on the team.” He pointed his fork her direction before shoving a heaping piece of sugary goodness into his mouth.
“What can I say? The Bears suck.” Layla approached and put her hands on her hips. The gesture exaggerated her tiny waist in the large garment. “Are you eating that directly from the pan?” Her eyes narrowed.
“My place, my cake, my rules. Got a problem with that, sweetheart?” He put the cake back on the counter.
“Yeah, I do.” She narrowed her eyes and was at his side in three steps. “Didn’t your parents ever teach to share? Give me a fork.”
Arlo did as he was told and she dug in. Putting a large forkful in her mouth, she moaned with pleasure. The woman of his dreams this close and wearing next to nothing was going to be the death of him.
“You should be sleeping.” His fingers gripped the counter as he tried to concentrate on the food and not the woman.
“So should you.” Layla faced the living room where his makeshift bed lay. A pillow and blanket was tossed on the leather couch. “How do you even fit on that thing? Seriously, you take the bed and I can sleep on the davenport.”
Her giving his couch a fancy name just reinforced how different they were. She was royalty and he was a peasant. “No. You’re a guest.” He slid the plate her way, tossed his dirty fork in the sink, and wandered back to the other room.
Hoping she’d get the hint; Arlo sank into the ‘davenport’ and pulled the blanket across his chest. The refrigerator door opened and closed but the door to her bedroom never did. His worst and best nightmare just collided as Layla took a seat on the coffee table in front of him.
“I can’t sleep and I’m cold,” she whispered. “Can I sleep here with you?”
“There are extra blankets in the closet or I can turn the air down.” He tried to sound distant but it was useless. She had already bewitched his heart and soul.
“Please.” Her plea broke him. “I know I come across as brave but for the first time in my life, I’m scared.” Reaching her hand out, she quickly withdrew it. It broke him, she broke him. “Truly scared.”
He pulled her toward him. Lying down, he positioned her in front of him on the couch and covered them both with the blanket. He didn’t need the warmth, his flesh burned wherever they touched. Layla said she was cold so he’d burn in hell to keep her warm.
“Try and get some sleep.” Arlo wrapped his arm around her waist and pulled her tight. The couch was big but it was still a tight fit for the both of them. It probably would’ve been best to use the bed but that would have been too much temptation. He wasn’t a saint, never had been, never would be, but tonight she needed him and he’d give whatever it took to make her feel better.
“Thank you.” She squeezed his hand and entwined their fingers.
Taking a deep breath, he inhaled her sweet scen
t. She smelled of cinnamon and honey. Layla had always been sugar, spice, and everything nice, and the years had just enhanced that. He closed his eyes and the last thing he expected to happen, did. For the first time in a while, he’d slept.
The smell of coffee woke him with a start. Someone was in his kitchen. Arlo reached under the couch and pulled out his gun. Sounds of a woman humming brought everything back. It was Layla. Putting the Glock back in place, he threw the blanket off and headed toward the sizzle of bacon.
“Good morning, grumpy.” Layla held out a mug of joe, little waves of steam rolling off the dark liquid. She’d pulled her hair back in a messy bun and wore no makeup. It was a different Layla than he was used to seeing and if he had to pick, he liked this one best. On her feet were a pair of his socks. They were huge but obviously kept her feet toasty and warm.
“Why are you calling me grumpy?” Pulling out a stool, he settled in the chair to watch her cook. There was no limit to the talents this woman processed.
She waved a spatula and shrugged. “Well, you aren’t a bubbly kind of guy, but the look on your face when you came in the room was even more than the usual expression of gloom and doom.”
He grumbled and scratched his chin. The scraggly beard needed to be trimmed.
“What’s the problem?” Layla flipped a piece of bacon onto a paper towel-covered plate. “I’m assuming it’s me.”
“In a way.” Arlo took a sip from his mug. Was it just her or was this the best cup of coffee he’d ever had? Just the right amount of sugar and creamer. And something else. “What’s in this?”
“Cinnamon. You don’t like it?” Her mouth dropped open.
“No, no. It’s great. I like it.” The corners of her lips turned up.
“But you don’t like having me here.”
“I never sleep the whole night. I’m a light sleeper and yet you got up, made breakfast, and I never woke. What if someone would have broken in?” Damn, he’d messed up.
“You were worn out and we’re in a secure location. You needed it, so don’t complain.” Piling some pancakes on a plate along with the drained bacon, she slid the dish in front of him. Gathering some juice, maple syrup, butter, and milk for their meal, Layla made up a plate for herself and took a seat next to him. A man could get used to this.
“Still that doesn’t excuse it.” The pancakes were light, fluffy, and so delicious. “Thanks for the breakfast, this is really good. I didn’t know you could cook.”
“I can do a lot of things good.” She winked and the little minx was back.
“Still, I’m calling your father and telling him you need someone else to guard you.”
Layla dropped her fork and it clanked on the service top. “You trust someone else to follow me around?”
Arlo puffed out his cheeks and rested his elbows on the counter. “No, I don’t.”
“Then I don’t want to hear any more about it. You hadn’t slept for shit and were exhausted. If we were anywhere else but here, I don’t doubt that you’d still be up.” She took a drink of juice. “I’ve already sent out an email to Connie to pack everything I need and it’ll be here in a few hours.”
It looked like she would be staying and he had to admit, he was secretly relieved. He really didn’t trust anyone else with her. To keep their hands off her and to protect her. If anyone was going to struggle with both, it would be him.
“I will continue to monitor our businesses and accounts from here but I need to find something to do outside of this building or I’ll go nuts.”
“I’ll talk to Roman. He owns several businesses around town. It shouldn’t be too hard to find you something to do. Madison has a lot of charities she works with.”
“Thanks, but I found something.” The glimmer in her eye told him she’d already decided and there wasn’t a damn thing he could do about it.
“Yeah, can’t wait to hear what that is.” He humored her and tried the bacon. Again, it was cooked to perfection just like the rest of the meal.
“Well,” she rested an elbow on the counter top, “you know how I love to dance.”
Yes, he knew that. He remembered Madison once commented that Layla had taken dance lessons of every kind for years. The dance he’d shared with her at her sweet sixteen was one of his most cherished memories. They’d floated across the floor like they were professionals. He knew only basic steps so it was all Layla. She made him a better man.
“Yeah, you want to open a school or something?”
“Something.” There was that gleam again. “I was looking online and saw a business outside of town that was for sale.”
He racked his brain trying to think what that could be. The family and the MC had a few businesses outside town that he was familiar with but none that Layla would be interested in.
“And that would be?” Arlo poured himself a glass of milk.
“The Genoa Gentlemen’s Club.”
The carton nearly slipped from his hand. “That’s a strip club.”
“I know.” Layla’s face lit up like a kid at Christmas time.
Chapter Nine
It was no use saying anymore, Layla clearly had her mind made up. Arlo glanced her way as they drove through the entrance to Roman’s estate. A strip club was no place for a lady but she’d already discussed the purchase with her father. She even had a meeting set up with a realtor today to view the place.
He’d been there once with Jasper to do a collection. The owner’s drug problem tended to burn up his profits instead of paying bills, it was no surprise when the place went under. The Gentlemen’s Club was the last place he wanted to go today but where Layla went, he went.
First, there was a meeting with the guys to go over the latest news on Fedor. His companion would be spending time with her sister while the men planned their next move. This situation had everyone on high alert so the sooner it was over, the better. Then he could send Layla back to Chicago and end the misery of being so close to the one he wanted but couldn’t have.
Parking by Jasper’s vehicle, Arlo came around to assist Layla. They could be under surveillance by Fedor anywhere so they intended to keep up the game. He reached for her hand and shut the door behind them. Her skin was so soft and smooth it felt like silk. When she wrapped her arm around his waist, he felt about ten feet tall. Arlo had never begrudged the other guys finding love and pairing off but now he did. To have such a special woman by his side was just too much to wish for. However, not just any woman would do. Only Layla would.
It was instinct alone that caused him to kiss the top of her head as they strolled to the house. Even though it wasn’t real, for the moment he would pretend it was. Play the part of happily ever after.
“I could get used to this,” Layla purred. She’d always pursued him but whether it was pity or just a twisted yearning for someone not of her league he had no clue. Maybe it was a rebellion against her father’s wishes. Her father hated the sight of him. Roman had been Bruno’s first choice for his daughter but since then, there’d been no suitors that he’d heard of. Why was that?
Dominic drove in behind them. The slam of his van door broke his train of thought and Arlo waved in greeting. “Dom.”
“AR,” Dominic called back. They had a lot to discuss today but how much they could say and who would hear it had everyone off their game. Layla’s suggestion that it was an inside job had stuck with him.
Jasper opened the front door. The guy was always an eager beaver and had probably arrived a half hour before. “Come on in, slackers.” No one could blame him for wanting to do a good job.
“Jasper, you’re such a brown nose.” Dominic punched him in the shoulder. Despite their differences in the way they did things, they’d become close friends over the past year.
As soon as they entered the house, Madison rushed up to hug Layla and drag her upstairs. At least having Lay here was a comfort for Maddy.
“Come into the study.” Roman stood in the doorway of the room. As soon as they entered a
nd took their seats, he shut the door. It was just the four of them. Roman, Jasper, Dominic, and himself. “I’ve had the room swept and the cameras turned off.” Certain rooms in the house had always been monitored for security but now they were concerned about the breach coming from within. Nothing and no one could be trusted.
“Did they find anything?” Dominic asked. “Who did you use?”
“There was one bug and I had Ryan do it.”
Arlo sat up a little straighter. “Ryan?”
“Yeah, he had equipment from the department and if there’s anyone that I trust outside the men in this room, it’s him.”
They all nodded. Ryan could be trusted and had saved their asses many times already. “Any leads on where it came from or how it got here?” Jasper crossed an ankle over his knee and folded his arms in front of his chest.
“It was one of ours.” Roman tossed a pen on the desk and leaned back in his chair.
“So, it is an inside job?” Just as Arlo’d thought. “Who and why? It didn’t make sense. Do you think it is really Fedor and his pursuit of Layla? Or something else?”
“The Russian’s an asshole.” Dominic entered the conversation. “Even if he no longer wants her, he’ll keep it up until he’s dead or has her in his possession. Too stubborn for their own damn good.” Dom’s wife had been contracted to marry a member of the Bratva but escaped, only to show up years later after catching sight of his former fiancée on a social media news site.
“Then he’ll be dead soon because that isn’t happening.” Arlo was prepared to fight to the death, just as Dominic had to keep that woman safe.
“Do you think he knows about Alexander?” Jasper suggested.
Roman entwined his fingers and lay his fist on the desk. “That’s exactly what I think. I think the reason he tried to go after Layla was not to marry her but to use her as leverage to get him back. We’ve talked about this before. Since the Rinaldis didn’t have a clue that we had him, he went after them to get to us. Thankfully, Layla didn’t fall for the trap and Bruno didn’t encourage it either. Even a simple date for coffee could have dragged her into something that would have been hard to get out of without a trade for his psycho brother.” Arlo wrapped his fingers around the arms of his chair. his knuckles went white just thinking about her in the hands of that fucking bastard.