Against All Odds: Choices
Sarah Amerson
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Copyright © 2013
SarahAmerson.com
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No part of this publication may be copied, reproduced in any format, by any means, electronic or otherwise, without prior consent from the copyright owner and publisher of this book.
This is a work of fiction. All characters, names, places and events are the product of the author's imagination or used fictitiously.
Have you read the 1st book in the series?
Against All Odds Crossroad
http://www.amazon.com/Against-All-Odds-Crossroad-ebook/dp/B00DP5B2UO
Table of Contents
Chapter 1: Taking a Plunge
Chapter 2: Life in The Hamptons
Chapter 3: Old Meets New
Chapter 4: Truths and Confessions
Chapter 1: Taking a Plunge
Imagine Dragons was playing on the radio on this lazy Saturday afternoon. The apartment was quiet and peaceful, with soft music as a background to add some sort of effect to this eventful chapter of my life.
With my eyes closed, I sighed and laid my head on the couch.
It was hard to imagine that my unexpected encounter with the City's famous Leonardo Russo happened only last night. Honestly, it felt like it was a lifetime ago. Things became from simple to complicated in a span of little time. Who would've thought?
“Tough luck,” commented Sarah, who was sitting beside me.
I just told her everything because I was too mind-blown last night to do so. After my conversation with Leo, I just went straight to my room and hit the sack. I hoped so bad that it was all just some bad dream.
But no, it wasn't. I really had a one-night-stand with one of New York City's most wanted bachelors. Not to mention, he was the sole heir of a multinational corporation. To make things worse, he was also the son of a Mob Boss.
A week ago, I only had my sister, my job, and the bills to think about. Now – thanks to my raging hormones that didn't realize I wasn't a teenager anymore – I had to think about a man who made me weak in the knees, too. Figuratively and literally.
“So the guy you slept with last week is the Leo Russo?” Sarah added in a question. Her facial expression screamed of shocked disbelief.
I nodded without opening my eyes.
“Bridget,” she whispered. “He's Leo fucking Russo! He's practically a walking example of everything you stand against to. Wow, how freaking ironic is that?”
“I know. Don't rub it in.”
She snorted. “Well, he surely rubbed himself in you.”
At that, I opened my eyes to glare at her. I completely ignored the fact that I could feel my cheeks heat up from what she said.
“You're not helping at all,” I told her, getting up and heading to the kitchen to make myself a sandwich.
“I didn't realize you needed help,” she muttered.
I swung around and faced Sarah, who didn't move from the couch.
“I need help to get rid of this –” I paused to exasperatedly gesture on my body. “– this attraction I have for him. I need it to go away and be gone!”
“You wouldn't like to hear the solution for that, babe,” said Sarah a-matter-of-factly, flipping her ridiculously shiny red hair while she rolled her green eyes.
I put my hand on my hip and raised an eyebrow.
“Try me.”
“All right, fine,” she shrugged, standing up. “The only way to get rid of that desire is to satisfy it with the object of your arousal. There you go. That's your solution.”
I stared at her, letting the words sink in me. When the realization hit, it was like a ton of bricks thrown at me.
“You're not seriously telling me that I have to sleep with Leo again, are you?” I asked incredulously, fearing her answer.
She smiled weakly. “As much as I hate to break it to you . . .”
Oh, no.
“That's . . .”
Please, no.
“That's exactly what I'm telling you, Bri.”
I wasn't as eager to go to Rusty's for work as I was used to on weekends. My mind was too preoccupied for me to be able to focus on making the orders right and keeping drunk men happy. I tried to keep my head on what I was doing at the moment as much as possible, but the thought of Leo just kept coming back.
The part of me that wanted to see him again was starting to question the reasons why I didn't want to in the first place.
It was frustrating as heck.
“Bri!”
My head whipped around at the sound of my name. Then, I sighed in relief when I saw a wavy brown head with a friendly face. I walked over to the other end of the counter where he was at in order to greet him.
“Hey, George,” I grinned broadly.
It was always nice to see a familiar face, other than the regulars who hung out at the bar to pass the time. At least, I went to high school with George. He was also Sarah's ex-boyfriend. Thankfully, we all remained friends so everything was cool.
“I thought you went to graduate school or something,” I said.
“Yeah,” he smiled. “Harvard. Typical, huh?”
“No, not really,” I laughed.
I didn't know much about his family, but I knew enough to know that they were loaded. Probably not as wealthy as a particular person I didn't want to think about right now, though.
“So what are you doing around here? Does Sarah even know you're in town?”
He shook his head. “Nah, I'm not around for long,” he breathed out. “Just had to get back to take care of a family thing.”
I nodded. “Well, what do you want to drink? It's on the house.”
“You don't have to do that.”
“For old times' sake,” I offered, wiggling my eyebrows.
He laughed. “Okay, just a Corona. Thanks.”
“No prob.”
I gave him a smile before turning to get his order. When I returned to give him his beer, I had a tingling feeling that someone was looking at me. My eyes wandered around the bar briefly and caught a pair of steel blue eyes staring back.
Crap. Leo was here. In the bar. Right now.
I swiftly looked away and handed George his bottle.
“How's Ariana?” he asked. “Is she doing well at her school in the Upper East Side?”
I inwardly felt grateful to him for the distraction.
“Yeah, she is,” I confirmed proudly, completely ignoring the fact that I could still feel Leo's eyes on me. “She's still a part of the scholarship program they're offering.”
“That's nice. I'm happy for you guys.”
There was genuine sincerity in his voice that made my heart melt. Old friends knew what I had been through – what my sister and I had been through. It was nice to hear that other people could see a big improvement in our lives.
“Thanks,” I replied. “It means a lot, G-man.”
He burst out laughing. Hysterically, I might add.
“Holy shit,” he managed to say through his laughs. “No one has called me that in a long time. I can't believe you still remember that.”
“Duh.” I rolled my eyes, smiling at how amused I made him.
On the corner of my eye, I saw movement from a black silhouette. It wasn't rocket science to know whose black suit and tie were walking towards the counter and directly towards me.
Dang it. Can't Leo wait until I've come up with a reason not to talk to him?
&nb
sp; Apparently, he couldn't. Because he was now right beside George, the counter serving as the only barrier between us. And he was staring straight at me.
I didn't look at Leo, and pretended to be busy cleaning the glasses on my side of the counter. It wasn't until I heard George speak that I looked up.
“You look familiar,” he commented, studying Leo.
Leo nodded in quick greeting to him. “Probably,” he merely said. Then, he turned his eyes to me.
There was a mixture of emotions I saw in them. It was as though he was amused at my attempt of indifferent expression, but at the same time he was serious that he seemed like he really meant business.
“We need to talk,” he told me in an urgent tone.
I frowned. “We talked last night.”
“Unfortunately, you walked away before we got to finish it.”
“I thought the conversation was over,” I shrugged nonchalantly, even though I knew he was right. I left before we got the chance to settle things, leaving the matter unresolved. Before Leo could respond, I added, “Look, I'm working.”
He gazed at me for a moment, before nodding once and reaching a hand to his pocket. He pulled out his wallet, then a hundred-dollar bill.
“Here,” he said, placing the money on the counter. “JD on the rocks. Oh, and a Budweiser for the big guy,” he added, nodding to the other end of the bar.
There, sitting with his intimidating quietness, was Marco. Of course, he'd be here. He was Leo's bodyguard, after all.
I took the money and went on to get their orders. Marco didn't say anything when I put the bottle of beer in front of him. He just gave me a tight nod and carried on watching the crowd.
Leo was a different case, though.
When I gave him his drink, the same drink we had when we first met, flashes of our first night together came crashing down on me. The part of me that badly wanted him questioned again the reasons why I wouldn't let him devour me like that night.
I kept saying that he wasn't good for me. I kept telling myself that he lived a life that was everything I was against to. I kept reminding myself that no good would ever come out if I gave this thing we had – whatever it was – a chance.
And yet . . .
He haven't done or shown a single thing that made me run to the opposite direction. In fact, he had shown me nothing but sweetness and thoughtfulness. Yes, he might have came off a little controlling occasionally. But honestly, I wouldn't be attracted to someone who I could easily dominate. I wanted someone who could protect me and make me feel safe, control me in a way that wasn't overbearing. Basically, I wanted someone who could match up to me.
As much I didn't like to admit it, those traits were in Leo.
I guess that's why I'm so afraid to get close to him after that first night. Because I know that if I see him again, there's a big possibility I'll fall for him.
'What's wrong with falling for him?' a part of me asked.
'Because,' I answered myself, 'I don't want to get involved with his other life. I've had enough of their kind in this lifetime.'
The blocks of ice in the glass rattled as Leo took a drink, bringing me back to reality. My eyes instantly found his face. He was still clean-shaven, and his black hair still contrasted his pale skin. His broad and defined jaw lines never failed to impress me. He acquired such smooth features to someone who looked quite manly.
He looks so neatly handsome that it actually hurts a little to think I can never have him. Oh, my God. How pathetic am I to think like that?
“Yo, Bri,” said George.
I almost jumped in surprise. I forgot he was there.
“Yeah?” I asked.
George took a last gulp of his beer, and stood up.
“I gotta bounce,” he declared, reaching over the counter for a brief hug. I automatically leaned closer to receive it, fairly aware that Leo's eyes were on us. “Thanks for the beer. Send my regards to Ariana and Sarah. Take care, you hear?” he added, pulling away and looking me in the eye to show me he was serious.
I guessed he was talking about my psycho ex-boyfriend. He knew all about it, see.
“I will,” I told him, smiling reassuringly. “Now you go be a kick-ass lawyer.”
He laughed. “Someday.” With that, he made a move to leave. He paused behind Leo, staring at him for a moment like he was still trying to identify where he'd seen him before. Giving up, he headed for the door and left.
“So let's finish that discussion we had last night,” said Leo.
I looked at him. Inwardly, I wondered if he didn't feel a tiny bit jealous. Wasn't he wondering who George was in my life? Or maybe he simply didn't care?
Hold on, why did I want him to be jealous? Geez.
“Leo,” I started, but I didn't know how to end the sentence so I just shook my head.
“So your dad was a cop,” he stated when I didn't speak, “and mine is . . . a businessman, to say the least. But you failed to tell me why exactly that's a big deal.”
“I told you,” I sighed, my brows furrowed. “I don't want drama in my life – and I don't want to live a dangerous one, too. I've had enough of that. Plus, we have very different beliefs. I don't approve of everything that you claim to love last night. And I don't want to be caught up in that sort of thing in any way.”
Leo didn't speak for a moment. We just stared back at each other, not breaking eye-contact. I hoped he understood what I was trying to say. It was harder to explain than I thought.
If truth be told, I expected Leo to nod and accept what I just said. I expected him to be serious. Out of everything, I did not expect him to smile his sexy crooked smile as if I just said some kind of solution to our raging dilemma.
“You do want me, don't you?” he queried in a low voice.
I blinked. He did not just ask me that. How could I possibly lie and deny the obvious fact with him looking at me like that? Like, he could see right through me.
“Okay, fine,” I gave up, throwing my hands up in an exasperated gesture. “So what if I do? That doesn't change anything.”
“It changes everything.”
That made me stare at him for a moment.
“How?” I inquired curiously.
“Bridget, both of us know that we want to experience the pleasure we felt the night we had sex. The way your body squirmed in my arms last night showed how badly we wanted each other. The only thing stopping you from jumping my bones right now is my background. But the thing is, you don't have to be involved in all that.”
I considered it. Although half of what he said made me flush, I still didn't understand where he was getting at. I placed my elbows on the counter so we were on eye-level. It made me closer to his face, too.
“Are you proposing something?” I asked, watching him carefully.
He imitated my posture, making our faces only inches apart now. I could practically feel his warm breath on my face. It was strangely comforting.
“No strings attached,” he answered plainly.
I cocked my head to the side. “Like, friends with benefits?”
The crooked smile returned. “In other terms, yes.”
Okay . . . that made sense since I wanted him – and only him.
“No drama, no family background, no mob – Just me,” whispered Leo in that husky voice of his. There was no grin on his face now. His eyes held such solemnity that it seemed as though he was pleading me with the use of his eyes.
I let that sink in.
Just him.
I like his wit, humor, and personality. I like the way he makes me feel, whether in bed or just by looking at him. I like the gentle way he treats me, as if I'm a prim and proper lady no matter what I wear and how I look. I like the way he looks at me, making me feel like I'm the most beautiful thing he's ever seen.
For the first time in what felt like ages, he made me want to open my eyes to endless possibilities. He made me want to stop and think about what I wanted for once.
He was offering t
hat I get to have him without the involvement of his other life. Only him, as a person. And whenever I was with him, I'd get to be free from the responsibilities – even for a little while.
How could I refuse an offer like that?
“What do you say, B?” Leo said in barely a whisper, sending tingles through me.
I raised an eyebrow. “'B'?”
“I want my own personal nickname for you.”
“You want a lot of things,” I mumbled, rolling my eyes.
“Most of all, you,” he said, with a straight face. Either he had a really good poker face or he truly did mean what he said.
“Cheesy.”
Although, deep inside, I was all giddy.
Damn his charm.
“Truth.”
“Okay,” I finally said.
I could swear he looked taken aback for a moment, but it was gone before I could think more about it. He watched me carefully.
“Okay, you agree to it?” he made sure, tilting his head slightly.
“Mm-hmm,” I hummed, leaning my face a little bit closer to his.
A broad grin made its way to Leo's lips. I saw numerous emotions ran through his face; excitement, joy, triumph . . . Along those lines. He looked so pleased that I couldn't help but be happy about it, too.
Krrringgg!
“Shit,” he grumbled, pulling away from our almost touching lips. He took out his iPhone, his face turning serious when he looked at the Caller ID.
“Yes, poppa?” he quickly answered.
I stilled. He was talking to the Mob Boss. It was weird to think about somehow. I guessed I didn't fully register in me that he was really connected to the Mafia.
I shook my head, reminding myself that it wasn't any of my business. That side of him was off-limits to me. Besides, that wasn't his only life. He also had a legal job, working in his family's million-dollar company.
So I went on with taking people's orders while Leo was on the phone. Thankfully, it wasn't that busy in the bar yet. It wouldn't get chaotic until another hour or so.
“What time do you get off work?” Leo suddenly inquired, as soon as he put his phone back to his jacket pocket.
Against All Odds Choices (2ndt in a series of contemporary romance books for Kindle) Page 1