Page 44 of Mafioso's Muse
As much as she was not over the disastrous last encounter, his interest in her life never failed to make her happy. ‘It was possibly the best night of my life.’ The excitement from earlier returned. ‘I poured all the joy I’ve ever experienced into that variation.’
His whole face seemed to soften when she said that. ‘I don’t doubt it.’
Harrison returned in record time, much to Willow’s disappointment.
‘All right, everyone,’ he said. ‘It’s getting late, and we’ve all had a big day. Grab your things.’
Lili’s mouth fell open. ‘Already?’
‘You and Willow will ride with me,’ Harrison added.
Vaughn’s stare turned heated. ‘Do they have a curfew in their contract?’
Harrison looked tiredly in his direction. ‘Basically, yes.’
‘Why don’t you let them enjoy their success?’
The whole group fell silent and looked between the two men.
Harrison’s jaw tightened. ‘I’ve invested a lot of time into this company, Mr Gallo.’
‘And I’ve invested a lot of money,’ Vaughn fired back.
The room seemed to go from silent tosilent.
Vaughn turned his attention to Willow and Lili. ‘I’m happy to take you ladies home when you’re ready.’
Harrison gestured to their bags under the table. ‘Grab your things. Let’s go.’
The last thing Willow wanted to do was get into a taxi with Harrison when he was clearly angry. ‘If Mr Gallo’s willing to take us, it’ll free up taxi space for others.’
‘Likeme,’ Cassie said, looking annoyed that the principal dancer wasn’t the top priority in the discussion.
The tension on Harrison’s face had Willow bracing for the worse. Instead, he composed himself. ‘Very well. I’ll see you both in the morning.’ As the other dancers were gathering up their belongings, he said to Vaughn, ‘Make sure they get home safely.’
The mafioso gave him a bored look. ‘Safe travels, Harry.’
Harrison gave Willow a punishing glance before walking away. The others waved goodbye as they trailed after him, leaving Willow, Lili, and Vaughn alone at the table.
‘Are you all right?’ Vaughn asked Willow.
She was convinced he could read her thoughts, or at the very least interpret her expressions. ‘I’m…’ Her eyes went to the mural, the one she’d been standing in front of the night they met. ‘Ready to leave.’
‘Same,’ Lili said, snatching up her bag.
Fishing his phone from his pocket, Vaughn shot off a text message. ‘Then let’s get you ladies home.’
The three of them made their way outside, leaving the noise behind them. The air was just as stifling as it had been when they arrived, but it was only a short wait until Finn pulled up—double parking like usual. Vaughn stepped off the kerb and opened the back door for them before climbing into the front passenger seat. He flicked the sun visor down, positioning it at an angle where he could see Willow. She caught his gaze in the reflection and held it for a long moment as they moved at a snail’s pace along Chapel Street.
As they turned onto St Kilda Road, Willow was aware of his eyes still upon her as she looked out the window at the passing traffic.
‘The tension in this car is something else,’ Lili said under her breath.
Another ten excruciating minutes slipped by before they finally pulled up out front of Lili’s apartment building.
‘Finn will walk you in,’ Vaughn said.
‘Sweet of you to offer on his behalf, but I’ll be fine,’ Lili replied. ‘Thanks for the lift, though.’ Then to Willow, ‘Call me when you get home.’