Page 40 of Single Malt Drama
I’m so screwed.
Scooting closer, Nico opened her mouth wider and kissed me back. Between her soft moans and tentative hands moving over my back and shoulders, I was a goner.
Much to my surprise, Nico met me on every turn. My entire world narrowed to a heartbeat of time between our lips meeting and parting. When I pulled away, she sighed the sort of sigh that men lived for. The kind that told us we’d done something very right.
With everything around us going wrong, that small breath was like a life preserver in a raging ocean.
“Marco?” Shanna knocked on the door. “Can I come in? Tara… She… It’s worse than we thought.”
Shit.“One sec.”
Sitting up, Nico trailed her hand down my arm as if she wasn’t ready to stop touching me. A sentiment I shared wholeheartedly.
I stood, straightened my shirt, and adjusted my cock before opening the door.
Shanna stood with her hands in her pockets and her shoulders slumped. Her eyes and cheeks were red as if she’d been crying. “Tara’s been working for the Abruzzos for quite some time. She’s stonewalling Enzo until she knows her kids are safe.”
“Drew and Sammy?” I’d met her children a couple of times—the oldest was in preschool and the youngest hadn’t started walking. I didn’t want to think of something happening to them.
She gave me an odd look. “I didn’t catch their names.”
“Where are they?”
“With her ex-husband.” Shanna visibly shook herself and squared her shoulders. “The Abruzzos know the address. Enzo needs you to get a security team over there to take them someplace safe.”
“I’ll bring them here.”
“Is that wise?” Nico said from behind me.
Fuck. I was going to have some serious explaining to do. “With everything going on, our security team is spread thin. It’ll take a day or so to find a place for Tara and the kids to hide and arrange security for them.”
Nico frowned, but nodded.
I glanced back at Shanna. “I’ll take care of it.”
“Thanks. By the way. I owe you both an apology. Before the call with Gabe…” She drew a deep breath. “I thought I was doing the right thing by pushing Enzo away, but I didn’t think about how that would affect the two of you.”
Nico offered a sad smile. “There’s no need to apologize. I thought the same thing. I mean, Enzo and my marriage would solve some problems—”
“—and cause a shit-load more.” I shook my head. No way in hell would I allow either of them to martyr themselves. “So you and Enzo are solid?”
“As solid as we can be given the situation.” She grinned before turning and walking down the hall.
Nico waited until I closed the door before asking, “What is going on? Who is this Tara person?”
“Enzo and Shanna had an incident with the Abruzzos tonight.”
She stared open-mouthed. “Why didn’t you tell me?”
“I was planning to, but when I saw you in those tiny pajama shorts…” I shook my head and forced myself to focus on something other than my dick. “One of Enzo’s employees has been working for the Abruzzos. He brought her here, but he’s not going to hurt her.”
“Okay.” She furrowed her brow. “Does he know what he is going to do with her?”
“Scare her and get her talking. After that, I’m not sure. If you’d rather not get involved…”
“No, I’ll help anyway I can.” Nico hesitated, glanced down, and finally back to me. “You know this woman and her children?”
“She’s a friend of mine.” I kissed her cheek.
“Just a friend?”
“Yep.” To cover the quasi-lie, I motioned to the door. “I should get downstairs.”
“I’ll come with you. Give me a minute to change.” She walked to the dresser and picked up the shorts and T-shirt she’d worn earlier in the day.
“You’re going to need more clothes.”
“Yes, but in the excitement at the airport, I didn’t keep any of the money I stole from my father for myself. And I haven’t been able to get to my secret stash here.” She closed the bathroom door behind her.
“Babe, just write down your sizes and make a list of the items you want. I’ll have Hildie order whatever you need.” I laughed despite my mood. “And don’t forget to include a white dress.”