Arrogant Prick: A Bad Boy Mafia Romance by Tessa Thorne Page B

says before he takes a shallow sip of wine, “I can take you there after we're done with this wine.”
    I try to make myself stop but my eyes flicker toward the door. “I don’t think it’s a good idea,” I say reluctantly.
    “Why not?” He shifts his glass to his other hand and puts his arm around my shoulders. I sink into him, enjoying his strong arm around me.
    “It’s been a strange week.” I put my hand on his, rubbing his knuckles with my thumb. “My family’s been on edge over some...things, and I’m supposed to stay in. I haven't even been able to leave the house for work.”
    “That’s what your father wants.” Gio finishes his glass and puts it back on a coaster on my table. “But I didn’t come here to find out what Mr. Pavoni wants to do. I want to know what you want to do.”
    There’s an odd inflection in the way he says Mr. Pavoni. It’s not much of a stretch to think he’d be annoyed at my dad though, keeping me from seeing him as freely as I want. But I have to admit, the idea of sneaking out with him to a secluded spot really appeals to me.
    I look up into his eyes and bite my lip. “I think I want you to show me this spot.”
    He smiles, leans in and gives me a soft kiss. I want it to be so much more but I’ll take what he’s willing to give. “Let’s order some takeout while we finish this wine. Have the wise guy downstairs bring it up. You’ll tell him you’re just going to eat and turn in early. Then I’ll take care of the rest.”
    My stomach is doing flips as I hear him lay out the plans. I can’t imagine how this is really going to work, but the sureness in his voice comforts me. If he was able to get here without being caught, surely we’d be able to do it together. Right?
    He takes the bottle and pours me another glass. I raise it to him and take a big gulp, hoping that it’ll slow down my heart so it doesn’t pound its way out of my chest. “Let’s do it.”

    * * *
    T here’s a knock on my door. I wait a moment to see if he’ll come in without me acknowledging him, but the door remains closed. I smile ruefully, knowing that at least Marco doesn’t think he can just walk into my room without permission.
    I pull my sheet up over my chest so he doesn’t see I’m dressed to go outside. “Come in.”
    The door opens slowly and Marco pokes his head inside hesitantly. This must be really weird for him, being asked to come into the room where the boss’s princess sleeps. I don't think he's ever even seen my room before.
    “Hey.” He steps inside, a small grin on his face. “Your food is here.”
    He has a takeout bag from a local Chinese place in one hand, and a plate with utensils in another.
    “Thanks, Marco.” I don’t bother feigning a sick voice. That’s just too much like being back in high school. Not that I faked being sick much, just the few times I had reasons to avoid school. Being a Mafia princess doesn’t make you immune to the cruel things people can say behind your back.
    He puts everything on the table. “Can I get you anything else?”
    “No.” I shake my head. “You’ve done more than enough, Marco. Sorry you’re stuck here tonight.”
    He laughs and steps back toward the door. He’s clearly feeling weird about being in my bedroom. “It’s not that bad. You have all the cable channels, so I’m catching up on some shows I never got around to watching.”
    “Have you figured out anything about what happened to Tommy and Rizzo?” I blurt out. I really shouldn’t be dragging this out with Gio hiding in my closet, and me dying to get out of my room. But I let my curiosity get the better of me.
    His face goes blank, as if he suddenly remembers his orders. He isn’t supposed to be my friend. He's supposed to be keeping me safe, and keeping a respectable distance.
    “You don’t have to worry about any of that.” He puts his hand on the doorknob and takes another step back. “Your father will make sure everything is taken care