Boston Blood

Thirty three

"I was wondering when you would arrive. Let's head to my office, shall we? Lorenzo! A bottle of Dom and two glasses. Bring them to me." Tony barked at the young waiter and clicked his fingers before taking Frankie by the hand and leading her towards the back of the restaurant. She followed him in silence, wrestling the conflicting feelings engulfing her. He held out his hand, motioning for her to step into his office. She smiled and walked ahead, feeling his smooth hand touch her lower back, her exposed skin felt like it was burning. She closed her eyes and told herself to stay calm. Whatever she did, she couldn't give herself away. He had to think she wanted him, again. He won't want to sleep with me, will he? Maybe I can just flirt with him and not have it go too far? Frankie mentally laughed at herself for hoping that that would be the case. She had to be all in and unfortunately, if this was going to work, she had to be prepared to give herself to him in order for him to trust her.

Frankie swallowed the bile that was rising in her throat as she slipped off her jacket, flirtatiously, and lowered herself down into a velvet covered armchair. The office looked nearly identical to how it did ten years ago, only this time it was nearly twice the size and had much more lush décor. She had to stop herself rolling her eyes as she glared at the tiger skin rug at her feet. Tony caught her looking at and chuckled as he turned on some music. "Like it? I shot it myself while vacationing." Of course you did, just another way to show people how manly and amazing you are. Prick.

Frankie sat back in her chair and put a cigarette between her crimson lips. Tony had a lighter in front of Frankie's face before she could even reach for her own. She leaned forwards, shamelessly making sure he could see just enough of her ample cleavage before settling back into the chair and crossing her long legs.

"Very impressive. Although, how could I expect anything else from you, Antonio Russo."

Tony bit his bottom lip at Frankie's luscious, sultry voice as he stood to open the door to the young waiter who handed Tony a bottle of champagne and two glasses. Tony nodded, dismissing the teenager and promptly closed the door behind him. He popped the cork and handed Frankie a glass but she shook her head and held up an apologetic hand. "Tony, thank you but I don't drink, anymore." Tony recoiled, the sleazy smile dropping from his beautiful tanned face. "Frances, we're celebrating. One drink. I insist." Frankie clenched her jaw and took the glass, holding it up and smiling. "To old friends." Tony chimed, clinking the crystal glass against Frankie's. She batted her eyelashes and took a small sip, to humour him. He sat in the empty seat beside her, opening the middle button of his grey Armani suit and eyeing her with curiosity.

"So, I as surprised when Joseph told me you were back. When he said you were asking about me at the club, I have to admit, I was quite confused. And then I heard you left word that you wanted to meet." His voice had a suspicious edge to it. Frankie could feel the panic rising within her but she plastered a warm smile on her face and leaned over to place her hand on his knee. "Not that I'm not thrilled to see you but after all these years I was wondering if you had forgotten the promise you made. That you would come to see me, again. And here you are, in the same week that I just happen to know that Aidan O'Shea's men were seen visiting the bar you work in, "Molly's", right?

Frankie stopped breathing for a second. She was so glad the light was dim in the room because she was sure the blood had just drained from her face. How long has he been watching me? Does he know? She took a long, pretend, sip of her drink and stood up, walking around the room, as seductively as she could. She sat on the edge of Tony's desk, lifting her dress just enough to show her thighs. "Oh Tony, is this your way of asking me if I'm involved with Aidan O'Shea's crew? Come now, why the fuck would I have any business with them? I'm just a bar maid trying to get her life back on track. Plus, you know I only have eyes for you." She smiled and tucked her hair behind her left ear, not breaking eye contact with him. Of course he knew.