Strictly Business | 18+

13. Growing desires

ALEXA

Suffocating, I was definitely suffocating while sitting at the bar inside of Sinister. Even though I agreed to join Dante and Emily a huge part of me still couldn't believe that I was back.

The last time I was here I witnessed a woman being edged in front of a group of people and then I had an encounter with Luca. Emily sat the left of me and Dante to my right.

I wrapped my hand around the whiskey glass, slowly bringing it up to my lips. "You look like you're about to pass out." Emily said, making Dante laugh aloud.

"Yeah well, I said I'd join you. I didn't say I'd be happy while doing so." I murmured, taking a long sip of the alcohol. I welcomed the burn, closing my eyes for a brief moment.

"We're going upstairs in the next five minutes." Dee reminded me. "Are you joining us or are you going to sit here all night and drink to your hearts content?"

I glanced at him, shrugging. "Option two." They laughed at my answer, telling me that I was being dramatic and that I really needed to let loose.

True to their word, five minutes later they gracefully hopped of the barstools. Before leaving they asked me yet again if I was joining and of course my answer was still no.

I didn't mind sitting here alone but going up there wasn't going to happen. Not this time around. The bartender flashed me a smile and I asked if I wanted a cocktail.

My answer to that was yes even though I didn't really like cocktails. I preferred hard liquor. The dress I wore tonight was definitely more revealing than my usual attire but apparently I really needed to let loose.

The back of my dress exposed most of my skin with the material situated just above my ass, at one point I thought my whole derrière was on display for everyone to see.

The dress ended mid thigh with thin straps, crossing over the upper part of my back and a sweetheart neckline. The material hugged my hips, riding up my thighs each time I shifted.

My skin suddenly prickled and my heart pounded against my ribcage. It felt like someone was watching me and then that scent hit my nose. The fresh scented cologne.

I already knew who wore that cologne and goosebumps formed on my arms. I released a soft breath and then heard him speak.

"Ms Caruso." Luca said, appearing out of nowhere as he stood directly next to me. He placed his arm on the counter, signalling the bartender with two fingers.

His body almost touched my back and I slowly turned my head in his direction. His eyes drifted up my body ever so slowly as he waited for his alcohol.

"Are you stalking me?"

He laughed softly, grabbing his drink when the bartender pushed it in his direction before taking a slow sip. "If I were stalking you, you would've been in my bed right now Alexa."

I gulped, avoiding eye contact with him. "You lack a filter."

"That's false because if I lacked a filter—" He moved closer, speaking directly into my ear. "I would've told
you how much I love seeing you in that tight little skirts you wear at work and that I often fantasise about bending you over my desk."