The Business Arrangement | Mafia Romance 18+

Chapter Seven: The Debut (Part 2)

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POV: Maya

Movement to my left catches my eye. I turn in time to see Henry making his way outside to join me.

As usual, my heart skips a beat at the sight of him.

His auburn hair is shining like fire in the midday sun, making him look like some sort of demigod. Though he's still wearing a simple button up, it hugs his muscled arms and toned stomach beautifully. I can't help but think about him towering over me on the couch, those same arms exploring my body with expert touch...

"All paid up. How'd the call go?"

Come on, Maya. Get your head out of the gutter and focus.

"After she screamed my ear off? Wonderfully. Though, she did think Trevor was my grandfather."

He breaks into an amused grin, sending a rush of butterflies through my stomach. I swear, he's really too handsome for his own good.

"Plus," I continue, "She got offered a job by the guy she met at the banquet."

At this, Henry's eyes narrow suspiciously.

"What guy?"

"I didn't get to meet him. He had black hair and...um...big biceps?" I shrug, "I think his last name was Zhang."

"Oh," he relaxes slightly, "Noah Zhang is a family friend. He took over management of his father's tech company last year. Though, I didn't peg him as the type to hire new recruits directly. What did she say her position would be?"

I shrug again, "Not sure, but he's flying her out for the interview. Maybe he just wanted to spend more time with her."

"It's certainly possible."

As he says it, he puts his hand on the small of my back. Delicious tingles rush down my spine, but I force myself to stand still. We are supposed to be dating, after all. He's probably just doing this to keep up appearances.

"Where to next?" I ask.

"Trevor made you an appointment at a salon, and then we'll head to pick out your gown. Sound good?"

"Sounds good."

He nods, and his hand skims lower, resting in the curve of my spine.

We're hardly touching, but I feel like I'm on fire. Seriously, the effect he has on me is insane. I'm a melting pile of goo when it comes to him, and I've never felt this way with any other man. It's embarrassing, really.

Especially since we're just pretending to date.

"It's only two blocks from here. Are you alright to walk?"

I nod, lowering my gaze so he can't see my expression.

The two of us set off down the sidewalk. He keeps his arm around me the entire time, and I make sure to stick close to him like a loving girlfriend would do. If he notices how nervous I am, he doesn't show it.

On the outside, however, we look like a happy couple. Anyone passing by would think we were dating.

Maybe even more than that.

"Through here," Henry says, pointing to a shop on the bottom floor of a medium-sized building.

It looks expensive, and a pang of guilt wracks my chest. Should he really be taking me here?

Then again...Charlotte said he was in Forbes magazine, so maybe he can afford it.

I hope so, at least.