Unforgivable Secrets | One Mistake Away Series Bk 1 [Mob Romance]

Chapter 14 - Of All The People...

Gosh, this is probably one of my FAVORITE chapters! Enjoy!

P.S. Part way through I was listening to Skrillex's rendition of Cinema. Figured you'd like to know. Especially if you want to feel the added drama ;)

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Mason's POV:

Scanning the room of violent, powerhouse players, I focused on my date. "You rarely use my shipping company, Audrielle. Why did you want me to be your plus one?"

Her cat-like gaze landed on mine. A smile teased the edges of her lips as she sipped the bubbly, clear liquid from her flute. "Are you not enjoying yourself, Mason?"

Frowning, I kept my gaze locked on hers, quietly drumming my fingers on the bar's marble countertop. I wasn't patient tonight; a bad trait with being in a room full of killers and business associates.

Waving her hand across the room, Audrielle arched a brow. "This is a shipper's haven. Tell me you are not seeing the dollar signs popping off these gorgeous people."

Releasing a heavy breath, I shook my head. "I do my business purely out of referral. You and I both know how untrusting these people are."

She tilted her head thoughtfully. "You and I both know how persuasive you can be too, Mason."

"I just want to know what your end game here is, Audrielle. Why bring me when you have both men and women lining up to be your next play thing."

Her finger teased across my jaw. "You would be a very enjoyable next play thing."

I pinned her with a hard look. "I'm flattered, Audrielle, but you and I have all ready crossed this bridge before. I'm not interested."

"Is it wrong for a woman to try again?" Pouting, she pulled a cigarette out of her purse and leaned in for a light.

Sighing, I fished out a lighter from my pocket and lit her death trap. "Why set yourself up for disappointment?"

"Eh, I guess I enjoy the chase." She shrugged, holding her cigarette casually between her fingers. Scanning the crowd, I watched her wink at someone.

"Who has your fancy tonight, Audrielle? You must have had a back-up if things didn't go the way you would have liked." I followed her gaze to a tall, lean man returning the smoldering gaze.

"I do. He will be disappointed that you will not be joining us later." She gave me a sidelong gaze strong enough to make most men hot under the collar and tight in the pants.

I arched my brows at her implication. Leaning closer to her, I whispered, "Flattery will get you the world, gorgeous, but it won't get you me."

Standing up, I straightened my suit to walk away.

"Is it really so wrong to desire some enjoyment out of the world, Mason?" Her words gave me pause, turning me to face her. Her lips were drawn together and, for the first time, I saw a weakness in her dark brown eyes. She was looking to me for hope.

Her gaze quickly turned from vulnerability to shock. "Fucking hell..."

Her voice was barely above a whisper and her shock had dashes of spite twisting through.

Turning around, I followed as all eyes fixated themselves on the open doors. I couldn't see anything important at first. A few powerful looking men walked in, glazing over my interest, but my curiosity kept my eyes on the doors.

My hand tightened around my glass as my heartbeat began racing. The emerald green dress accented her red hair piled on top of her head. The green stopped in time for the diamonds accenting the top of the halter dress, framing her long, elegant neck. Her eyes weren't that warm, murky brown, replaced instead with icy blue contacts. Her sculpted arms were bare, showing the muscle she'd obtained from carrying the dirty dishes from tables and balancing food trays. I suddenly questioned if that were the only reason why her arms were so sculpted. The dress was cut out on the sides, perfect for me to slip my hands onto her skin and slide them up her bare back. A slit up the dress left me a beautiful view of her long legs, leaving me the desire to want to rip that slit up higher and explore more with my tongue.