Vinnie: Skin Deep

Chapter 2

Mia

Vinnie Romanov was crazy if he thought I was going to let him invade my life. I have enough to worry about without his dumbass. I don’t deny he was sexy, though. A sexy, arrogant prick. He ushered me in Angelo’s home and leaned down to whisper in my ear. “Let me do the talking.”

I glared, letting out a frustrated breath. “Like hell, you will. He’s my employer. I can…”

“Shut your pretty mouth, before I shut it for you.”

I opened my mouth to say something but closed it. I did just see Vinnie murder a man. A man that tried to hurt me. It doesn’t matter. I knew of Angelo’s illegal dealings. It’s not like I would go snitch on him. Vinnie on the other hand… I might. Even if I wanted to turn Vinnie in, I wouldn’t do that. I’m not one to tattle on people.

Angelo sat behind his desk and raised a brow to Vinnie. “Why are you here, and why do you have my employee kidnapped?”

“He’s being…”

Vinnie slapped his hand over my mouth and answered. “She saw some things. I needed to make sure she wouldn’t run to the cops.”

I bit down on his hand, making him tighten his hold on my waist. “Fucking hell, woman! I like it kinky, but this is ridiculous.”

“Let go of her. You don’t know who this is, no?” Angelo chuckled.

“Should I?”

“This is the late Avery Jackson’s daughter.”

Vinnie widened his eyes and swallowed thickly.

That’s right, prick.

“You mean to tell me Avery Jackson, the Queen of New Orleans, has a daughter. The same woman who started the string of BDSM clubs. No fucking way. You’re lying!”

“Look her in the eyes and tell me she doesn’t look exactly like Avery.”

I glanced up to Vinnie and smirked, “Take your filthy hands off me, asshole.”

Vinnie released me and ran his hand over his face. “Fuck, Angelo. I saved her ass from being raped in the alley. You need to get better security down there. What if that had been Vivianna?”

“It wouldn’t be Vivianna, because she wouldn’t be walking alone. Mia, why weren’t you with someone?”

“I’m not a helpless woman. I can take care of myself.”

“Mia, why don’t you stay the night? I don’t want you left alone. There are things that go bump in the night.”

“Is this jerk going to be staying here?”

“Sweetheart, he’s family. I just need to know that you’re not going to run to the cops. Can I trust you are as loyal as your mother?”

“Really?! You know I would never do that.”

“Forgive me. Vinnie, a word if you please.” Angelo glanced back to me, “I’ll have Ivana get you a room ready.”

I didn’t want to be around Vinnie any more than I had to. Not because I didn’t like him, but because I was physically attracted to him. He was sexy, but still a jerk. Angelo and Vinnie stepped out to “talk”. I tapped my foot impatiently and let out a harsh breath. They returned a few moments later.

Angelo cleared his throat and said, “You can stay the night, and return to your apartment in the morning. Ivana will show you to your room.”

Ivana stepped into the room and smiled at me. “Mia, what are you doing here?”

“Ran into a little trouble. I’ll explain on the way.”

Ivana led me to the guest room and sighed, “Mia, can I give you a piece of advice?”

I nodded.

“Vinnie isn’t so bad. In fact, he’s a decent guy. So, if you’re going to reject him, let him down easy.”

“Wait, what? I’m not… he and I aren’t a thing.”

“Honey, that man has already claimed you as his property. He did so when he saved you.”

“No. Mia doesn’t bow to any man. Especially, not to Vinnie Romanov.”

“Oh yeah, are you still on for the date I set you up on tomorrow night? Matteo set everything up for you. Be at the club at seven o’clock. He’ll be wearing a blue suit.”

“Fine, but you owe me one. I’m only doing this out of the kindness of my heart.”

The next day, I went to work with Vinnie fresh on my mind. I dreamt of him last night. I relived the moment he shot the man who was trying to hurt me. Then, he scooped me in his arms and whispered everything was going to be okay. I glanced at the clock and sighed.

6:45 p.m.

Ivana and Matteo would be here soon to take me to the club.

I heard a horn honk and sucked in a breath. “Here goes nothing.”

Matteo drove us to the club and Ivana glanced back to me. “You nervous, honey?”

“No. I’ve been on plenty of dates. Why should this one be any different?”

Matteo grinned, “Just promise you won’t run away. It’s been a long time since this one has gone on a date.”

“Is he old and nasty?”

“Not even close. Just give me your word you won’t run.”

“Fine, I promise. What’s his name?”

Matteo smirked again and winked, “And spoil the surprise? No way, Mia.”

I went inside and sat down at my usual table. I ordered a Margarita and sipped the drink. I closed my eyes, as the flavors burst in my mouth. I opened my eyes to be met with those familiar, dark eyes. I narrowed my eyes and growled. “You!”

“Did you miss me, little Mia?”

I stood up to leave, but he grabbed my wrist. “Just one date. Let this be your way of thanking me for saving your life. Just one date.”

“This is how you want to play. Now, you’re just playing dirty, Mr. Romanov.”

“Playing dirty is what I do best, baby. Just wait till you see what I can do with my tongue.”

“You’re disgusting.”

“And, you’re making my dick hard again.”

“You know what, I’ll play your stupid little game. Only because of Ivana. I promised her and Matteo I’d stay no matter what.”

I glanced over to Matteo and flipped him off. He only grinned, giving me a thumbs-up. I mouthed to him. “Paybacks a bitch. Be ready.”

“So, how about we order dinner?”

I gritted my teeth, forcing a smile. “Whatever. Let’s just get this over, so I can go back home.”