Vinnie: Skin Deep

Chapter 4

One month later...

Mia

Vinnie has proved to be a gentleman so far. He hasn't made another crude remark since we arrived in Russia. Not one mention of the kiss we shared since Vegas. However, I can't stop thinking about it.

I glanced up from my computer, looking over to Vinnie's office and bit my lip.

What was he doing in there?

I focused back on my work and shook my head. He's just my boss. My very sexy boss. He's also a dangerous man. I've seen him kill.

Get him out of your head, girl.
He probably doesn't even remember the kiss.
Vinnie could have any woman.
Kiss any girl with the snap of his fingers.

The intercom buzzed. "Mia, can you come to my office?"

I pressed the button. "Be right there, Mr. Romanov."

What could he possibly want?

I straightened my skirt and smoothed down my shirt, knocking on the door. His deep voice made my stomach flutter with butterflies. "Come, Mia."

I pushed the door open and met his smoldering smile. "I need you to accompany me for lunch."

I furrowed my eyebrows. "I'm sorry. I don't recall you having a lunch meeting."

"I don't," Vinnie answered dryly.

"Mr. Romanov, I don't think..."

He chuckled and shook his head. "I want to get to know my assistant better."

"Mr. Romanov?"

"Vinnie."

"I'm sorry?"

"Mr. Romanov is what my men call me. I want you to call me Vinnie."

Vinnie stood up, dusting off the imaginary dust and stepped around his desk. He walked towards me and took me by the hand, bringing it to his mouth and kissed my knuckles. I jerked my hand away as he'd burned me. This was not office appropriate. He took me by the wrist and kissed the inside of it. My breath hitched. "Vinnie, what are you doing?"

"Well, I thought I was going to treat a beautiful woman to lunch."

"Will I need to fetch the driver?"

"No. I don't want any distractions, love."

Vinnie escorted me to his car and opened the door for me. One whole hour with Vinnie Romanov. No problem, right? There will be an entire table between us from him touching me. Tempting me. Vinnie drove a few blocks and arrived at a small diner. He pulled into the parking lot and put it in park. Vinnie turned the car off and placed his hand on my thigh, looking deep in my eyes. "Mia, you drive me crazy. I can't get that kiss out of my head."

"Vinnie..."

"Come, let's eat lunch."

Vinnie was the most confusing man. One minute he's acting so professional, then he's reminiscing about the kiss we shared. Hot and cold. I took his hand as he helped me out of the car and let him lead me to the diner. He walked in like he owned the place and led me to a booth at the corner of the diner. I took a seat and widened my eyes when he slid in next to me. So much for the table separating us.

Vinnie looked over at the waitress, holding the notepad and said. "We'll have the Catfish dinner with a side of fries and potato salad."

"Of course, Mr. Romanov. What will you have to drink?"

"Bring a bottle of Dom Perignon and two glasses."

"Right away, Sir."

Within two minutes, the waitress had brought a bottle and two glasses. Vinnie took a sip and casually wrapped his arm around my shoulders. I picked up my glass and took a big drink to calm my nerves.

"Easy, love. Don't drink too fast."

"I was just thirsty," I muttered.

"So, Mia, how do you like working for me?"

"It's nice."

He raised his brow and cocked his head. "Just nice?"

Vinnie set his glass down and leaned down next to my ear. "You're fucking sexy, Mia."

"I-I..."

"But you already knew that yes? Tell me, do you wear these outfits to drive me crazy?"

"I do not."

"Do you know what I do in my office all day?"

"Conduct your business."

"No. I think of how all I want to do is pull you in my office and relive that kiss. How I want to push you against the wall and kiss every inch of your body. But, I don't, do you know why?"

"No. Please, tell me."

"Because I do not force a woman to do something she doesn't want to do. I'm not like that monster that forced himself on you. Now on to the next question, why do you hate me so, Mia?"

"I don't hate you, Vinnie. I've become quite fond of you in the past month. You want to know a secret?"

"Tell me."

"I can't stop thinking about that kiss in Angelo's office. I find myself wanting to do it again. To taste your lips once again."

Vinnie darkened his eyes, flickering down to my lips and back to my eyes. "Tell me, love, if I kiss you right now, would you slap me?"

I whispered. "No."

Vinnie cupped one side of my face and brushed his lips against mine. "Mia, you're so beautiful."

Just as I pressed my lips to his, the waitress cleared her throat. "Your food, Mr. Romanov. Enjoy."

Vinnie pulled away but didn't let go of my face. "Let's eat, then we can go back to the office."

We ate in silence. He didn't even look at me. I was confused.

I thought that's what he wanted.
To kiss me again.
That's what he told me.

He paid and escorted me back to the car. The drive back to the office was awkward. Just as we stepped into the office, he shoved me against the wall and caged me in. "Fuck, Mia. I want you. I've wanted you since the first time I saw you in the club. Tell me you don't want me, and I'll stop."

"I want you. I-I...kiss me, Vinnie."

He darkened his eyes, a lustful gaze as he crushed his lips against me and kissed me.