Page 34 of Lost Prince

Matteo claps me on the back, grinning. "See? Told you it'd be an easy job. No guns, no violence, just like I promised."

I nod, offering a small smile in return. "Yeah.”

“Before long, you’ll be able to take over the gentlemen's clubs again.”

I can imagine the former me would have liked that. Women oozing sex. Loud music. Money coming in hand over fist. But right now, not so much.

Worry seeps in. Is there a way for me to fit into the family that doesn’t involve my fist or my dick? Will they want to keep me around if I don’t return to the Lazaro they know? Will I want to stick around if they continue to want me to be that man?

13

DIANA

Istand in the kitchen, my heart skipping with anticipation as I watch the clock tick closer to five. Lazaro's instruction to be ready echoes in my mind. I think I’m ready except I’m wearing my work dress. It’s not horribly ugly, but neither is it suitable for a night on the town.

To keep myself busy, I flit around the kitchen, wiping down already clean surfaces and reorganizing utensils that don't need organizing. I'm hyper-aware of the glances from my coworkers, their uncertainty about how to interact with me now palpable in the air.

"Anyone need help with anything?" I ask, forcing a bright smile onto my face. They shake their heads, averting their eyes.

I catch Anna watching me with a mixture of concern and curiosity. She approaches, lowering her voice. "Diana, are you… sure about this?"

"Absolutely. Really, there's nothing to worry about." I hope my smile assures her. I don’t fear Lazaro, and yet, I’m acutely aware that having a fling with my boss’s brother is not smart. But I’m nothing if not a person who lives theseize the dayattitude toward life.

She doesn't look convinced but nods and returns to her work. I understand their concern, but I wish they could see Lazaro the way I do. He's not the monster they think he is.

The kitchen door swings open, and my breath catches as Lazaro steps in. As usual, his presence immediately fills the room, and my coworkers tense up.

I focus my attention on him, drinking in the sight of him in jeans and a fitted T-shirt that accentuates his muscular frame. I know my smile makes me look like a loon.

His lips twitch upward in response. “Ready to go?"

I glance down at my dress. "Am I dressed okay?”

Lazaro's eyes sweep over me, and the intensity of his gaze makes me flush. "You're dressed just right.”

Relieved, I grab my purse from the counter. As we turn to leave, Lazaro gives Anna a curt nod of acknowledgment, which she returns hesitantly.

I feel a twinge of guilt at leaving early, but Lazaro's hand on the small of my back as he guides me out of the kitchen sends a thrill through me that pushes all other thoughts aside. As we step out into the cool evening air, I wonder what he has planned for us.

Lazaro's arm snakes around my waist, pulling me close as he guides me through the front of the house. It's strange being on this side of the home. I'm used to slipping in and out through the side door, staying mostly invisible.

My mind flashes back to this morning, when I arrived with Lazaro through the front door. The memory of Lana's cold stare sends a shiver of concern through me. I'm certain she didn't like seeing me with her brother.

As we pass through the foyer, my eyes dart around, half-expecting to see Lana or one of the other family members. Lazaro must sense my unease because his grip tightens slightly, reassuring.

As we near the front door, I hear voices approaching from another room. My body tenses, but Lazaro keeps moving, unfazed. We step outside just as the voices grow louder, and I exhale in relief. We made it without any awkward encounters.

Even so, as we walk down the front steps, I feel out of place. This grand entrance, with its manicured yard and expensive cars in the driveway, is so different from the world I'm used to. What am I doing here on Lazaro's arm?

"You okay?" he asks.

I muster a smile. "Just… a little nervous, I guess. I'm not used to all this."

Lazaro's expression turns to confusion. "All of what?”

“This.” I gesture to the large house.

He laughs. “I’m not used to it either. Not long ago, I lived in an apartment smaller than yours and sustained myself on fast food and canned soup.”