Page 57 of Heart of Sin
“So… so how’ve you been?”
“Pretty good,” she answers. “I’ve been really busy. I found a new place. No more Fredo banging on my door at all hours.”
“That’s immediately an improvement,” I say, laughing. “Shrimpy was an asshole.”
“And you?”
I shrug, never letting go of her hand clasped in mine or my hold on her waist. “Not much is different. I’ve been working a lot. I’m glad I’ve been back under Gio.”
“Falynn mentioned something about that. Head of security again, right?”
“Was, anyway. That’ll be changing now that they’re moving to their island.”
“Will you be moving with them?” There’s a curious gleam in her gaze. I can see myself in the dark reflection of her brown eyes.
My hand itches to reach out and cup her cheek. We’re standing so close, it’d be so easy…
“No,” I answer instead, shaking my head. “I’m not moving with them. I’ll be remaining in the States.”
“You can always visit them.”
“I’ve been telling Gio to set me aside my own room.”
We share a laugh, still swaying along even though we’re not paying attention to the music.
“I’m happy for them though,” Tasha says in a wistful tone. “This will be good for them. They’ll finally be away from everything. Falynn’s wanted this for years.”
“Look at them now.”
We slow up so much we’re basically standing still as we sneak looks across the dance floor.
On the other side, Gio has Falynn wrapped up tightly in his arms, the hungry expression on his face like he’s ready to devour her any second.
“You should probably cut in,” she says. “It’s not even five minutes into the reception. Gio’s about to drag her off to start their wedding night.”
I chuckle. It’s a fair point.
Our dance ends and I walk off with a note of regret I didn’t do more with my opportunity.
It was my first time speaking to Tasha in six months and I didn’t make the most of it.
My feelings for her have gone nowhere. Though, admittedly, I’ve begun wondering if they ever will.
Maybe I’m always going to feel this way about her, wonder what if about the relationship we had.
At least she seems happy, like she’s in a good place.
I cut in on Gio and Falynn’s dance much to Gio’s disgruntlement. Falynn giggles and wipes lipstick from the corner of Gio’s mouth before she encourages him to go dance with Carlotta, their caretaker.
I take his place, my arm loose around Falynn and her hand in mine. “I wouldn’t be surprised if Carlotta has some moves. Don’t let her age fool you. I hear she gets down.”
“Knowing Carlotta, that actually wouldn’t surprise me at all.”
“I’m happy for you two.” All of a sudden, I’m choked up. The softie side of me comes out and there’s no stopping it. “You two really are gonna make it. I just know it. The way he looks at you.”
My gaze shifts beyond Falynn. She follows my lead and turns to look, only to catch Gio staring. He’s dancing with Carlotta alright, but it’s clear what—or, rather, who—is on his mind.
“See,” I tease. “Take it from a man. A guy doesn’t look at just anybody like that. As sad as it is things are changing from here on out, you two deserve it. You’ll both be better off this way. You can finally be together like you should be.”