Mafia Stepbrother Boxed Set Read Online Free Page A

wasn’t focusing enough attention in that direction. I told myself I didn’t realize it was that long, but it was a lie. I wanted to attract attention; Cole’s attention. It was wrong. I knew it. I couldn’t help myself. The man did something to me every time he was near me, every time he touched me… and I craved more.
    A quick knock behind me and the door opened. “Ready to play host and hostess?”
    I turned and gasped. Cole stood in the doorway, wearing a tailored suit that almost made my mouth water. He smiled. “I clean up pretty good, don’t I?” I nodded, unable to find my voice. His fingers brushed his tie – emerald green – as his eyes roamed up and down my body. “I noticed the color of your dress and thought it would be nice to match, but I see now I shouldn’t have bothered.” He came up to me, looking into my eyes. “All eyes will be on you.” He traced my necklace with his finger. “You’re gorgeous.”
    “So are you.” I chuckled, dropping my eyes to the floor. “I mean you look handsome.” I could feel his eyes on me and I had to resist looking back up at him. It was easy to get lost in those eyes, easy to forget we couldn’t be together.
    His hand slid under my chin, slowly tilting my head up. He stared intently into my eyes. I nibbled on my bottom lip, stretching up towards him. He lowered his head, his lips moving closer to mine. I closed my eyes, trembling at the thought of what was about to happen.
    A discreet clearing of a throat at the bedroom door had me snapping my eyes back open as Cole stepped away from me.
    “Pardon me, sir and madam,” Jarvis said. “But I’m afraid Mr. C. has arrived and has requested an audience.”
    Cole glanced at Jarvis, frustration and embarrassment waging war for dominance on his face. He nodded and Jarvis quickly disappeared down the hall.
    He looked at me, his eyes roaming up and down my body. He closed his eyes, inhaled deeply three times, and then opened his eyes. That lopsided grin appeared and he offered me his arm. “Shall we, my lady?”
    I laughed, following his lead, trying to put what had been about to happen behind us. I took his arm and walked to the door with him. I took a quick breath as we stepped out of the bedroom. I didn’t know exactly what was going on but I knew it was important to Cole so it was important to me, too, although I wished with all my heart that we could just kick everyone out and send them home. It wasn’t his fault, but part of me was very displeased with Jasper for his rotten timing.
    “Well, I’ll be damned,” a loud voice said from across the room. “Little Cole looks like one of the grown-ups these days.”
    Cole laughed good-naturedly, approaching an older man who apparently never met a meal he didn’t like. They shook hands, the older guy’s smile getting wider as he eyed me. “Glad you could make it, Mr. C.,” Cole said.
    Mr. C. continued mentally undressing me. “I am, too.”
    “This is my… Danielle.” Cole wrapped his arm around me and pulled me close.
    The old man laughed. “Your Danielle? Well, that’s too bad… for me; not bad for you.” He winked at Cole.
    “Dani,” Cole said, “Why don’t you go get some wine? I need to discuss something with Mr. C.” He leaned over and kissed me on the cheek.
    Stunned, I nodded and headed towards the bar. Jasper intercepted me, holding a tray filled with wine glasses. “A drink, madam?”
    I took a glass. “Thank you, Jasper.”
    The butler nodded, smiling, and walked off. I watched as his tray steadily became lighter as just about everyone he passed helped themselves to a drink. Was Cole paying for all of this?
    “Nothing beats wine to make the boredom go away.”
    I turned to see a tall woman with long, flowing black hair looking at me. She glanced towards Cole. “Well, there’s something that’s even better that beats boredom, but it looks like you’ve got that covered.” She smiled, looking back at me. “I’m Abriana. My