Tryst (Tryst Duology Book 1) by V.B. Emanuele

Author:V.B. Emanuele [Emanuele, V.B.]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Euphoria Publishing
Published: 2022-10-29T16:00:00+00:00

11

RETURNED

Shock overcame me and I took a step closer so he could hear me over the loud saxophone solo. “What are you doing here?!”

He leaned next to my ear. “I can’t hear you well! Can we go somewhere else and talk?”

I glimpsed back over my shoulder. Aiden was talking to a girl at the table beside ours. Isaac was chatting with Maddie. Turning back to Mr. Bernardi, I smiled, nodding.

Placing my hand in his, we shuffled into the elevator with others who were leaving. He stroked the back of my hand with his thumb as we rode to the street level and stepped off. Once in the alley, he tugged me toward the sidewalk. The line had grown longer. We rounded the corner, and he stopped. He never let go of my hand. In fact, he was holding it tighter than before.

I leaned on the wall, peering up into his dark eyes. “What are you doing in New York?”

“I haven’t been able to get you out of my head.” Eyes watering, he stroked my cheek. “I was coming here to listen to music. I heard it’s the place to be and you know I love jazz. My hotel is just down the road. I was going to look for you tomorrow. I got in tonight. Since your dad is who he is, I figured it would be easy to find you.” He chuckled, tilting his head. “I guess I was right.”

“I’m…just surprised.” Suddenly, I felt guilty he’d lost his job because of me. “Mr. Bernar—”

“No.” He circled his thumb on my jaw. “Call me Nick. My name is Niccolò but only my mother calls me that.”

“I’m not sure I can call you that.” I pursed my lips, chewing the inside of my bottom lip. “I have so many questions.”

His forehead creased with worry. “We can go get food and—”

“Who the fuck are you?!”

I spun around. “Antonio, you scared the crap outta me.” I giggled. “This is my friend, Mr. B—Nick.”

Mr. Bernardi extended his hand. “Hey, man. Nice to meet you.”

Antonio pinned his lit cigarette between his lips and crossed his arms high on his chest, narrowing his raged glare on him. He was no longer the friendly or charming man I’d met before tonight. A darkness loomed in his sinister eyes.

Mr. Bernardi lowered his hand. “Tough crowd.”

Wanting to keep peace, I strained to stay jovial. “How did you know I was out here?”

Antonio peeled his gaze from Mr. Bernardi, lowering it on me. His expression remained rigid. “I asked your friends where you were. Maddie’s brother told me you were out here with some guy.”

“I assure you I’m okay.” I snickered, resting a hand on his tense forearm. “We’re friends from college.”

“College?” His attention tightened on Mr. Bernardi once again. “A little old for college, aren’t you?”

“Antonio,” I sighed, dropping my hand. “I’m safe.”

Holy shit, he’s protective! It was weird. The man barely knew me, yet he lingered over me like a jealous boyfriend. He took a drag of his cigarette then lowered it to his side, flickering his gaze between Mr.

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