Risky (Torn Between Two Lovers #2)(66)

“Sounds great.”

Joaquin grabbed Anna’s bags and had T-Bone take his own ahead to his suite. Not wanting to be presumptuous, he showed her to a bedroom upstairs, pointing out his own as they passed it. At her questioning look, he explained there were no expectations, no obligations.

“I don’t want you to feel pressured into sleeping with me. Your stay here is going to be stress-free, if I have anything to say about it. That includes knowing that your choices are just that—yours to make. If you wind up in my room, as much as I want you there, it’s because you chose to be there.”

Immediately, he knew he’d taken the right stance and said the right thing. Which was good, because he’d meant every word. A man had no right to expect more from a woman than she was willing to give, and he despised any man who thought he was entitled to ride roughshod over her body and her freedom just because he’d slept with her a couple of times. Growing up, he’d seen his bastard of a father treat his mother in that horrible, degrading fashion too many times.

“Thank you,” she said, touching his face. “That’s really thoughtful of you, but don’t be surprised if your new guest refuses to stay put in her room.”

“In that case, I’ll look forward to finding a beautiful, lost woman wandering my bedroom.”

“When I end up there, I can assure you I won’t be lost.”

Stepping into him, she pulled his head down for a kiss that seared him to his toes. He loved tasting her, feeling her soft body pressed against his. After several moments, they broke apart.

He smiled and tried to calm his raging libido. “I’ll let you get settled. Just come on down whenever you’re ready.”

Reluctantly, he left her and went in search of his youngest brother. Even though the mansion was sprawling, there were only so many rooms they actually occupied. He checked Rio’s bedroom, knocking and getting no response. Then he went downstairs and searched the study, living room, and game room. The kitchen was the last place he looked, and he found his brother with his head stuck in the refrigerator.

Rio strongly resembled Joaquin and Manny, with the same dark hair and eyes, but their younger brother was not quite as tall, his build more lean. He must’ve just come in from the pool, since he was wearing a pair of swim trunks and his T-shirt was damp.

“Should’ve known I’d find you stuffing your face.”

Straightening, Rio turned with a bottle of beer in hand and gave him a grin. “Hey, you’re back! How was the trip?”

“Rather … satisfying.”

“Oh, yeah?” Twisting off the metal cap, he took a swig of the brew. “You rushed out of here like your ass was on fire. I gather you found whatever, or whomever, you were looking for?”

“I did.” His lips curved upward. “And I brought her home.”

His brother snorted. “Nice. Not sure you want her in the middle of our problems with Santos, though.” Joaquin gave him a look. “Henry and T-Bone filled me in on what happened in Aruba with Petrov.”

“I’ve got an estate full of guards to protect her and everyone else here. Besides, for all their threats, not one of the families has ever followed through.”

“You’re lying to yourself and you know it, brother. We’re living on borrowed time, especially with Santos bringing Petrov into the picture. Santos is getting nervous that you’re about to cooperate with the feds and roll on everyone.”

Joaquin shook his head. “I would never do that unless the families push me into a corner and leave me no choice. I just want them to stay the f*ck out of my affairs, and I’ll do the same for them. Why can’t they get that through their thick skulls?”


“Everyone has a price. They’re terrified the FBI is going to find yours and use it.”

“This is part of the reason I cut my trip short. I want to find a way to extend an olive branch, a sign of goodwill.” He paused, knowing Rio wouldn’t like his idea. “I’m considering throwing a cocktail party at the casino, in the private ballroom. Invite our business acquaintances—”

“Have you lost your mind?” Rio plunked his bottle on the counter and sputtered, half choking on his beer. “That’ll be a security nightmare, not to mention a lot of trouble for zero results. No good can come of having all of them in the same room.”

“It’s not like we haven’t entertained before, bro, and the security at the casino is second to none. If I’m going to sway the families, it’s got to be done the old-fashioned way—with lots of ego stroking and plenty of cash flow.”

“It’s still a big risk.”

“But a calculated one with potential reward.”

Rio wasn’t happy, but he reluctantly gave in. “You know I’m behind you all the way, but Manny’s going to be pissed.”

“Manny got his stupid ass tossed in jail and is awaiting trial without bond,” Joaquin said dryly. “I don’t give two shits what he approves of at this point.”

“True that.” Rio sighed. “Just tell me what you want, and I’ll make sure it gets done.”

“Thanks. I knew I could count on you.” Pausing, he eyed Rio. “And if all goes well, I’m going to rely on you even more in the months to come.”

“Meaning?”