3. Luca

Chapter three

Luca

" B oss?" Rafael swings his gaze to me, his eyebrow lifted.

He knows me well.

The woman captivated me the moment I spotted her coming out of the Sweet Connection's office. The feeling only grew when I witnessed her reaction to me.

I loved the way her eyes rounded in surprise and the small gasp that escaped those full luscious lips of hers.And fuck. When her hand went to her throat, I wanted it to be my hand as I pinned her to the wall.

It took way too much willpower to lock my body in place. The need to approach her was overwhelming, but her reaction convinced me it would've been a mistake. She was spooked despite the attraction clear in her eyes. I could practically smell the fear coming off her. And fuck me, if that didn't make me hard.

I track her until she turns that piece of shit car of hers at the light before turning to Rafael and dipping my chin.

I can still feel the heat of her gaze.

"Basic or full report?" Rafael asks.

"Basic for now. And tell Margaret not to put her in the system."It's selfish, but I don’t want any trace of her on either site.

Rafael nods before heading next door.

As beautiful as she is, I can't imagine her applying to be a sugar baby. She doesn't have the look of the girls who normally apply. She has more of the girl next door vibe about her. It's a shame, really. I would prefer the things I could do to her without the restraint of social etiquette holding me back.

I've never gone for a good girl before, but I find the idea of corrupting her appealing. Maybe it's why she stands out against all the others.

That means I'll have to be patient. Something I've mastered even though I prefer just taking what I want.

Sighing, I force thoughts of her aside for now and focus on the business that brought me here.

Gio holds the door as I walk past him into the club, but I don't get far before I hear my name being called from across the room.

"Mr. Morelli,"comes the high pitched voice again.

Stopping just inside the club, I tilt my head at the server hurrying across the room. I don't remember her name, not that I care what it is. She's been a nuisance ever since she got hired. Every time I come here, she drops whatever she's doing to chase me down.

My jaw clenches when she stops before me, causing her eyes to widen once she glances at my expression. She takes a step back, but then stops her retreat to square her shoulders. Her features set in determination.

Aggravated by her stubbornness, I decide to end this infatuation.

Women call me a dick, but I wouldn’t have to be one if they paid attention. Not once have I encouraged her advances, going so far as having the club manager talk to her. Now I see it hasn't done any good.

Crossing my arms, I stare down at her and wait. It doesn't take long before she breaks eye contact and lowers her eyes to the floor—no doubt trying to portray submissiveness. I hold back a snort at the thought. She doesn't have a submissive bone in her body. I know her type. She loves money and power, and she sees both when she looks at me.

Wanting to fuck with her, I take a random stab at her name. "Mandy. "

She looks up, lips pressed tight, her eyebrows pinched before she controls her features. "It's Lisa, sir."

When I continue to stare, she caves under the weight, lowering her eyes back to the floor. In a quiet but firm voice, I let the asshole out.

"I don't care. When I walk in that door, you're to ignore my presence. I do not want you stepping into my path every time I come here. I tried to do this the nice way with your manager, but I see you didn't take him seriously. If you don't stop, I'll fire you. Am I making myself clear?"

Her eyes snap to mine, widening in surprise. I know he talked with her—he recorded the conversation. I also know the arrogance in this girl has her believing it wasn't at my request. When the surprise leaves her face, she narrows her eyes into slits and clenches her jaw, no doubt trying to hold her tongue when she realizes I'm rejecting her.

However, she proves to be smarter than I give her credit for when she doesn't unleash the crazy brewing in her eyes. Instead, she bites out, "Yes, sir," before turning and stiffly walking back to her station with her fists clenched tight at her sides.

Gio chuckles, enjoying the show.

"I need a drink," I mutter before moving to the bar and rapping my knuckles on the counter to get Frankie's attention. "Scotch."

Frankie nods and reaches for the Balvenie on the top shelf while Gio walks past to scout the back office.

Still chuckling.

Asshole .

Leaning against the bar, I survey the club. Due to the time of day, It's not busy—just a few regulars scattered around the room. I purchased and revamped this place four years ago when I had the idea of starting a sugar baby service. My goal was to provide a safe place for the girls to meet their potential companions while also catering to the more influential clientele of Chicago. I also envisioned a place for the corporate workers in the area to come here after work to relax after hours or meet potential clients over a drink. As soon as I set foot in the place, the name Blue Velvet spoke to me and it seemed fitting.

I requested the designer to give it a moody vibe, and she nailed it with the low lighting, deep blue velvet booths—a nod to the name—with high backs for privacy. With the warm walnut tables, and black and chrome sconces scattered throughout the room, it's sophisticated with a touch of softness to appeal to both the male and female eye.

"Here you go, sir." Frankie sets the tumbler next to me. "Can I get you anything else?"

"No, I'm good. Thank you, Frankie." Picking up the drink, I take one last survey of the room before continuing to my office where Gio waits by the monitors displaying the club's activity.

As I close the office door behind me, Gio turns to me. "I know you're not interested … but do you mind if I hit up Lisa?" Gio rubs his beard, not bothering to hold back a smirk.

Rounding the desk, I settle into my chair before answering, "By all means, she's all yours, but I hope you know what you're getting yourself into." I pull the keyboard closer and log in, bringing up the recent reports.

Chuckling, he moves to settle into the chair across from me."Oh, I'm aware." The corner of his mouth lifts in a smug grin. "I want to see how long it takes to break her."

Shaking my head, I return my focus to the reports. Or try too.

Five years ago, I would've been saying the same thing, but at thirty-two, I'm tired of the Lisas of this world. I'm not ready to settle down, but I'm past the time of hooking up with just anyone.

Which brings my angel back to mind. She's the perfect package. Nothing on her was fake. Not her fantastic rack or that ass—an ass made for spanking.

I stifle a groan at the thought.

Even with all those luscious curves of hers, I could tell she's innocent. Maybe not a virgin, but close to it. She certainly dressed like one, with her long flowered sundress, the matching headband keeping her long hair out of her face, and the plain white sandals on her feet. That she wore no makeup completed the good girl vibe she has going on.Not that she needs any—most girls don't, but they cake that shit on, anyway.

I should stay away from her, but the fact she walked out of Sweet Connections means she's fair game.

A knock at the door has Gio moving to answer and revealing Margaret Wesley. He looks back, waiting for my nod before letting her in. Once Margaret enters the office, he leaves, closing the door behind him to give us privacy.

"Margaret, please sit down." I extend my hand to the chair Gio vacated.

"Thank you, Mr. Morelli." She sits on the edge of her seat with her back straight as she grips the file in her lap. I note her pinched forehead and lack of eye contact. She's unnerved, unlike the no-nonsense woman I've come to know.

Settling back into my chair, I pick up the tumbler and take a sip while I contemplate her unusual behavior. Only when I set the glass back down do I ask what has plagued me since my angel flew away."Who is she?"

Margaret opens her mouth, but nothing comes out.

Intriguing.

She's never been hesitant to give me information on the girls before. I've never given her a reason to. My curiosity getting the best of me, I narrow my eyes, prompting her to spit it out.

She sighs as her frame droops. "Her name is Kylie Davis. She applied for the sugar baby service, sir."

My surprise is so great, I barely register her fidgeting with the file in her lap. I would've bet money she requested the dating service.

I turn my gaze to the monitors on the wall and observe Gio standing over Lisa as I contemplate this news. It appears my angel isn't so much an angel after all. Rarely does a woman surprise me. The idea of locking her into a contract has my skin buzzing with excitement. I have no doubt I'll still have to be patient with her, but this'll open so many doors faster.

I narrow my eyes, wondering why she would choose this service. Remembering seeing her massaging her temples brings my attention back to Margaret. "Did she give you a reason for applying?" I don't like the idea that the girl is in some kind of trouble.

Margaret shakes her head. "No. Only that she needs the money. She seemed to be in a rush to get the process moving."

"Interesting." I scratch my chin as she continues to fidget under my scrutiny. "Let's give her what she wants."

"I'm sorry?" Margaret frowns. "I thought you wanted me to deny her. Rafael said not to put her in the system."

Leaning forward, I extend my hand for the file. "I don't want her denied, but I also don't want her in the system." Margaret's features relax as she hands the file over. I set it aside to look over later in privacy. "She'll be mine. We'll go through the entire process, but don't record it. Put a rush on the appointments. Call Dr. Cappel and have him fit her in tomorrow, but don't wait for the test results before scheduling the salon appointments and photo shoot. Let's make this happen as soon as possible."

Margaret's frown settles back on her face. "But … what should I tell Miss Davis?"

"Once the appointments are done, give it a day and then call her. Inform her she has only one request. I want her to think I'm her only client interested until she signs my contract."

Margaret's eyes widen at my instructions.I've never taken on a sugar baby before and this clearly surprises her.

"Do you have a problem with this?" I give a bored expression as I stare at her. Margaret's not usually easy to intimidate. It's why I like her as my manager for Sweet Connections, but she's not acting like her usual self right now.

"No, sir." Margaret looks away, clearly not approving of what I want. I don't give a fuck. Why she does is something to think about later.

"Good. I'll have my terms to you no later than tomorrow morning. Have a good night, Margaret."

Dismissing her, I turn back to the reports. I want this done so I can go home and read over Kylie's file.

Gio re-enters the office shortly after Margaret leaves.

"Text Rafael. Tell him I want everything he has on her by ten tonight. Have him meet me at my home office to go over his findings."

"You got it." He pulls out his phone before sitting back down to do what I requested.

The anticipation coursing through me is something I haven't felt in a very long time. I have a feeling my angel will stir things up around here. And I look forward to every minute of it.