Deadly Love (The Deadly #1) - Erin Trejo Page 0,5

the street. For me, that’s a good thing. Drugs run better in the heat than they do in the cold.

“Well, at least you don’t have much longer of him being on your case,” Hugo reminds me. I thank God for that small fact as well.

“This is true. Are you coming to the gala this weekend?”

“Would I miss the opportunity to see sexy women in even sexier gowns?” He raises an eyebrow. I smirk.

“I suppose not. That is where most of your pussy comes from isn’t it?” Hugo flips me off but I know how he is. He loves anything willing to spread their legs for him.

“You want me to drop those files off? I’m heading over to deal with a few problems on that side of town.” Nodding my head, I pass him the file. I don’t need to ask what problems he’s handling considering Hugo does ninety percent of the killing for this family.

“Don’t forget Victoria wants to see you at dinner tonight,” I remind him watching as he rolls his eyes.

“Tell Victoria when she feeds me a bowl of her sweet pussy, I’ll be there.” With a laugh I watch him walk toward his car as I climb into the back of mine.

Chapter Five

Tessa

I look ridiculous. No scratch that. I look sexy as hell in this dress. My thieving skills have become useful over the last couple of years. Living in Las Vegas, Sin City isn’t easy. Well for most. For me? I make due.

“When are you going to stop this?” Tino asks as he steps up behind me, wrapping his hands around my waist. His palms are hot even through the blood red fabric of my dress.

“When I get what I want.”

“Trick rolling isn’t a part of this plan, Tessa.” I reach for the red lipstick that matches my dress and apply it to my lips.

“It pays the bills,” I remind him. Tino isn’t able to work. Our pasts have grounded us and now I’m in charge. I’m the one that has to make ends meet. I never saw it coming. Not when I was younger. I was happy and taken care of. My mom was a good mom that provided for us even when my dad wasn’t around. I had a good life. So did Tino until it all fell to shit. One night. That’s all it took to change everything. At first I ignored it and brushed it off but day after day things got worse. Men came into our home, overriding everything my mom had put in place. They took charge and when things didn’t go their way, they hurt us. Shaking the thoughts away, I look at myself in the mirror.

“It needs to stop,” he whispers running his lips down my neck and over my shoulder.

“When you step up and take control of your life I will.” He pulls away from me and takes a step back, running his hand through his hair. I know we’ve gone over this time and time again but Tino is as stubborn as they come.

“It’s not that easy and you know it. I don’t have the army they do.” I know that much but I also know that if he went rocking the mafia boat, assholes would fall.

“You have to make it happen, Tino. Sitting here in this house isn’t doing anything. We’re just letting them ruin our lives over and over. Each day that I breathe is another day of life I’ve let them steal. I’m done,” I tell him. He raises his head and catches my eyes in the mirror. Heat races down my spine as I watch him move closer.

“You’re a temptress, Tessa,” he says leaning down and running his nose along my shoulder. I close my eyes and let the feel of him calm me, soothe me. Things between Tino and I are complicated. Do I love him? No. Do I need him and care for him? Of course. I don’t think love is in the cards for someone like me. If it is, I sure as hell haven’t found it.

“I need to go,” I remind him. He nods against me before turning me in his arms and kissing me roughly. His tongue demands entrance and I gladly let him in. He’s my drug of choice only because of the situation we’re in. He’s the one thing that keeps my buzzing and craving more. Next to the danger, this is what I want. A man that can handle me, my mouth and everything