Fallen Angel: A Mafia Romance - Part 1 (Roman Crime Family) by Alisa Anderson, Cameron Skye Page A

defensive.
    “Because I own the fucking place, that’s why.”
    “Again, why do you care?” She gave a humorless smile that didn’t meet her eyes. “All that fucking matters is that I get onstage and take my clothes off, right?”
    “You got a massive chip on your shoulder. Anyone ever tell you that?”
    “Anyone ever tell you that you ask too many questions?”
    Nick stared at Jess for a few seconds and finally burst out laughing. She had nerve, that’s for sure. He’d probably killed men for less.
    She almost wanted him to spare her the same mercy. Anything would be better than her shitty life.
    “Don’t ever do coke on my stage. Cops will be all over my ass.”
    Allison looked horrified. “Nick I-”
    “Don’t worry about it, Allie.” He stuck out his hand, clasping Jess’ hand into his. “Nick Roman. Welcome to Takers.”
    His touch reverberated up her arm. Down her spine.
    What the fuck was that?
    He grinned at her, and she felt a tingle go through her entire body.
    Oh, yeah.
    This man was seriously bad news. One she knew she needed to stay away from. She was fully aware of his reputation from Allison. Not only with the ladies, but of being a notorious Mafioso.
    She also knew he was very much married. An arranged marriage at that.
    Supposedly there was a story there, but it was never discussed. Ever.
    Nick swung his leg over a chair, sitting.
    “Ok, let’s see what you got. Get on the stage. I’ll cue Mikey when you’re ready. Oh and kid…how do you feel about going topless?” 
    Jess hesitated a moment before climbing on the stage. This was the end of the line for her. She was desperate. If she didn’t make this work, it was back to Kansas for her.
    Back to her old life. Back to her family. Back to her father. Back to his world.
    Becoming the failure he always said she would be.
    Not this time.
    He would never get the opportunity to touch her again. She was never going back to them. Or him. She was done with that portion of her life.
    Not even if said life, depended on it.
    Which, in a way, it kind of did.
    For her piece own piece of mind. For her sanity. Finding some semblance of happiness. She needed this.
    Just once, it would be nice to get a decent night’s sleep.
    No nightmares. No terror filled panic attacks. Wondering if tonight was the night her father emptied his gun in her head. No dreaded anticipation of what was to come.
    Foul, alcohol-laced breath…sweaty hands…suffocating her…moving all over her body, touching her…violating her…going places no father should ever be…
    “Kid? Are you ok?” Nick’s voice startled her.
    She looked up sharply, meeting his gaze. It was too late to mask the gnawing fear and haunted, raw, naked ache in her eyes. She knew he could see it all.
    What surprised her was his curiously knowing silence. As if he knew exactly what she was thinking and feeling.
    And understood.
    He was giving her an out. No questions asked. One she was not going to take.
    Jess shook herself.
    “I will be. But will you, I mean will they be able to touch my boobs?”
    If he caught the slip, he didn’t let on.
    “And why did you ask me where I was from, if you already knew?”
    She was annoyed at both him and herself for the slip. And for the warmth gathering between her legs.
    There was an awkward pause before Nick eventually spoke.
    “I ask because I can. It’s my club. You got a problem, there’s the door.” Nick arched his brow at her.
    She nodded, glancing away. Ass .
    He continued. “Now then. No touching by others, period. However, there are no rules for me but one. You’ll never have to do anything you aren’t good with. That, I can promise.”
    Why the fuck did he promise that? Jess wasn’t about to ask.
    “Mikey, Hot Child in City.” Leaning forward he put a cigar in his mouth. “When you’re ready, kid.”
    The music started playing. Jess wasn’t really sure what to do at first. Wondering why in the hell he chose such an old fucking song.
    How