The Wounded Love novel Chapter 4

I sighed. "Look at that pathetic group."

My bartender took a good look at them. "The blonde is hot."

I nodded. "She's the bride. Be my guest and give her one last night of adventure."

He laughed. "I'm not kidding." I said to him. "That's my cousin. She's marrying my ex."

"Yikes."

"Tell me about it."

I sat there and indulged on the rest of my drink. "Seriously Sugar, what is up with all these fancy dresses?"

Sugar? Sugar. Sugar! Oh shit! The man from last night and if I was correct...

I turned around. Yup he was the same guy I was ogling at this morning in the lobby. He somehow managed to be even more attractive now. I mean between his face and that body... not to mention the accent.

It took me a few seconds to catch my breath. There was definitely ripped muscle under that leather coat. How could someone have hair that thick and silky? I needed to find out what kind of shampoo he used.

My eyes then scanned his face. Wow. That was the only thought that came to mind. Wow. I've never described anyone's lips as delicious but his were so plump and soft and... delicious. His dark brown puppy eyes were serious, and looked like the type of eyes that could penetrate into my soul and with one look know all of my deepest and darkest secrets, but at the same time they seemed light, playful, and happy.

"Are you totally wasted again?" He asked jokingly, forcing an American accent.

Italian, he was definitely Italian.

"Getting there." I responded with a smile, trying not to appear too self conscious. I was glad I was buzzed, it made it easier to talk to him. It masked the fact that I was one giant klutz. Too bad he wasn't drunk, it would slow down the realization that I was way out of his league.

I looked good in my short blue dress and black Michael Kors heels, but still way out of his league. It did however, make me more confident. At least I knew I didn't look like a swamp creature.

"I'm here for a bridal shower. My cousin over there is getting married." I pointed to Angela.

"She's a blonde." He observed.

"What's happening to you man?" Sean asked as we entered the bar. He snatched my cell phone out of my hands.

"Nothing." I snapped, taking my phone back. My father was the problem. He wasn't supposed to reach out to me, but of course he didn't care, he was the boss, no one told him what to do, and that was proved by the five missed calls I had from him.

Either something was wrong or he started using again.

I didn't answer the call. I let it ring and ring until he was sent to voicemail. If it was really him, and he really needed something he could very easily find me some other way.

All of my ancestors died young. They lived long enough to pop out a few kids and keep the family name going. My father was the exception due to the fact that he was smart and worked his way up the social ladder. Of course, I use the word worked lightly. No virtuous, ethical man got to where he was without blowing off a few heads along the way. You had to be cold blooded, heartless, and fearless.

I certainly wasn't that person. I had a heart, I had fears, I had a conscience. My father knew that, so rather than allow his son to be viewed as the weak link, rather than mold me into the devil he was, he shipped me off to somewhere safe with minimal contact.

"I'm fine, I just need a drink." I sighed, heading over to the bar.

"You see her?" Sean asked me as I took the first sip of my drink. The first of what I planned to be many drinks. "I've been watching her for three days now."