Page 141 of The Strength Of A Woman

We’re not holding hands or anything, but his hand often touches my shoulder as he guides me through the crowd.

Lights swivel over our heads, and the music is loud, while sweaty bodies move in sync after the crazy beat.

We take the stairs up and enter a garden on a rooftop with tables, benches, dim lights, torches, and a quiet bar.

The area is cordoned off, yet we’re expected and invited in.

A bouncer leads us to a private table in the back.

Soon after, a few men show up. I’ve never seen them before.

They greet Callum, who seems to know everybody joining us right now, and before long, two other men leisurely walk to our table.

Callum rises from his seat for them. They greet each other cordially, hugging and patting one another on the back.

Callum introduces them to me.

The first man stretches his hand out.

“Tullio de Rossi.”

My hand meets his.

He’s broad, well-built, a tattooed sword peeking from his hairline.

He squeezes my hand gently.

“Nice to meet you,” he says, his eyes glinting with curiosity.

His lips are naturally curved into a tease, his raven hair only highlighting his chiseled face even more.

He has the type of face that could shift from expressing benevolence to announcing a death sentence at a drop of a hat.

The second man steps forward after exchanging greetings with Callum.

If Tullio de Rossi looks like a hurricane barely contained, the next man walks around shrouded in a cloud of mystery.

His blue eyes cut through me like ice.

His features are breathtaking, suggesting viciousness and callousness taken to another level.

He’s the type of mobster who’d probably order his enemies to be fed to wild animals just for fun.

He’d be more concerned with not staining his impeccable clothes with blood than with sparing the life of someone who’s wronged him.

Callum introduces him to me.

“Killian Diamond.”

Our hands meet. His touch is cold and firm. Mine is soft and warm.

There’s no curiosity in his eyes when I say my name.

He doesn’t even bother with me.

His eyes move to Callum again while I’m left studying the perfect symmetry of his face and the smoothness of his suit.

He’s just as big and muscular, and unlike the other men, he sends a shiver down my spine.