Patrick: A Mafia Love Story Read Online Free PDF Page A

hadn’t changed.
    She was in luck, finding him sunning himself when she stepped out onto the patio and winced as her bare feet touched the hot concrete. “Oh,” she hissed. “That’s hot.” It was only early June, but the weather was uncomfortably hot. It would only get hotter, and it was certainly a big adjustment from the temperature she’d been used to for the last four years in Ireland.
    She hoped his eyes were on her as she strolled the pool, shrugging off the transparent sarong she had looped around her waist. It had done little to hide what she was wearing, but now it did nothing as she stood in a very revealing bikini. The strapless cups barely covered her areolas, and the thong went up her ass. Tiny white ties held it on her hips, but that was it. She wasn’t entirely confident in wearing it. Not because she didn’t look good, but she was half-afraid it would fly off when she jumped into the water.
    She had to bite back a giggle at the thought of her top snapping open, flying across the patio and smacking Patrick in the face. That would be one way to get his attention.
    She dove into the water, shivering as the coolness penetrated. The water was mildly heated, but it was still a bit of a cold shock after the heat of stepping outdoors. She surfaced a moment later and swam lazily, making her way toward Patrick. Once she was in front of him, certain he had a good view, she flipped over onto her back and started floating.
    She kept her legs spaced widely apart, hoping to allow him a glimpse of what he was denying himself. “I wasn’t sure you’d still be out here. I know you used to swim on the weekends, but you’re always busy these days.” How true that was. He seemed to be making an effort to stay out of her way, and she assumed it was because he wanted to avoid her. Not because he didn’t want to spend time with her, but because he did. At least she hoped that was the case.
    His sunglasses came off slowly and as he looked at her, his mouth tightened. “What the fuck is that?”
    She flinched, looking over her shoulder automatically and displacing her float. “What’s what?” she asked as she treaded water slowly.
    “That thing you’re almost wearing.”
    Bingo. She barely held back a grin of satisfaction. “It’s a bikini, Patrick. I’m sure you’ve seen them before. In fact, I know you have, because I’ve seen your lady friends strolling around the house upon occasion.” But not this time. Not since she’d been back had Patrick had anyone in the house.
    That summer she’d stayed with him between high school and college, it had seemed to be a never-ending string of floozies—which was an unfair term, because she couldn’t blame the women for wanting him as much as she did—and he’d been determined to parade them all in front of her. At the time, she had been a hurt teenager. But with the perspective of time and maturity, she suspected it had been a twofold operation. His first purpose had been to distract himself from her presence, and the second had been to show Lauren he had no interest in her.
    Or perhaps she was just fooling herself. With a sigh, she paddled to the edge of the pool and lifted herself out. If he had looked properly, he would have seen a generous eyeful of her modest cleavage. She hoped he’d gotten his fill. Once poolside again, she made a production of stretching, but not reaching for a towel.
    “Put on some damn clothes.”
    Lauren grinned at Patrick. “I’m wearing clothes. I don’t consider this skinny-dipping, but if you prefer…?”
    He scowled at her as he stretched and grabbed a towel, thrusting it at her with more force than necessary. “Cover yourself. You know who’s around?”
    She made a big production of looking around them before settling her gaze back to him. “I only see you and me, Patrick. Is it you that you’re worried about?”
    He took off his sunglasses, pushing them on top of his head. “There is staff around, and guards