How do you get to own a mafia boss?
Step One: Save his life
His mouth lowers slowly, eyes locked on my lips now. Every trace of amusement is gone, leaving behind a smoldering seriousness. "I've been hoping you'd kiss me."
My breath is coming in short chops. Careful, AJ.
"And I find that I don't want to wait anymore."

***

My name is AJ Deónne. My life is a mess. All I want is to work till my bakery is debt free, and to survive these next few years alone.

My plans are turned upside down when I save a stranger from drowning...did I mention he is gorgeous? Don't judge me for ogling a helpless man. You would too!

His past hidden in shrouds of mystery...that only seems to excite and entice me. Now he is living under my roof...am I falling for him?

So what if danger is now following me and there are threats to my once quiet life? It surely has nothing to do with my handsome stranger. Right?

How To Own a Mafia Boss is created by Temple Alli, an eGlobal Creative Publishing signed author.

How To Own A Mafia Boss

Joe comes into the bakery later that day with his husband, a stranger in tow. 


It's a little surprising to see a new face  it's obvious how out of place he is  and a bit jarring after the Jason debacle and my emotional trauma from this morning. But I give my usual cheery smile and hope no one notices my disconcertion. 


Since Jason left, they've all be looking at me with a mix of dread and pity. I don't want to give them a real reason to worry about me. 


"Hello," I greet, cheeks already hurting from pulling that smile. 


Bartholomew leans in to kiss my left cheek, then my right. "AJ. How's life?"


I smirk, feeling a little more grounded after that physical contact. Turns out, Jason has made me a whore for it. "When I'm not ogling your husband, I'm making food for people."


He leans in, eyes solemn. "Please, stop with the whole ogling thing. It makes him f*cking uncomfortable. Ogle me instead."


Chapter 38: The Angel You Can't Hold