His Only Weakness

She picked out a short, tight-fitting blue dress with a plunging neckline. It was sure to catch his attention. After applying some make-up she headed to the nightclub. Once there she had no problems getting in. The bouncer, after looking her up and down opened the door for her to enter. She made her way over to the bar and sat on the stool at the end. This way she could see everyone around her.

"What's your pleasure?" the bartender smiled and asked her.

"I'll have a Manhattan, please."

Coming back with her drink he sat it in front of her and started chatting her up. "I've not seen you in here before."

She smiled back at him. "No, it's my first time here."

"If you don't mind me saying so, but I don't think you belong in a place like this. It can be dangerous for someone who looks like you."

"Someone who looks like me! What is that supposed to mean?"

"I just mean that you seem innocent and the men that come here are not always nice. Especially when it comes to women."

"I can handle myself," she said as she looked around the room. It wasn't very busy for being known as a hotspot to party. Only a few men were seated with women on their laps, strippers of course. One woman was on stage, slowly removing her clothes as some of the men were leering and whistling.

She looked back at the bartender. "It's not very busy in here. I thought the place would have been crowded."

"Usually it's quiet on a Tuesday, the rest of the week it's packed in here."

"I'm sure the boss isn't happy about it being this quiet."

"He doesn't care."

"Oh, and one would think he'd come to see how his business is doing."

"Yeah, he does come in every other day or so. He hasn't been in for a while so I expect to see him tonight."

After an hour she got up to use the restroom. But before she got there she heard some yelling coming from a closed door. Opening it a crack she peeked in and saw some men sitting around a table. They were playing poker and two men were arguing. She closed the door and went to the ladies room.

Going back to the bar she ordered another drink. Some of the men started hitting on her but they soon got the hint she wasn't interested.

She was just about to give up on him when she noticed a man walking towards the bar. He was tall, wearing shades that gave off a mysterious vibe. He was wearing a suit. white shirt but no tie. He had dark hair and some facial hair. There was no doubt in her mind that this was Armando Valentino.

"Vinny, how's it going tonight?"

"Hey, boss, quiet as usual for a Tuesday night," Vinny replied and handed him a scotch on the rocks.

Jada knew she had to do something to get his attention, so she spilled her drink and let out a cry of dismay. "Oh no, I'm afraid I knocked my drink over."

It worked, Vinny grabbed a rag to wipe up the spill and Armando removed his shades and went over to her.

"It's alright, it happens all the time," he said as he stared into her eyes. Then he told the bartender to get her another drink on the house.

"No, it's my fault so I'll pay for it." She couldn't stop looking back at him, thinking he had the nicest blue eyes she had ever seen. They were what one would call bedroom eyes.

"No, I insist," he said. There was something about this woman that he found intriguing. "I am Armando Valentino and I own this club. And you are?"

With the way he was looking at her, she knew her plan was working. "Jada," she said, holding out her hand to shake his.

"I presume you have a last name," he replied, shaking her hand.

"I do, but you can just call me Jada."

He raised an eyebrow, wondering why she didn't want to give her last name. "Oh, I see, you're a woman of mystery. So Jada, would you care to join me at one of the tables where we can get to know one another?"

She looked over his shoulder and smiled back at him. "Will they also be joining us?" she asked, pointing to the two men standing against the wall.

The corner of his lip curled up into a smile. "So you noticed them. You're very observant. But no, it will just be the two of us."

She knew it wasn't going to be easy getting him alone so she played along. Getting up she started walking towards one of the tables but was stopped when he took hold of her arm.

"No, not there. I have my own table. It is more private and away from prying eyes. I do not tolerate anyone eavesdropping on my conversations."

The warmth from his hand on her arm sent shivers throughout her body as he walked her up a small staircase. There, by the railing was a private area, a table overlooked the dance area below where they could see everyone.

"I thought this would be more quiet than down there."

She looked around her surroundings and noticed a door and looked at him suspiciously. "What behind that door? If it's where you do kinky things with women you can count me out. I'm not that kind of girl."

He couldn't stop smiling when she started walking away. Getting in front of her he held up his hands, and his eyes stared into hers. "No, it is nothing of the sort. It is my office," he said, pointing to another door. "That one is my private washroom and the other door is where I keep a safe."

"Oh," she said, feeling foolish as she sat down.

He sat across from her. "So, Jada, what brings you to my club?"

"I felt like having a drink and asked the cab driver where a good nightspot was. He suggested I come here."

He ran his hand over his beard. "I'm surprised he suggested this place."

She traced her fingertip over the rim of her glass. "I find that strange. With you being the owner of this club I would think you'd be grateful that he suggested it."

"Normally I would be, but this is not the place for a single woman to come alone."

"Why is that?"

"You ask a lot of questions. You're not from around here are you?"

"What makes you think that?"

"You have a Spanish accent and I have never seen you around. I would have noticed you, even in a crowd or in passing. So, why are you here, and alone?"

"You're very observant and if you must know I'm on vacation."

"Alone?" he asked, trying to read her and figure out what she was hiding.

"You say I'm the one asking questions when you are doing the same thing. But yes, I'm here by myself. There's nothing wrong with a woman going somewhere without company. Is there?"

"One as beautiful as yourself should not go so far from home without being accompanied by someone who can protect them."

"Oh, so you're one of them."

"What does that mean?"

She liked his heavy Italian accent and found it sexy. "A male chauvinist pig," she said angrily and went to get up.

He grabbed her arm before she could stand. "Forgive me. I did not mean to offend you. It's just that Boson can be a very dangerous place. This club especially."

"Why is this place so dangerous? Are all the patrons here criminals?"

He didn't answer her, instead, he took out his phone and called down to the bartender and told him to send up two more drinks. "Since you are here visiting I would be honoured to show you around."

"How do I know that you aren't a psycho killer or a rapist?"

He chuckled as he rolled his eyes. "Why not find out for yourself? Have dinner with me tomorrow night. If you still feel I'm a danger to you then I won't bother you again."

She looked down at the two men who were watching over Armando. "I suppose dinner will include your bodyguards."

"I can arrange for us to be alone," he said, knowing darn well they would be there but out of sight.

"I'll think about it."

He saw how she was staring down at the dance floor. "Would you like to go down and dance while you think over my dinner proposal?"

She scoffed. "Dance to that, no way. All they are doing is jumping up and down, waving their arms in the air. I prefer slow dances."

He smiled, he too felt the same way. "I totally agree with you."

A smile crossed her face. "Yeah, I really couldn't picture you dancing like them down there. Are you a good dancer?"

"I've never had any complaints before and I promise I won't step on your toes. How about you Bella?"

"I've studied all types of dance, waltz, tango and other ballroom dances. Maybe I will go out to dinner with you as long as you promise to take me dancing later."

"Then it's a date."

"OK, you can pick me up at my hotel, say around eight o'clock."

"I will be looking forward to it. Now, would you care for another drink?"

"No, I think I'll call it a night."

"Then allow me to drive you to your hotel," he said as he stood when she did. He would have liked to spend more time with her but he not going to stop her from leaving.

"That's ok, I'll take a cab."

"Then allow me to call one for you and I will walk out with you. You know, to make sure no one hassles you."

She didn't protest when he placed his hand on the small of her back as he led her outside. She was just glad that her plan was working. Now all she had to do was play along with him, get him to trust her enough to be alone together.

They had just gotten outside when a man, followed by two others walked up to them.

"Armando."

"John, what are you doing here?"

"I heard there was a high-stakes game tonight. You know how much I love a good game of cards."

"I don't want any trouble, John."

"Oh, Armando, I'm not here to cause trouble. I only want to win some of the money I lost the last time I was here."

"OK, but I will be keeping an eye on you."

"That's fine with me. Now who is this little beauty with you? I don't believe we have met."

When he went to take Jade's hand, Armando interceded. "There's no need for an introduction since you won't be seeing her again."

John was not pleased with how he was being treated, but letting it go said his goodbyes and went into the club.

Jade could see how much the men hated one another and wondered why. "Who was that man and why did you push his hand away when he tried to shake mine?"

"His name is John Cavezza. He is a bad man and you must stay away from him at all costs."

"He seemed very pleasant to me."

Just as the cab pulled up he placed the palm of his hand on the side of her face, his eyes stared deeply into hers. "Promise me that if you ever spot him turn and leave. Do not stop to talk to him, just run away. I'm looking forward to tomorrow night. Goodnight."

His hand felt so soft on her cheek, and the way he ran his thumb on her skin felt sensuous. If it wasn't for the fact that he killed her father she might have fallen for his good looks. But she had to stay focused on her plan and not let her emotions get in the way. Which wasn't easy, he was so handsome and had this charming and alluring way about him.

He watched as the cab pulled away and wished that John hadn't shown up when she was with him. He noticed how the man stared at her breasts and was worried he would try and get close to her. He wasn't going to let that happen, no matter what he had to do. Heading back inside he went to the room and sat down to play cards. This way he could keep an eye on John. Both of their men stood on either side of their boss.