Sex and the Billionaire Crime Boss - Season 2

Ch. 13: Above the City

"No more meetings with Gino and Joey D this weekend?"

We left Gino's hotel around four o'clock, after politely declining to join them in the large jacuzzi next to the pool. Max explained that there were some sights in New York he wanted to show me. If Gino was upset at missing the opportunity to see me in the hot tub in my bikini, he gave no indication. He just waved us off and told us to enjoy the rest of the day.

"No more meetings," Max says.

"So what's the plan now?" I ask him as we walk across the lobby at street level and step outside to the noise and activity that is New York City.

"Have you ever been to Hudson Yards?"

We stop just outside the entrance to the hotel and step to the side.

"No, but I've heard of it." Hudson Yards is the newest neighborhood in Manhattan, developed specifically to combine residential living and offices with a diverse array of shops, restaurants, art galleries, cultural experiences, and parks.

"I thought we'd spend some time there, and definitely visit The Edge."

I look at him skeptically. "Isn't that the skyscraper with a glass platform 100 stories high that you walk around on?"

"Problem?"

"Maybe. I think I saw The Edge on one of those online lists of scary would you do this attraction memes. It showed people in some kind of jumpsuit and harnesses on the side of the building leaning out over . . . nothing."

Max laughs, and my heart skips a beat. He can't be serious.

"They do offer that, but no. I promise you, we're keeping our feet on the floor, and glasses of champagne in our hands - not ropes and pulleys."

"Ok, then," I say, still a little dubious.

A Black Uber pulls up and we get in. Max most have summoned it while we were still upstairs on the pool deck.

"Hudson Yards?" the driver asks, and Max nods.

"Yes, thank you."

I slide into the seat, then look over at Max as he joins me.

"Aren't we stopping back at the hotel first to change?"

There's a gleam in his eye when he answers me.

"You look fine," he says, "but if you prefer, I'd be happy to take you back to the hotel and help you change out of that bikini."

I actually feel myself flushing. What is wrong with me?

"No, thank you," I say coolly.

He's right. Although my outfit is intended as a cover-up, it's really just a casual dress, perfect for some sightseeing. And with the way I'm feeling right now, I'm afraid if I let Max see me in this bathing suit - if I see my own desire reflected in his eyes - I'll forget about all the things he's done. All the things he's capable of doing.

And I'll end up back in bed with him again, which is only going to make things harder. Because I can't be with Max.

I'm in love with him. I can admit that to myself. That regardless of who he is and what he's done, I'm still in love with him.

Sometimes love just isn't enough.

***

We're on the outdoor terrace at The Edge, and I'm gripping the handles of my small shopping bags like I think they are going to blow away. The shops were irresistible, and I now have a whole collection of things I really didn't need, but Max insisted on buying for me. From campy NYC souvenirs, pop culture themed candy and gourmet chocolates, to a pair of designer sunglasses and a silk scarf he paid way too much money for.