Gangster Ben "Bugsy" Siegel is sent by the New York mob on a short trip to Los Angeles to negotiate a deal with the local mob, run by Jack Dragna. There he meets childhood friend George Raft, who is now a big movie star. He is fascinated by movieland and decides to stay in LA. Through his friend George Raft, he meets wannabe starlet Virginia Hill, who is married to another gangster, Joey Adonis, and instantly falls in love. He begins to court her but she constantly rejects him. One night at Ciro's nightclub Bugsy sees her and sends her an expansive ring. Later that night she shows up at his door. He invites her in and they flirt:

....

Bugsy: "Too fast to put a ring on your finger?"

Virginia: "Nothing's too fast that fits. Do you always carry a spare ring?"

Bugsy: "I'd figure I'd run into you. Would you ever have called me?"

Virginia: "I was planning to wait a while"

Bugsy: "When?"

Virginia: "10 years...."

After flirting for a few minutes Bugsy makes a move and grabs her. She slaps him:

Bugsy: "You pack quite a punch, don't you?"

Virginia: "It wasn't a punch, it was a slap. If I'd punch you, you'd be stretched out across the floor."

Bugsy: "I'm sure you're right. I'm sure you're right about everything. I'm sure you're right about the misery and the torment and I'm sure you're right about what you want..."

Virginia: "Do you always talk this much before you do it?"

Bugsy: "I only talk this much before I am going to kill someone"

They kiss.