Page 49 of Handsome Devil

“Huh?”

“You heard me. Do you find Annabelle beautiful?”

Vance laughed nervously, and then he shrugged. “I don’t know why you would be asking me that question.”

“I know your reputation. You… get around, so to speak.”

“I’m a man. I’m sure you understand?—”

“No, I don’t. I don’t understand anyone who does not respect the vows of marriage.”

Vance’s cheeks turned pink. “Excuse me, I have to go.”

Dante pressed a hand to his chest and held him in place. “I’m not done talking. Do not walk away from me.”

One of the reasons people referred to him as the devil was because of his confrontational style. He didn’t do hints or beating around the bush. He got straight to the point.

He inched closer, and Vance swallowed.

To anyone else, they appeared to be two friends having an intense conversation. “I know you want my wife. My question is, are you foolish enough to make a play for her, to try to seduce her?Mywife. I don’t think there is a man alive who would do something so… dangerously stupid. Because any man who does that must know that I, Dante Escarra, would destroy everything he knows and loves. I would leave nothing but charred Earth in the wake of my rage at any man whothinkshe could possibly take what is mine. I’m a very rich man, Vance, but nothing I own is more valuable, more precious to me, than my wife. I never want to see you trying to get cozy withmy wifeever again. I have a very long memory, and I’m a patient man.” He placed a hand on Vance’s shoulder and squeezed. “I am warning you, for your own good, and I don’t make idle threats. Do not fuck with me. You will live to regret it.”

He locked eyes with Vance, so he’d know he meant every one of those softly spoken words, and there was no mistaking the fear in Vance’s eyes.

Satisfied the message he delivered was clear and understood, Dante removed his hand and walked out of the room. Famished, he went in search of food to eat.

But the gravity of his own words lingered like smoke at the periphery of his brain. The most important thing in his life wasn’t a thing at all, wasn’t a possession. How ironic. No matter how much money he made or property he owned, Annabelle was the greatest prize of all—the vibrant, intelligent woman he had fallen in love with years ago.

And was clearly in danger of falling in love with again.

22

The silence in the back of the black SUV was deafening. Dante sensed Annabelle wanted to say something, but for the moment, she held her tongue. For his part, he didn’t need to talk. He welcomed silence and thrived in situations where others were uncomfortable.

The driver pulled up to the front, where light poured through the glass doors. He helped Annabelle down from the vehicle, and Dante climbed out the other side. The driver waited for him as he rounded the vehicle.

“Will there be anything else this evening, Mr. Escarra?”

“No, thank you. Good night.”

“Good night, sir.”

Dante followed Annabelle into the house.

She stopped at the bottom of the staircase and faced him. “Did you say something to Vance tonight?”

“Finally, she speaks.”

“Don’t be sarcastic. Answer the question.”

“Something like what?” Dante asked, walking past her. He heard her following.

“Did you threaten him?”

“Yes.”

“You’re not even denying it!” she exclaimed.

Dante entered their bedroom and shrugged out of his jacket. “Why would I deny the truth? I threatened him, and I’m not ashamed, though I’m surprised he told you. Hmm… I must not have intimidated him enough.”

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