Page 33 of Dangerous Seduction

I nodded, forcing myself to meet his gaze. “They’re magnificent. Your family has an incredible estate.”

Dante’s eyes darkened, a flash of something unreadable passing across his features. “That they do,” he said, his voice rough. “Though I can’t say I’m always a fan of the company that comes with it.”

I tilted my head, intrigued despite myself. “What do you mean?”

He let out a humorless chuckle, running a hand through his hair. “My old man, for one. He can be...a real piece of work. And his soldiers - they’re not exactly the kind of people I’d invite over for a barbecue, you know?”

I forced myself to remain calm, to play the part of the curious, sympathetic lover. “I can imagine it must have been difficult growing up in that environment.”

Dante’s gaze searched mine, and I saw vulnerability in his eyes for a moment. “It was,” he admitted, his voice barely above a whisper. “But I’ve learned to play the game, to keep my head down and my priorities straight.”

I took a step closer, my hand reaching out to rest on his arm. “And what are your priorities, Dante?”

He stared down at my hand, his face unreadable. “Family,” he said finally, his voice gruff. “Protecting the ones I love, no matter the cost.”

I felt a pang as I saw a glimpse of the man beneath the cartel prince facade.

“That’s admirable,” I said, gently squeezing his arm. “Not many people would be willing to make that kind of sacrifice.”

Dante let out a humorless laugh. “You have no idea.” He paused, his eyes searching mine. “But enough about me. What about you, Eva? What are your priorities?”

The question caught me off guard, and I felt my carefully constructed mask begin to slip. “I, uh...” I stammered, cursing myself for my lack of composure.

Dante’s lips morphed into a small, knowing smile. “Don’t worry, babe. I’m not looking for some big, dramatic declaration.” He reached up, his fingers gently tracing the line of my jaw. “I just want to know you. The real you, not this polished, perfect version you show the rest of the world.”

“Dante, I...” I trailed off, unsure of what to say. How could I possibly act real for Dante?

“Shh,” he said, his thumb brushing across my lower lip. “It’s okay. You don’t have to say anything.” His gaze darkened, the air between us crackling with undeniable tension. “Just let me in, Eva. Let me see you.”

Before I could react, his mouth was on mine, his kiss searing and possessive.

I melted into his embrace, my hands fisting in the front of his shirt as I returned his kiss with a fervor that surprised even me. Everything else faded away - the mission, the lies, the guilt. All that mattered was Dante and how he made me feel alive in a way I hadn’t experienced in years.

When we finally broke apart, both of us panting, I knew I was in far deeper than I ever could have imagined. Dante Reyes had wormed his way under my skin, past my defenses, and into the very core of me. And I had no idea how I would find the strength to pull myself back out.

“We should probably head back to the house,” I managed. “Dinner will be served soon.”

Dante’s hand found mine, and our fingers intertwined, fitting together perfectly. As we walked back to the house, the gravel path crunching beneath our feet, I marveled at how my skin tingled at his touch, a silent testament to his power over me.

SIXTEEN

DANTE

I stood in front of the mirror, adjusting my tie with more precision than was necessary. My mind kept drifting back to the stolen moments with Eva in the stables. The way her body molded perfectly against mine, the taste of her lips, the soft sighs that escaped her as our kisses deepened... it was all I could think about. A heady rush of desire coursed through me at the memories.

I ran a hand through my hair, attempting to regain my composure. This was absurd. I was Dante Reyes, a man known for his ironclad self-control and focus. And yet, here I was, utterly captivated by a woman I barely knew.

A sharp rap on the door snapped me out of my reverie. “Come in,” I called out, steeling myself and giving my appearance one last critical once-over.

The door opened, and my sister, Sofia, breezed in, her face lit up with a radiant smile. “Dante, are you ready for dinner? You won’t believe the fantastic afternoon Eva and I had riding horses!”

My heart twisted at the bitter tang of jealousy as I imagined Eva enjoying herself without me. “Oh, really?” I forced a casual tone, attempting to conceal my interest. “Do tell, sis.”

Sofia enthusiastically launched into a play-by-play of their horseback-riding adventure, her hands gesturing vividly as she spoke. She described the breathtaking scenery, the sense of freedom they felt riding across the open fields, and how Eva had quickly overcome her initial nervousness.

“She’s incredible, Dante,” Sofia gushed, her eyes sparkling with excitement. “I can already tell we’re going to be best friends.”

As Sofia rambled on, my mind took off, galloping into a deliciously naughty daydream. I pictured Eva and me cantering through the trails, her hair whipping in the breeze like a damn banner of lust. We’d discover some secret clearing, just the two of us, and that’s when I’d make my move. I’d yank her off the horse and have my wicked way with her, my fingers exploring every inch of her delectable body.

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