Page 24 of The Mafia's Seamstress

"Seven."

CHAPTER 8

A Leopard Walking

THERE ARE MORE MONSTERS HIDDEN IN THE SHADOWS THAN YOU KNOW MIGHT NEED TO BRING A FLASHLIGHT

Iwas a bundle of nerves the rest of the day. I kept eyeing the garment bag. Inside was a red backless dress that could cling to my curves. It was about to be five when I closed up shop and headed back to my apartment.

It was almost seven when I placed the last finishing touches. One thing about me is that I will always be on time no matter what. My family had always been a stickler when it came to time.

I stared at myself in the mirror. My dark hair was swept up in a loose messy bun with a few front pieces. My brown eyes were traced with black and my lips were red. Tonight I was going to get under Dante’s skin and find out how much blood was on my avô’s hands. There was a knock at the door.

"Lucia?" Dante's voice carried through the door. Taking a deep breath I walked out to open it.

Dante stood before me in the suit I made him and it made my body ache. It fit him perfectly, curving with his muscles. His dark hair was gelled back and his scruff was trimmed, accentuating his sharp cheekbones.

I was used to seeing people wear my clothes. But to see Dante? It made me want to get on my knees for him. He was wearing my name on his back and fuck that did more things to me than I thought it would. It made him feel as if he belonged to me.

His eyes followed the curve of my body, devouring me like I was a four course meal. I hoped I would be by the end of the night. He licked his bottom lip and handed me a single rose.

“Bella. I knew you would look good in that dress." His tone was oozing confidence causing me to roll my eyes.

"Mhmm. Nice suit," I said, smirking. He let out a chuckle. I felt a surge of pride. I made Dante look damn good. I couldn’t help but admire my work.

"Don't look at me like that. We'll have time for that later," he teased, taking a step forward until our chests were touching. My nipples tightened and from the way his jaw tick I knew he could see. I gingerly placed my hand on his chest. His hand grazed the exposed part of my back, leaving tinges in their wake.

"We'll find out how I look out of this dress later," I promised. I pushed away to place the rose inside.

He led me to a black car with tinted windows. Opening the door I slid across the leather seats. A partition separated us from the driver. I could feel Dante's warmth as he slid next to me.

We drove in silence and nerves began settling across my skin. I was worried because of Dante. I knew that stepping out with him in front of all those people could mean different possibilities. And whether I wanted to, I needed to be there because I was representing my avô’s shop. I was representing the Silva family.

I began fidgeting with my nails. Dante pulled my hands apart. "What's wrong?" he asked. His gray eyes held me still. I stared at him silently, trying to find the right words. "If it makes you feel better we can enter separately," he offered with a lopsided grin. A sigh escaped me.

"Don't worry. I get it. We'll drop you off first. Circle twice and I'll see you inside," he said. I wrapped my hand around his and squeezed. It was unnerving in the best way that he was able to read me. If we entered separately there would be less questions and I had enough on my plate to deal with. He leaned towards my ear.

"And then after we can go back to your place," he said in a hushed voice. I turned to face him with a foxy smile.

"Only if we pick up fast food on the way back," I said. He chuckled but I was serious. I didn't have the taste buds for fancy food at events like these. "I know what they serve at these flamboyant events and I don't have the palette of a silver spoon brat," I said with full confidence that made Dante laugh some more.

"I couldn't agree more," he said with an easy smile and I pulled my hand away from his, breaking the connection. Dante sat back, his smile turning into amusement. "You know what sucks?" he said. I raised an eyebrow for him to continue whatever ridiculous perverted thought he was thinking.

"That thing there," he said, pointing to the partition and my body responded. My heart picked up its pace. He leaned to place a soft kiss on my neck, causing my body to shiver. His finger traced down my bare arm. "It sucks they don't block out noise." He continued to kiss up and down my neck, coaxing faint moans.

"Are you generally loud?" I murmured. I placed a hand on his knee and began tracing circles. His eyes shot to me with hunger.

"You know I can think of a way where you won't mess up your makeup." His lips were so close. His hand rested high up on my thigh, pinching the soft fabric of my dress. I leaned slightly forward.

"But then you'll mess up my hair," I countered. His eyes spark with challenge.

“How? Can’t keep still if I finger fuck you,” he teased as his hand began dragging the skirt of my dress up. I sucked in a breath and my greedy hips moved, trying to ease the pressure between my thighs.

I cupped his cock through his pants and offered a squeeze. He hardened beneath my touch. His eyes fluttered close as he took a deep breath.

"You're playing rough Cinderella,” he said, leaning away. His fingers traced circles at the apex of my thighs.

"And you're not doing the same?" I said, rubbing slowly.

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