Page 26 of The Mafia's Seamstress

Judging from Luca’s reaction and the way Dante was walking towards us this man must be one of them. He belonged to one of the mafia factions. He’s also probably been watching my shop–watching me. I took a deep breath.

"Those are the hours Mr. Anders," I said firmly. Before he could speak again Dante interrupted.

"I was hoping for a dance Ms. Silva." Dante's voice had a hard edge.

"Mr. Costa!" Mr. Anders said with fake enthusiasm.

"Anders," Dante said quickly. The men held an internal battle through their eyes, waiting for someone to give in. Mr. Anders’ gaze slid to mine again.

"We'll be in touch," Mr. Anders said, bowing slightly. Dante didn't look away until the man was out of sight. Without warning he grabbed my glass and placed it on the tray of a passing waiter.

Pulling me against him, I relaxed against him. With my heels I was slightly taller than Dante. His hand on my bare back made me tingle. I let out a breath. He placed his mouth against my ear.

"I don't want you alone with him," he whispered. We began swaying to the music.

"Trust me I don't want to be," I whispered.

Mr. Anders felt wrong. I could still feel him. It was like his energy had latched onto mine. As much as he scared me there was also a part of me that felt sad for him. But I couldn't explain why.

"Another hour and we'll head out. Still up for food?" Dante asked. I nodded. But with the way his fingers lazily traced circles on my back that wasn't all I was in the mood for.

Grabbing the food was quick and I couldn't wait to dive into the delicious greasiness. Once at my apartment we sat at the table and enjoyed the comfort of quietness, wine and burgers.

"So much better than what they had," I said while taking a bite of fries.

“The bruschetta wasn’t too bad,” he commented. I let out a giggle.

“Really because I saw the face you and Luca made,” I pointed out. Dante shrugged his shoulders as he wiped his face.

“I wasn’t in charge so who am I to judge,” he said. I threw my head back in laughter.

“Really? Because I distinctly remember you questioning my degree with your judgey attitude,” I said.

“Well Cinderella I can assure you that you proved me wrong,” he said. Dante shot me a smile that relaxed his features. He truly was handsome. It wasn’t right for a man of his nature to be that good looking.

A strong jaw that begged to be under my tongue, full lips that deserve to be nipped, stubble that’s short enough to make my thighs red, a face that would make the perfect seat to make me scream.

As if he knew what I was thinking, his eyes met mine from above his wine glass. He took a slow sip and I watched as his throat bobbed up and down. I reached for my own glass feeling parched in so many ways.

Tonight was going to be my night.

Once we were done eating I moved to wipe the table. I could hear Dante’s footsteps behind me. He slowly walked up from behind and placed his hands on either side of me, caging me in. I sucked in a breath. His body felt so good and his clothes teased my exposed skin.

"So shall we resume our game?" he asked. His breath was hot on my neck. I squared my shoulders to allow room for me to twist around. I wrapped my arms around his neck, resting my weight against the table. Dante's eyes were playful. I offered a flirtatious smile.

"Last time I checked I was winning," I said. He chuckled and grazed his lips across my cheek.

"I think that's the point, right?" he said. I hummed in agreement as he placed kisses down my neck. He gently grabbed the back of my head, gliding his fingers in between my hair, tugging my bun loose. I moaned as his fingernails scraped my scalp.

He smirked into the side of my neck. His other hand skimmed my hip, over and over again. I leaned my neck away, begging to feel his lips more. Without thinking I began unbuttoning his shirt, itching to feel his skin.

"Lucia," he muttered. His skin was hot to the touch and I scratched down his chest causing him to hiss.

"Dante?" I asked innocently. He pulled back, pressing his forehead against mine. Our bodies trembled with anticipation.

"Sì, amore?" he said. My heart thumped against my chest.

"Beija-me," I asked, hoping he understood what I said.

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