Page 145 of Tell Me Lies

“Yes, yes,” Gigi said. “I got fired, and it’s been rough.” She looked back. Ludovico was nowhere to be seen. A wave of relief washed over her. Seeing another person helping her out must have scared him away. “I ordered an Uber and I’m going to lose it. I was running and—”

The woman smiled sympathetically.

“I completely understand. Those guys can be the worst if you aren’t on time, but not the smartest idea to be rushing in those shoes. What I do is take a pair of low sneakers in my bag and change when I need to get to important places. Here.” She handed her the potted plant she’d had on her table.

“I’d never thought about it.”

The woman chuckled. “I hadn’t either until another colleague suggested it. Haven’t stopped doing it since and recommending the tip to anyone who will listen to me.” She stood up and offered Gigi her hand, which she took.

“Thanks,” she said.

“No worries. You take care now.”

Gigi nodded. Clutching the box to her chest, she began a slower climb up the street. She’d almost made it when a set of rough hands grabbed her from behind. A palm was slapped against her mouth, her things tumbling to the floor with a loud crash. She kicked her feet, but to no avail. The man holding her was made of stone. He dragged her to an alley, slamming her against the wall of a building. She groaned.

“Where did you think you were going, Ragazza?” Ludovico’s heavily accented voice whispered in her ear.

Her gaze met his. Concern and fury seemed to blend into the green of his pupils creating the picture of the sea at storm.

“I—”

His mouth landed on hers, taking possession of every inch, bringing her core alive and causing needles of desire to rush through her skin. A moan burst through her lips. His crass hands ripped her skirt, and she cried out. His palm cupped her pussy. Shame overtook her and a whispered no escaped her lips.

“You’re soaked, my troia.”

“Troia?”

“Bitch,” he said as one of his digits entered her. She cursed as her body bucked unconsciously.

“Open your eyes, Ragazza,” he ordered.

Their stares clashed again. “Don’t close them,” he rumbled, pumping in and out of her. Another finger entered her body and his thumb pressed against her clit. Her breathing quickened. Her eyes drifted shut, flying open when his other hand grabbed her throat.

“Look at me.” Faster and faster be thrust, filling her, and bringing her to paradise. Her orgasm shook her body, making it convulse and scream. He squeezed her neck, and a second tremor ran across her pussy and spread. A low, primal moan swept past her lips.

“Good girl,” Ludovico said. Slowly he released her. He took a step back and without breaking eye contact sucked her juices from his fingers. “Delicious. Now let’s go. “

She shook her head as she realized her skirt was torn and in a heap on the floor.

“I can’t.”

“You will. “

“Please, no.” She took a step back, warding him with splayed palms.

“Let me show you something.” Ludovico pulled out his phone and dialed. He spoke for a few seconds in Italian, then hung up. “Here,” he said offering her his suit jacket. “It should be long enough to cover you a bit.”

She took it from him and put it on. His scent wafted up her nose, musky and rich with a hint of spice, it made her want to curl up to him and breathe him in.

“Signore?”

“Qui.”

Gigi gasped as the woman who had helped her earlier came into sight.

“Let me introduce you to Laura, Gigi. She works for me.”

“But—” Gigi shook her head. She stumbled backward. “How is it possible?”

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