Page 50 of Under His Protection

He was keeping me close so I could continue to escape a future with the bikers. I still didn’t know what his reasons were for wanting to pretend I was his, but as I walked toward him, I wondered if that Vanessa woman stopping over yesterday played a part in his decision.

It’s not real, Nina. Remember that. I refused to let the magical afterglow of sex make me stupid.

Too much was at stake for that.

“Ready?” Dante smiled up at me, sensing my approach.

I smiled the best I could, hating that real life was tarnishing the good feelings that filled me after I came with him. “Yeah. I’m ready.”

Not.

I wouldn’t feel ready until I had an idea of what would be coming at me next.

19

DANTE

Dante

That first day I brought Nina home, I told her that she would need to preoccupy herself. I wanted her to understand that work took precedence and that I was a busy man in demand with my men and associates. At no time was she supposed to be deluded and assume I would play house with her.

And she’d followed that expectation beautifully, spending her time independently, reading, working out, or making herself at home preparing meals in the kitchen.

After I fucked her in the fitting room, she became so aloof that she excelled at staying preoccupied.

It was only one night and one day, but they felt long.

Something happened. Something had to have shifted to make her so distant. She didn’t give me the cold shoulder, and she wasn’t doling out a silent treatment. But I could tell. I didn’t know what it was, but something was bothering her. Ever since I told her that I wanted her to wear that black gown tonight, she had a sense of worry clouding over her.

“All the more reason to look forward to tonight,” I whispered to my reflection in the mirror as I adjusted my tie.

If she was shrinking into herself and getting defensive because I took her virginity last night, then I’d set her straight on that behavior. It had to be a big deal to her—having sex for the first time. It was a bigger deal to me, because now that I’d had her, now that I knew how perfect her pussy felt wrapped around my dick, I wanted her again. Even worse than before.

I was her first, and I started to play with the idea of being her last, too.

At the risk of her safety and all.

If Nina became mine for real, she’d need to tolerate the danger of being associated with one of the most notorious crime leaders in the city. That was no small condition to consider or accept.

I checked the time as I left my room, impatient to see Nina in the black gown I chose for her.

Downstairs, I waited until the last possible moment to call her down.

If she’s going to be nervous and skittish…

I sighed, bracing to raise my voice and yell for her to hurry. Turning, I lifted my face toward the grand staircase. She was already coming down the steps, carefully holding up her dress as she walked toward me.

“Nina.” I didn’t yell or scold her to hurry. Her name left my lips in a revered whisper of awe.

“What do you think?” she asked, a little cautious as she glanced at me.

“I like it. A lot.” I nodded, holding my hand out for her to take it once she came to the floor. Her grip was steady, but the nervous look in her eyes was not.

“You’re gorgeous, Nina.” I guided her closer so I could kiss her, but at the last second, she turned her head slightly to avoid my lips.

I tsked after pressing my mouth to her soft cheek and kissing her there. “What’s that about?” I growled. Slipping my arm around her back, I tugged her close and hugged her tight. Her faint giggles lifted my spirits. This time, I cupped her face and kissed her sweet lips. Hard and fast. It wasn’t enough. I doubted I’d ever get enough of this woman.

“I didn’t want you to mess up my makeup.”

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