Page 2 of Contracted

That I was ready to snap and snarl like a rabid dog at anyone showing any interest in her left me frowning. My ribs squeezed tight as I sucked in a breath through clenched teeth. What the fuck was wrong with me? I had no right to feel anything. She was a hooker; she fucked men for a living. She belonged to no one except the green bills men gave her.

I released a heavy breath. I was experiencing nothing more than lust at first sight. I had no reason to fear that any woman, including this one, would lead me around by the dick, one that was presently thick and hard with my interest piqued like never before.

So why did my legs seemingly move of their own volition when Evander, my half-brother and the underboss of our mafia empire, approached her? Sucking down the last of my drink, I deposited the glass onto a waiter’s tray, then adjusting my tailored black jacket, I stepped faster toward her, cutting off Evander’s advance and reaching for her hand.

She stilled, her lips parting as I raised her soft hand to my mouth and kissed her knuckles. “I’m Serafino,” I announced huskily. I wasn’t known for my small talk.

“Delilah,” she said with a smile, her brilliant green eyes alight with interest. “You’re one of the Agostino brothers I was sent here to pleasure,” she added, her voice soft and musical.

She had a slight, lilting accent. French? All I knew for sure was that she was flawless. I managed to nod in response when my brother stopped beside me, his smile wicked as he focused on Delilah.

“I’m Evander, another Agostino brother.” His dark, styled hair gleamed under the lights. “I’m looking forward to your...company.”

I inhaled sharply, not bothering to return his quick, quizzical glance. Not even when I realized I was still holding her hand. I also wasn’t known for my physical affection. I rubbed my thumb over her knuckles before I reluctantly released my hold.

Evander cocked a dark brow at my possessive touch. Clearing his throat, he scanned the crowd then asked her, “You’re alone?”

She nodded, her heady scent that drifted my way reminding me of dark plums and rare orchids, of temptation and forbidden secrets. I drew in a deeper breath even as she conceded, “There were meant to be three of us, but my coworkers were a little...intimidated.” She blinked, her long lashes concealing her emotions. “Word has it you brothers can get a little hot-blooded.”

Roughly translated, a little violent. None of us had gentle natures. Even Evander, who still believed in love, wasn’t tender when it came to sex.

My brother smirked. “And yet here you are.”

Her returned smile was hollow. “All I care about is my bank account. As my two co-workers aren’t here, I expect to be paid triple for my services.”

I couldn’t help but bark out a laugh. She was fearless, I’d give her that. That she didn’t try to pretend money wasn’t what lured her into the sex industry made me respect her even more.

My dick thickened and I almost groaned at the increased pressure. It’d be so easy to free my straining shaft and fuck her in the middle of the crowd. But first I’d push up her dress and go down on her, fucking her with my tongue and fingers until her knees buckled as she orgasmed hard.

It wouldn’t be the first time I’d enjoyed public sex. My single brothers and I reveled in a little exhibitionism. Perhaps that was why I couldn’t have anticipated a prickling of resentment as Evander’s gleaming stare looked her up and down.

“That can be arranged,” he said with a half-smile.

Alessandro joined us then, his neat, designer stubble a sharp contrast to his twisted needs. “What can be arranged?”

Evander winked. “Alessandro, you took your sweet time.” He nodded at the beautiful redhead. “This is Delilah, one of the women we’ve been waiting for.” He smirked. “Since she was the only woman to show up, she wants a pay rise.”

“Does she?” Alessandro asked. His hard stare glittered. “Likely worth it,” he conceded.

I bristled as she smiled at him, my hand clenching as I shoved back some darkish strands of my shoulder-length hair. No doubt my irritation shone in my eyes as I caught her stare and asked coldly, “How much for a night alone with me?”

Chapter Two

Delilah

I’d been aware of the man standing in the shadows even before he stepped toward me and grasped my hand. My senses leapt to life, my flesh tingling and my skin prickling. His dangerous energy told me he was one of the mafia brothers even before he’d confirmed it, my inner thighs clenching knowing I’d be soon be his lover.

His brothers were almost as sinister and charismatic, but my focus kept returning to Serafino, our shared chemistry too powerful to resist.

I took a small step back. My reaction to him wasn’t normal, not anymore.

I’d been in the sex industry long enough to become jaded. It was why I knew I had to get out. What had once been empowerment and a heady adrenaline rush along with financial freedom had all too quickly become a grinding chore.

I’d had enough. This was my last hurrah, my last night and my biggest pay yet. It meant I’d have enough in my bank account to start a new life, to perhaps even study and make something of myself while I was still young.

Then Serafino asked me how much for a night alone with him and I couldn’t help but secretly rejoice. Not only might I finish my profession with my biggest income yet, it might also be with the one man who’d caught my attention from the start.

Alessandro gave his brother a close-lipped smile. “What the fuck, Serafino? Since when don’t you share pussy?”

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