Page 16 of Deadly Don's Savage Vows

She keeps looking up and down over my body as though she can’t believe I’m real. She reaches out and touches my chest.

“Nico.” Her eyes are scrunched, then wide again. A broad smile suddenly spreads across her face. “How are you?” She asks, seeming to pull back into herself.

My heart is still hammering at the sight of her.

“Do you two know each other?” Killian asks, confused.

“Nico is — an old friend.” Bella smiles.

“You look as beautiful as ever, Bella.” I say.

“Um - I am going - I’ll get you two a drink.” Killian says, sensing he is caught in a moment he isn’t welcome in.

He walks away and Bella tilts her head to the side. “You own the gallery?” she asks, frowning.

“Yes.”

“Did you hire me on purpose?” She seems confused.

“I didn’t do the hiring. I left that to the agency. I did not have a clue - you are the last person I expected to bump into here.”

I can’t look away from her.

My entire body is alight with memories of the night I had with her. One night - that was all it took to take my breath away.

“Nico - I - I don’t know what to say.” She stammers.

She is lost for words. So am I.

I chuckle. I grab her arm and pull her around one of the back walls in the maze of art work. I want to get out of the public eye for a moment. I need a second to grasp what this means.

I made sure that Bella was safe, and that she escaped the mafia world and now somehow she ends up right back in it - running my gallery which is only a cover for a much larger business.

Someone walks past and I step closer to her, seeking even more privacy.

Her back is against the wall and her eyes are on me.

Neither of us is speaking, but I can feel the current of electricity running between us.

She lifts her face towards me, and I lean closer.

Our lips are inches away from each other.

I forget where I am.

All I see is her.

Our lips brush against each other and -

“Here you go—” Killian’s voice makes me take a large step away from her in a hurry. “I got two champagnes, I hope that’s alright. Otherwise I can go back and get something else - oh - sorry did I interrupt something?”

He notices the awkwardness between us.

“No, I was discussing the success of the opening with Bella.” I say, forcing myself to tear my eyes away from her and towards Killian.

“It’s turned out brilliantly.” He nods.

“Yes, it has exceeded my expectations.” My eyes are back on Bella.

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