Page 54 of Dangerous Devotion

Vince’s deep voice reverberated through the door, and I came face to face with Dante, who pulled the door open.

The silence that greeted me was deafening since whatever conversations had been going on had abruptly stopped.

Dante stepped aside, and the weight of a dozen pairs of eyes on me froze me to the spot.

Most of the men I’d met earlier sat around a long table, their faces a mix of curiosity and annoyance at the interruption.

I stepped into the room and immediately focused on Vince.

He sat at the head of the table, his expression unreadable. The dim lighting cast shadows across his face, making it impossible for me to gauge his reaction. Was he angry at the interruption? Or was he happy to see me?

I really couldn’t tell, and it made my heart race. “I’m sorry to interrupt,” I said, my voice sounding small in the big room. I cleared my throat and squared my shoulders. “But it’s late, and you haven’t eaten all day, Vince. I thought maybe you’d like something…”

I trailed off, suddenly feeling foolish. These men were discussing serious business, and here I was, playing the concerned wife.

Shit.

The silence stretched on, becoming more uncomfortable by the second.

I fidgeted with the hem of my blouse. I’d changed out of the antique wedding dress earlier, since I didn’t want to wear itout in case Isa or Mira wanted to wear it for their own wedding.

Vince’s eyes followed the movement, and he narrowed his brows.

Was he annoyed because of the interruption? Had I made a terrible mistake? I took a step back, ready to apologize, when he suddenly stood.

“Everybody out.”

More than one head snapped in his direction.

I stood there, frozen, as Vince’s words echoed through the room. My cheeks burned hot with embarrassment as the men exchanged knowing looks and grins.

“Gentlemen, I can’t thank you enough for your support,” Vince said, his voice smooth and confident. “I promise to begin the transition immediately and lead the Salvini Organization into a prosperous and powerful future.” He paused, his eyes finding mine across the room.

My heart skipped a beat at the intensity of his gaze.

“However,” he continued, a slight smirk playing at the corners of his mouth, “tonight is my wedding night. And my priority right now is the happiness of my wife.”

The room erupted in a chorus of chuckles and suggestive comments.

I wanted to sink into the floor. These men, many of whom I’d just met hours ago, were now imagining… I couldn’t even finish the thought; instead, I covered the flush creeping up my neck.

As they stood up, gathering their things, I caught snippets of their conversations.

“Lucky bastard,” one muttered.

“She’s a firecracker, that one,” another commented, throwing a wink my way.

I ducked my head, unable to meet their eyes, and could feel my face becoming uncomfortably hot.

Vince rounded the table, then settled right next to me.

I looked up at him, and he grinned at me. Wait, was he gloating at my reaction? I narrowed my eyes and glared at him.

He winked, then turned to the men as they filed out one by one. He shook hands, patted shoulders, and accepted their congratulations with easy grace.

While I was over here, dying of embarrassment.

Not fair.

---