Page 59 of Diavolo

Elyse stared down her blonde adversary, daring the other woman to challenge her claim. Valentina's gaze on her didn't waver. "Do you still need the fresh air, Dr. Romero, for your migraine?"

"I took aspirin a while ago, and I'm feeling better. Thank you for your concern. Now, if you don't mind, I don't want to keep Alessandro waiting."

"Of course not," Valentina drawled in mocking tones. "Enjoy the rest of your evening, Dr. Romero."

"Likewise, Ms. Rizzo," Elyse returned with a curt nod.

Just then, Monte burst into the ladies' room with a look of panic plastered all over his scarred face. His hand was tucked under his blazer as though getting ready to draw out a firearm. "Dr. Romero?"

His expression relaxed once he sighted Elyse and Valentina.

"Va tutto bene, Monte,"Valentina fired at him in Italian,"Tuttavia, potresti voler portare Luca la prossima volta per gestire la seconda uscita. La buona dottoressa stava quasi per scappare..."

Judging by the deep scowl that appeared on Monte's faceandthe murderous look he was now casting in Elyse's direction, it was safe to assume that Valentina already informed him about the second exit.

"Venga,"he barked at Elyse.Come.Valentina cackled in delight. Elyse cast her a dirty look. With her cheeks still burning, Elyse followed Monte out of the ladies' room and back to the ballroom. The moment they rejoined Alessandro and Luca, Monte hurried over to his boss' side. To Elyse's dismay, he murmured something inaudible to Alessandro. Alessandro gave Monte a quick nod of understanding before shifting his attention to Elyse.

His piercing gaze bore into her accusingly. "Dr. Romero?"

Elyse shrank a little. "Yes?"

Alessandro reached over to cup her cheek, his touch felt loving and gentle, but his eyes were hard as stone. Quietly, he asked, "How am I to trust you now?"

It seemed Monte had ratted her out as well. Elyse looked up at him with an alarmed expression. "I can explain."

Alessandro's hand fell away from her face. His expression turned to ice. "Explain later. For the time being, I only wish to get through the rest of this evening without another incident."

Elyse glared at Alessandro, but she didn't argue with him. She didn't want to cause a scene in front of the other guests.To an extent, Elyse could comprehendwhythe man might be upset. She'd wounded his ego by challenging his authority, but, in truth, there was no reason to apologize or feel guilty. Elyse did nothing wrong. He was the one who was treating her like his prisoner. Even if Valentina hadn't intervened, Elyse doubted that she would've carried out her ludicrous scheme.

Fuck him.

The next hour dragged like an eternity as Alessandro charmed his way through the crowds. He continued to tend to her with respect, but gone were the stolen kisses and lingering touches. A quiet storm now raged beneath Alessandro's facade as her doting fiancé, and Elyse wasn't sure if she would be able to weather the force of it.

They left the ball shortly after midnight. Much to Elyse's relief, no one got shot. Despite being confined in such close quarters for such a long time, members of the mafia and the cartel had been on their best behavior. The drive back to the flat, however, was painfully silent and strained. Alessandro refused to look at Elyse, let alone speak to her. She pretended not to see him either and kept her eyes glued on the window. Glowing storefronts and tree-lined avenues flew by in a blur as tension billowed between them. Once they reached the apartment, Alessandro stopped to help Elyse out of the car, but the bastard didn't fully acknowledge her presence until they were back in the privacy of their bedroom.

Alessandro positioned himself by the bed while Elyse strode to the other side of the room. He watched as she started removing her jewelry. He watched as she stepped out of her heels. He watched as Elyse tried to remove her gown. The zipper in the back, however, was giving her some trouble. As she struggled, footsteps padded across the room. A moment later, Elyse felt Alessandro's larger form sidle up behind her. His fingersbrushed against her neck as he reached for the clasp, helping her pull it down with a quiet, muffled zip.

"Thanks," she muttered.

Alessandro remained silent, but his stillness said more than words ever could. He didn't walk away. The chill from their car ride was beginning to thaw. He chose to stay at her side, and his nearness provoked a foolish, fluttering response in Elyse. From the quickening of her pulse to the rising heat across her skin, every cell in her body became aware of the tall, dark, and beautiful man who loomed but a few inches behind her.

Boldly, Elyse shrugged out of her gown. The silken fabric peeled away from her curves, whispering down her long, shapely legs to pool at her feet. She was now standing before Alessandro completely naked. No bra. Or underwear. The dress hadn't allowed for it. His hands found the flare of her hips. He slowly turned her around to face him. He was still fully clothed in his tux. Elyse's nudity made her feel vulnerable and self-conscious, but she refused to show any weakness in front of him.

She glowered with fire in her eyes. "I have nothing to apologize for."

With a sigh, Alessandro reached over to palm her face in his hand. He grazed his thumb,lightly, along Elyse's lower lip. An unwitting quiver of pleasure ran through her. "I was not looking for an apology."

Elyse studied him closely. "Then why are you upset?"

"Because," he explained, "you do not understand the consequences of your actions."

Sparks of anger and frustration ripped through her. How was she to know about the fucking consequences? Elyse snapped, "The only reason I don't understand is because you insist on keeping me in the dark."

His jaw ticked with irritation. "I will tell you this much. Valentina Rizzo isnotour friend. She does not want me to wedyou, but, instead of letting you escape tonight, she chose to send you back to me. Do you know why?"

Elyse's brow pinched with bewilderment. "Why?"

He scowled. "The bitch wants me to know that she is aware of my weakness."

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