Page 55 of Diavolo

Once they started driving, Alessandro pressed a button to lower the soundproofed privacy barrier for the passenger compartment, effectively separating them from Nils. He scooted toward Elyse and pulled her into his arms. His aftershave smelled woodsy, fresh, and intoxicating. It made her want to get as close to him as possible.

Run.

Alessandro bent his dark head to nuzzle Elyse, raining sweet, sensual kisses up and down her bare neck and shoulders. He groaned. "I have missed you..."

Elyse wondered where Alessandro had gone all day. She wanted to ask him but knew he wouldn't answer her. Soon, her musings about his whereabouts were forgotten. Pleasure spiked through Elyse as his hands began palming and fondling her breasts over the fabric of the gown.

"Careful," she gasped, "you'll ruin my makeup."

He lifted his head from her and grinned. "But, then, the world will get to see how much your man adores you."

Elyse tried to keep her expression stern. "If you smudge my lipstick, you die."

Lightly, Alessandro ran his hand up her thigh to give it a playful squeeze. "Then let me play down here."

"Behave, Mr. Vitale," Elyse chided as she swatted his hands away. "I thought you wanted us to make a good impression on your business partners?"

Alessandro eyed her with a lifted brow. "What do you know about my business partners?"

"Malina mentioned them to me."

His brow furrowed with concern. "You have been talking to Malina?"

There was also a touch of accusation in his voice. Elyse wavered for a moment before answering, "Yes."

"What did you two chat about?"

"The charity ball."

"Ah, I am happy that you and Malina are getting along." Alessandro had kept his tone light and even, but his face was devoid of emotion. Elyse couldn't tell whether or not he was happy about her budding new alliance with his housekeeper. She didn't want to get Malina in trouble. Not after everything the older woman had done to help her.

"Sir?"

To please. And distance.

"Hmm?"

"For the record, I was the one who approached her."

"Were you now?"

Elyse launched into the housekeeper's defense, "I felt nervous about what to expect for tonight, so I bullied Malina into helping me get ready."

A wry smile spread across Alessandro's mouth. "You admit to bullying my poor, old housekeeper?"

She grimaced. "I do."

"Then let me make one thing clear."

"Yes?"

"You do not need to defend Malina for my benefit. She would be gone if I did not trust her.Fully."

Elyse nodded hesitantly. "I... understand."

In harsher tones, he added, "I cannot fuck around with loyalty. It is a matter of life or death in our world."

She gulped. "Of course."

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