Page 114 of Tainted Ties

A soft material brushed between my legs and around my thighs before my skirt was pulled down, and I was lifted from the table.

“Maybe, maybe not.” Roman shrugged, kissing my cheek. “Guess we’ll find out.”

“What?No!Don’t you dare open that door.”

Zipping his pants up, he gave me a smirk before heading toward the door.

All I could do was brush through my hair with my fingers and hope that the air didn’t smell of sex.

Stefano’s visit was unexpected and the last time I had the displeasure of being in his presence, he reminded me that I was less than human—their property.

With a quick glance in my direction, Roman opened the door.

Chapter38

Roman

“To what do I owe the pleasure?”

Uncle Stefano ignored me, walking past me into the office.

With his hands behind his back, he assessed his surroundings, as if he was searching for something.

The look of curiosity etched on his face before his gaze landed on Aurora.

I suppressed a chuckle, noting how she was smoothing down her tangled hair.

She stopped her movements, dropping her hands to her sides.

A silent battle was happening between my wife and uncle as they stared at one another, neither one backing down from each other’s gaze.

The awkward silence broke when Uncle Stefano cleared his throat. “How are you feeling?”

“Zio,”I warned, taking a step toward him.

His intentions were unclear. For all I knew, his question could have been malicious.

He knew of Aurora’s condition and if he thought he could use it against her, then his next breath would be his last.

He gave me a sideways glance with one brow arched. “I’m only asking the girl how she is.”

“I’m better, considering all things,” Aurora replied, bringing his attention back to her. “Grazie.”

As if I had entered an alternate universe, my uncle smiled a fraction. “Sounded like it.”

Shame was an emotion I never felt, but as my wife’s cheeks turned a deep shade of red, I felt a sliver of it for her.

“It will take time to grow fond of you, but Itrustmy nephew, and if he loves you, be rest assured that I have no intention of harming you.”

Despite Aurora’s embarrassment, her posture didn’t falter from its strong state. “That’s good to hear because the saying ‘may the best woman win’ would’ve been said if your intention was otherwise.”

That evoked a chuckle from him. “A girl with a backbone is exactly what you needed, Roman.”

Understatement of the century.

“Was there a reason for your presence today,Zio?”

“Indeed.”

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