Page 44 of Tainted Ties

There was no time for her to change and even if I asked, she’d fight me on it to the last second.

When I peered up at her, she was standing before me, with her chin tilted high. Anger simmered in her emerald-green eyes, that were emphasized by the embellished mask.

Reigning in my own temper, I tipped my head up, staring at her through lidded eyes before closing the distance between us.

I expected her to cower, but the only trace of hesitation was the parting of her red lips.

My hand moved of its own accord, feeling her shiver beneath my touch as I pushed a lock of hair behind her ear.

Her chest rose and fell fast as her eyes searched back and forth between mine before diverting her attention with a slight head turn.

I followed her gaze, catching her eyes once more, trailing my finger down her left arm and feeling her skin rise.

When I caught her hand in between my own, I brought it between us.

With my free hand, I pulled out the platinum ring from my breast pocket—that she had the nerve to take off when I’d told her not to—and put it on her fucking finger where it belonged.

Despite my soft caress, my voice rang lethal as I spoke, “If another man is stupid enough to touch what’s mine tonight, I won’t be responsible for what happens to him.”

Fury clouded her expression—an emotion I was familiar with—as I pulled back.

Seconds passed and she didn’t say a word. Not one word.

* * *

The masquerade ball was in full swing by the time we arrived. The theme was black tie, and the décor was exquisite.

Splashes of black and gold spread across the venue. Shimmering chandeliers hung low, illuminating the guests dressed in gowns and tuxedos.

“If it isn’t the beloved newlyweds.” Luca approached us, smiling down at Aurora, his gaze lingering too long on her for my liking.

“Thank you for the other night,” Aurora said casually, as if I wasn’t standing right next to her. I pinned Luca with a murderous glare.

He turned to me, grinning. “It was my pleasure.”

With a tilt of my head, I stepped forward, ready to smash his head onto the marble floor.

He chuckled, putting his hands up. “Relax. Aurora and her friend stopped by my building.” His eyes roamed behind us, a mixture of hope and rage looming in them. “Speaking of friend, she’s not here, is she?”

“Unfortunately, she couldn’t attend. Her flight back to New York was last night.”

Their casual conversation made me want to smash his head in after all.

Luca nodded once, turning on his heel. “Enjoy the party.”

Before I could question Aurora about their interaction, Uncle Stefano appeared.

The impulse to hide my wife from his line of sight was surprising.

“Roman, are you going to introduce us?” he asked, eyeing Aurora as if she was the filth on the sole of his boot.

Clamping my bottom lip between my teeth, I tsked. “Aurora, this is my Uncle Stefano.”

She plastered on a fake smile, looking every bit uncomfortable when my uncle held out his hand.

She hesitantly clasped it with hers, face tightening when he didn’t let go.

“While you may feel of importance attending this gala, you’d be wise to remember your place as nothing but a piece of our property.”

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