Page 38 of Tainted Ties

And with that, he left my office without another word.

How my uncle knew Aurora and I hadn’t completed our marital duty yet was lost on me, but I knew why he was eager.

He thought that once Aurora was underneath me, it would lock her fully in as a Mancini with no way out.

You were my first in every way.

Aurora’s words replayed in my head. She had experienced all her firsts with Raphael. Her virginity was given to a Mancini, but it wasn’t me and that fact coiled my muscles tightly.

No wonder she knew how to work me in her perfect mouth on that kitchen floor many nights ago. I could still feel her wrapped around me, making me come the hardest I ever had.

With a shake of my head, I glanced at the clock on my desk, noting it was almost ten in the morning. I sighed as time ticked away, getting closer to the masquerade event taking place tomorrow night at the Underground Club.

I arrived back from a business trip a few hours ago and came straight to my office. I wasn’t ready to go home yet.

Grabbing the black gift box from underneath my desk, I opened the lid, staring at the contents.

It encased Aurora’s attire for tomorrow night and I hoped she wouldn’t defy me despite our last interaction.

It would be our first public appearance together and not attending wasn’t an option.

In less than forty-eight hours, Iwouldsee her.

I’d see that long black hair, that silky skin that begged me to reach out and have a taste as I’d done with her soft lips.

I cursed myself for being attracted to her. It was a disease, one that I’d be rid of as soon as I was rid of the Bianchis.

I picked up my phone and called Gianna.

“Sir,” she answered. Her tone of voice was motherly despite her calling me sir.

As someone who lost both parents at a young age, Gianna quickly filled that spot in the areas that mattered. She cared after me since I could remember and despite the bad decisions I made as I grew older and into this role, she never perceived me differently. She was loyal, but I knew if she ever wanted to walk away from all of it, I’d let her.

“Where’s Gianna and what have you done with her?”

“Altri sono in giro.” Her voice came out in a whispered muffle.

Now, I understood why she called me sir. She was around the staff. “What has she been up to today?”

“Your wife went out with her friend an hour ago. Of course, Ricardo goes everywhere they go.” I had made sure my security team was set in place while I was gone, and it seemed that Aurora hadn’t made a fuss over it. “They should be back in the afternoon.”

“Good. I’ll be home tonight.”

When I hung up the phone, a call flashed across my screen.

Here we fucking go.

* * *

We’d been sitting in this café for far too long, without a single word exchanged.

Green eyes stared at me with fury, a shade darker than his sister’s. His were moredeadly.

“When I was generous enough to accept your request to meet, I didn’t expect to sit here in silence,” I said. “I’d suggest using what little is left of your time wisely.”

No reaction, save for the narrowing of his eyes.

“You came here alone, which means your father doesn’t know about this little meeting.”

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