Page 13 of Veiled Vows

Daniel rises from his chair, extending a hand. “Good morning, Mr. Agosti. We were just grabbing a quick bite before the day starts.”

I stand up, trying to ease the sudden tension. “Salvatore, this is my colleague, Daniel. Daniel, this is my husband, Salvatore.”

Daniel looks flustered, his hand trembling slightly as Salvatore grips it with a force that makes him wince. “Of course, I know who he is,” Daniel stammers. “I look up to him.”

Salvatore’s eyes narrow as he looks Daniel over with barely concealed disgust. “I’m glad my wife has a friendly colleague to keep her entertained,” he says, putting a sharp emphasis on the word colleague.

Salvatore releases Daniel’s hand, and I see Daniel flex his fingers subtly, trying to shake off the pain.

“It seems I interrupted something,” Salvatore continues, the fire in his eyes seemingly wanting to burn us all.

“We were just talking about last night. It was a great time,” Daniel says.

“Oh, I’m sure it was,” Salvatore replies coldly. “I’ll make sure to come with next time, I don’t want to miss out on the fun.”

Daniel’s face reddens, clearly intimidated. “Yes, you’re more than welcome. It was nice meeting you, but I should get back to work.”

Before he can leave, Salvatore steps forward and pulls me into a kiss, his lips crashing onto mine with a force that takes my breath away. It’s not just a kiss—he's claiming me, almost devouring my mouth with his tongue, right in front of Daniel.

I push against his chest, but Salvatore only tightens his grip, deepening the kiss. My body betrays me, and I melt into him for a moment.

Daniel clears his throat awkwardly. “I’ll, uh, leave you two alone. Excuse me.”

He rushes out of the room, the door closing softly behind him. Salvatore finally breaks the kiss, looking smug.

I bare my teeth at him, whisper-yelling, “Next time, piss all over me like a dog.”

He chuckles, trapping me in the chair with his muscular arms. “When it comes to staking my claim, baby, I’m even worse than an animal,” he says, his lips moving against mine as he speaks.

I huff out, side-eyeing the bouquet on my desk. “Roses again? Didn’t you get the hint when they didn’t work the first, second, or tenth time?”

He completely ignores what I’m saying. “He wants you,” he announces, his voice dripping with jealousy.

“I know he does,” I taunt, even though it’s not the truth. I doubt that Daniel is romantically interested in me; he may be moreinterested in my husband than in me, but I want to see Salvatore suffer. I want to see him burn with jealousy.

His jaw clenches. “I don’t want him near you.”

“Why, Salvatore?” I say, tilting my head to the side, mocking him. “Afraid he might steal me away?”

“You’re mine,” he barks, his grip tightening on the chair.

“Am I?” I whisper. “Because it didn’t feel that way when you were lying to me.”

He growls low in his throat, the sound vibrating against my skin. “You think you can play these games, Serena?”

I smirk, enjoying the power I have over him, even if it’s fleeting. “What games, Salvatore?”

He bites my ear, his breath hot against it. “If he touches you, I’ll bring his head to you on a platter.”

“Big words,” I reply, even though I am sure he would do it.

His hand grips my chin, forcing me to look into his eyes. “Try me.”

His aura is full of violence, and I can tell he’s thinking of all the ways to kill Daniel. He’s trying to control his anger, his jealousy, but its clear he’s on the verge of losing it.

“Why do you care so much?” I ask, genuinely curious. “If you don’t love me, why does it matter?”

He looks away, breaking the intense eye contact. “Because you’re mine,” he repeats.

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