Page 28 of King Of Order

My face was heated and scorched, tears misting my eyes.

I stood up, grabbing my bag with clumsy shaking hands, the humiliation crashing like a wave over me. ‘I’ve got to go.’

My voice sounded rushed, panicked.

I fumbled in my purse, pulling a few notes and slamming them on the table. ‘For the drinks.’

Before he spoke, I was already moving.

I ran out of the bar, heels clicking, my heart pounding, cursing for letting things get out of hand.

Blaming the wine for my loss of inhibitions and myself for not having more control. Faulting him for being so fuckin’ sensual.

The cool night air hit my face as I stumbled onto the street, pulled out my phone, and summoned an Uber.

I kept glancing back at the entrance, half-expecting him to follow me, half-hoping he wouldn’t. The car arrived faster than I expected, and I slid into the backseat, my fingers shaking as I shut the door behind me.

As the Uber started pulling away, I glanced out the window and found him at the curb, eyes on me.

The streetlight framed his tall, muscled, lean silhouette. His hands were stuffed in his pants pockets. His expression was unreadable, his presence unmistakable.

I shivered, fighting the uncanny tug in my chest like something had connected us in a way I was unable to explain. I tore my gaze away, sinking back into the seat, my mind racing, my heart fluttering.

My mouth tingled with the ghost of his on me, soft yet firm, like he knew what it took to make me melt but had been holding back.

I wondered what would happen if he’d not held back—if I hadn’t fled.

Without his arms around me, the night seemed colder.

All I thought about was how his lips had glided against mine—my soul awash with regret that I might never feel them again.

Chapter 7

VALERIO

She was wild, a storm barely contained in that lithe, leonine body.

Trouble wrapped in temptation.

From the moment we met years ago, I had a strong sense that she was the kind of woman who left a significant impression and could damage a soul to its core.

Still, I’d pursued her for weeks now, planning every move.

The encounter at the bar was no coincidence after having studied her habits for some time now.

My eyes had locked on her the second she entered.

She’d sat, her tawny hair falling over her shoulders, spilling over her lean, lithe upper arms, making me want to stroke, touch, pull it.

Her lips parted just enough to have me wondering what it would feel like to glide mine over hers.

After our eye lock, walking up to her had been inevitable.

As had that first kiss. Unexpected—a flash of heat that left me wanting more.

Her unbidden, wild orgasm had rocked me to the core. Wanting more.

However, engaging with Chiara on a personal level came with strings attached, complications I didn’t need. I had my life in order, everything in its place.

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