Page 18 of Ruined

Dominic moved behind me, unlocking the cuffs. The metallic click echoed. I yanked my arms forward, rubbing my skin. I needed to forget this twisted night and pretend it never happened.

Dominic clutched my neck. “I’m letting you walk out of here, sweetheart. But next time? Make sure you’re ready to finish what you start.Capisce?”

I nodded.

“Good boy. Now get the fuck out.”

Pushing myself out of the chair, I bolted toward the door.

“Sweet dreams, Luca.”

I froze, but I didn’t turn. I wrenched open the door and stepped outside, the cool air hitting me like a slap.

I didn’t breathe until I reached my Toyota. I slid into the driver’s seat and pulled the cufflinks from my pocket.

Toss them.

I willed my hand to hurl them into the gutter, but I couldn’t. Fuck. I shoved them back into my pocket. Then I started the car. The engine roared to life, but it couldn’t drown out his voice.

Sweet dreams, Luca.

FIVE

DOMINIC

I couldn’t sleep.

Even after jerking off twice, I kept replaying the image of Luca handcuffed and shaking with arousal. How long had he been burning from the inside out, just because I stood too close to him? Jesus, he hid so much lust behind those sullen eyes.

I dragged myself to work after dinner. Music pumped beneath the hum of dealers calling bets. Spotlights swept across rows of roulette wheels, poker tables, and blackjack setups. Gamblers leaned forward on tables.

I headed for the bar and ordered a drink. Luca was late. Typical. He acted like he didn’t answer to anyone. Fifteen minutes later, he walked in, wearing a suit for once. It hugged him perfectly, highlighting his broad chest and narrow waist. The hickey peeked out from his collar. The permanent scowl set on his mouth shouldn’t have been sexy, but on Luca?

Devastating.

I stepped in front of him. “Morning, sunshine. Did you sleep as well as I did?”

“Go to hell.”

“That bad, huh? Wish you hadn’t woken up alone?”

“That’s real active imagination you’ve got there, Dom. Just give me an order so I can get the fuck out of here.”

“Last night, you weren’t in such a hurry to leave. Especially when my tongue was on your neck.” My gaze dropped to his collar. “Next time, I’ll put that hickey somewhere less obvious.”

He flushed. “Do you ever stop running your mouth?”

I smirked. “Not when I’m getting this kind of reaction. It’s like you want me to keep going.”

“I want you to shut the hell up.”

“You’re making that very hard, Luca. Every time I look at you, all I can think about is how I gave you that hickey.”

His nostrils flared. “I was dumb enough to let my guard down.”

“Is that what you’re telling yourself? That it was a mistake?”

“Some mistakes are easy to regret in the morning.”

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