Page 40 of The Gangster King

I smile darkly across the table, taking in my beautiful dinner guest. I had clothing and personal items delivered to her, including this silver cocktail dress.

Whether she’ll admit it or not, she’s also gone to the trouble of pinning her hair up so her neck is exposed and her makeup is smokey and seductive.

“You look stunning, kitten.”

“Stop calling me that.” Adelina picks up her glass and sips it, her eyes locked with mine. “Did you pick this?”

“The wine?”

“The dress? I’m assuming yes because of this neckline. You can almost see my belly button.”

My smile broadens.

“It’s Dior.”

“And?” She shrugs.

“I’m buying my girl the best.” I shrug back, my smile brightening.

I like playing with her like this.

“Thebestwould be letting me go home.” She drops her glass heavily down on the table.

“I can’t.” I admit, sitting back as my smile fades. My eyes drift over the shimmery silver fabric of her gown. Or rather the space between it, over her creamy skin which never fails to make my mouth water.

Or my cock thicken.

“Why not?” she demands. “Why did you do this, Dante?”

“You’ve always been mine, Adelina. You know that.” I growl, my rare temper starting to push to the surface.

Why won’t she accept this?

Accept us?

“I’m not yours.” She hisses, leaning forward, smart enough to know if she makes this conversation public, it will make me even angrier. “That’s not something you get to decide.”

“It’s not your father’s either. Wouldn’t you agree?”

She sits back.

Interesting.

I thought she was going to defend him. After all, he has made it clear I cannot have her. That I would never have her. I thought it might be the reason she has refused me.

I want to know.

“Wouldn’t. You. Agree?” I demand.

Several servers come out carrying large white plates. They set the Atlantic salmon in front of us each and in the middle of the table place bowls of green beans, carrots, and baby potatoes. Small jugs of sauces are added next, along with a basket of freshly baked bread with butter.

My eyes lift back to hers and we wait for our privacy to return. Soft music plays and the trees are covered in fairy lights.

It’s a magical setting.

If you ignore the way Adelina’s glaring at me.

“Yes,” she finally answers.

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