Page 58 of Empire of Temptation

It was a man. A man I’d hooked up with yesterday in his office.

And he soundedpissed.

“Luca?”

“Valentina,” he growled. “Open this door!”

“I’m right in the middle of something—and stop shouting at me!”

“Open up right now or I will break this door down!”

Oh, hell no.Where did he get off ordering me around? And what the fuck did he have to be so mad about? “Don’t talk to me that way, and you are not coming in here.”

“Allora . . . I will break the door down.”

His footsteps came closer and I panicked. “No! Don’t do that. Jesus. Then I’ll have to replace the door.” I turned the lock, cracked the door, and peeked through the sliver of space, as worried about who might see me as Luca’s anger. “Stop right there!”

The planes of his face were sharp, eyes narrowed dangerously, as he thrust his hands on his hips. He was wearing a dark navy suit, and even as foolish as I felt right then, I couldn’t help myself. My god, he looked fucking hot. The white dress shirt showed off his olive skin, and the dark blue tie that contrasted the color of his eyes. His wavy dark hair fell effortlessly in elegant sweeps, like it had been styled by a professional.

As I was studying him, I forgot that he was also studying me.

He looked slightly calmer, but no less intense as he said, “Stand back, I’m coming in.”

“Why?”

“Because I said.Andiamo, Valentina.”

“Not a good enough reason, Luca. I’m busy with something in here.”

Leaning in, his voice went soft. “You need to learn your place, fiore. I’m coming in right now, capisce?”

My place? The fuck?

Now I was pissed. That asshole wanted to see me? Okay, fine! I hoped he enjoyed the show. Because that was all this high-handed fucker wasevergetting out of me.

I stepped back and he took full advantage, barging into the bathroom. “Happy?”

I felt foolish, nearly naked, but then Luca’s gaze performed an excruciatingly slow sweep of my body. I could feel his regard like a caress over my bare skin, the heat of his stare burning me. My nipples tightened and tingles spread along my thighs. He looked at me like I was something to be savored, a cold treat on a blistering hot day.

“Cazzo madre di dio,” he whispered. “It’s even better than I remember.”

He wasted no time locking the bathroom door behind him. The click of the metal echoed in the tiny space like a gunshot and my mouth dried out. My breath came shallow and fast in the mask, my muscles trembling with anticipation. I had no idea what was about to happen, but I certainly wasn’t angry any longer.

I was something else altogether.

His long stride ate up the distance between us. He captured my face in his hands and leaned in close. “You are mine now, fiore mio,” he said quietly. “And my woman does not plunge toilets or clean bathrooms. Ever. Are we clear?”

A tremble rolled through me, but I couldn’t tell if it was from his words or his touch. “Luca?—”

“Are we clear, Valentina?”

“I’m not yours,” I whispered.

A muscle clenched in his jaw. “Did I eat your pussy yesterday—twice?”

“Yes, but?—”

“There is no but, piccolina. You promised to be good for me. Or do I need to force that promise from you again, right now?”

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