Page 58 of Wicked Games of Desire

She laughs, her attention coming to me. “I knew I’d heard your name before. Shit, girl, you got him back.”

I groan, remembering telling her more than I should have on a particularly long shift. But the truth is, I never stopped thinking about him. He was my what-if. What if things were different and my papa hadn’t sent me away. What if he wasn’t so much older than me. What if he came looking for me. All those options are better than the reality.

Alessandro moves in closer, dropping his lips to my earlobe. “Well, that’s just adorable. You missed me so much you told your friend about me.”

I elbow him in the ribs, making sure to really dig it in so he backs the hell off. “That was before I knew who you really are,” I snap back, my voice low so only he can hear my disgust. I’m not lettinghim think he means something to me. He did, but that was before I knew the truth. Before I knew why he was chasing after me.

Every time I think about our past now, I feel sick thinking about how naïve I must have looked to him. The little Havardi princess with no idea who she really is. He took advantage of my innocence in more ways than one. I should have known better. Why would a man like him be interested in a college student like me? But he sure had his reasons.

He’s not deterred by my bony elbow, instead shifting even closer as he sinks his teeth into my earlobe, and I suck in a sharp breath to stop from making it obvious to the entire table that he just bit me—and I kind of liked it. The arm that was draped over my shoulder dusts down my arm slowly, eventually landing on my bare thigh. The padding of his fingertips running along the hem of my short dress, back and forth, making my breath catch in my chest. He’s teasing me, but he wouldn’t go any further right here at the table, would he?

Ricky returns with a tray of apple martinis, and Dani’s eyes light up like all of her Christmases have come at once. “Thank you,” she purrs, taking one off the tray before he has time to place it on the table. If I were her, I’d be desperate to drink myself silly as well, block out all the awkwardness Alessandro is creating.

Ricky returns to the seat next to me, and I don’t miss the look of desire in his eyes when he notices how close Alessandro’s hand is to my bits as he continues to gently nudge my dress up higher. Ricky’s hand intertwines with mine, making sure I know he’s right here as well. I glance across the table and my eyes find Maddox’s there, filled with hungry craving. I know how he feels. Having all of their attention on me has me heating up.

As the conversation flows around us, mostly run by Dani, Alessandro edges closer, shoving my dress up as he goes. I feel exposed, knowing not only Ricky can see what he’s doing, but anyone who cares topass by as well. He pretends to act interested in Dani and her story about the cab ride over here, but I know he’s not listening at all. And now neither is Ricky or Maddox.

My heart kicks up a beat as my cheeks flush with warmth. I pick up my drink and take a sip just so I can reposition myself, pulling down my dress as I move. I have no idea what the fuck he’s playing at, we haven’t had a civil conversation in days. He doesn’t get to touch my pussy, especially not here with just a table between my brother and one of my good friends. But it doesn’t mean I’m not majorly turned on right now. Cause I am. Images flash through my mind, dirty deprived scenes of them all taking turns in fucking me right here on the table while people continue on around us. A flood of arousal coats my panties. What the hell is wrong with me?

As soon as I’m done with my cocktail, his large frame cocoons me again. There is no escaping him tonight. He’s possessive, Alessandro, on steroids. And my fucked-up body has decided she quite likes it. Not likes it, fuckinglovesthe attention, and she wants more.

I need to get my mind out of the gutter and back onto what I’m really supposed to be doing tonight—catching up with my friend. I give her my full attention. Not sure how she’s done it, but Dani has downed both drinks, all while barely taking a breath from talking. “Hey, girl, I don’t know when this wedding is, but I better be your bridesmaid. Alessandro, you can’t let the poor girl walk down the aisle without her bestie.” She turns to my brother, who, surprisingly, seems quite interested in her. Maybe more has been going on than I thought while I was distracted with the brothers. “Isn’t that right, Marco?” she asks.

Marco nods, his lips turning up at the sides. He’s smitten with her, I can see it written all over his face. How cute. “I have to agree with Dani. You have all of us, let Harley have a friend at the wedding.” Theway my brother sides with her so easily makes me think they’ve had this exact conversation before, and Alessandro was against it.

“Guess that all depends on Harley.” Alessandro’s voice is lighter than I expected it to be. Playful even. Why is he enjoying himself? Or is it just the compromising position he now has me in that’s making tonight so fun for him. His fingers dust along my thigh.

“I’d love to have her there.” I grin at my friend, genuinely happy for the first time in so long. And really praying he’s not messing with me.

His lips drop to my ear again. “What are you willing to give me in return, princess?” His hand slips under my dress this time, and I know what he wants. Fuck, I knew there would have to be a catch. His fingers stroke over my silky thong, sliding right between my thighs. They’re still shut tight, but that doesn’t stop him forcing his hand between them. I suck in a breath, knowing he can feel how wet I am for him because my body betrays me.

“Well, it’s settled then. I’m your maid of honor.” She claps with excitement. “When’s the wedding?”

Alessandro’s finger slips under my panties and sinks deep inside of me. Oh, shit. A tingle runs through me. I maintain a smile, attempting to hide the impact he has on me. I need someone on my side, and although Marco will be there, he’s more aligned with the Moretti family now. “Good girl. Give me what I want, then you can have what you want.” His breath gently brushes against the back of my neck, his lips sucking tenderly in a kiss that will leave a mark.

Ricky’s hand that was laced with mine moves to his thigh, and I brush over the hard length in his pants. Oh God, what am I getting myself into?

“It’s next Saturday,” I squeak out when no one else answers her. We’re all too distracted. Maddox catches my attention again. I can’ttake my eyes off his rugged face. He’s so perfect right now, all needy and wanting me.

“Shit, girl, how the hell am I supposed to find a dress in time?” she complains.

“I know a girl. I can sort it for you,” Alessandro explains, pushing another finger inside of me, tormenting me. I have to resist the urge to roll my eyes. This man knows exactly what he’s doing, lightly flicking over my G-spot in a way that is almost torturous with our current company. “Marco, why don’t you show our new friend around the club, take her upstairs to the top bar. I’m sure she would like it up there.”

“Are you shitting me? No one gets to go up there,” she squeals, way too excited.

“Sure,” he agrees, giving Alessandro a look I don’t like. Like he understands why he’s trying to get rid of my friend.

And I’m just as disappointed. I wanted to catch up with my friend tonight to see if she can help me. But I already know that’s why Alessandro is being the way he is tonight. He’s not dumb. There was no way he was ever going to let me be alone with her. I’m surprised I was allowed out of the house, and he even let her in this place. But I guess that’s how he works his manipulation. This way he’s done what he said and let me see my friend. He’s cunning, I’ll give him that.

Marco holds out a hand for her, and the two of them wander off into the crowd together. He drops his head closer to her, whispering something, and she giggles. Dani is happier than I think I’ve ever seen her. Good for her. At least someone is having a fun night.

Chapter 33

Like I need remindingthat the possessive asshole still has his fingers inside of me, he pumps his fingers more greedily in and out of my pussy. I grasp hold of the table in front of me for stability. “What are you doing?” I gasp out, all breathy and needy, even though I want to sound pissed off with him. But I can’t, I want him just as much.

“Negotiating.” I don’t need to turn my head to feel the smirk. He’s enjoying this way too much. But fuck, what he’s doing feels unbelievable. I brace one of my hands on the table, on the verge of falling apart completely already. I’m not sure if it’s because we’re literally in the middle of his club with people all around that makes it so much hotter, or if it’s because I hate the man, but fuck, this is my kind of heaven.

Maddox’s eyes meet mine, and he takes a sip of his whiskey, relaxing back into the soft leather of his chair. His eyes are a blaze of fire, and I know he’s sitting back so he can adjust himself in his pants. I bet his monster dick is hard as motherfucking steel right now. I lick my lips,wishing I could taste him. His lips twitch at the sides, knowing exactly where my dirty thoughts have gone to.

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