Page 95 of The Devil's Deal

His fingers bite into my neck, his sharp inhale marks my lips as he rests his forehead against mine. “Even though it may not make sense, you’re the one who owns me, Chiara.”

There’s a twinge of agony in his voice, and I want nothing more than to soothe it away.

And he’s right. His words make no sense at all.

He withdraws from me with a bated breath, fixing the lapel of his tuxedo jacket, which looks way too good on him.

“Come on.” He lifts his arm, waiting for me to hook mine through his.

Once I do, we make it out the door, and I realize this might be the last time I feel him against me, so I cling tighter to the strength of his arm.

* * *

DOMINIC

Every goddamn man in here can’t keep his eyes to himself. Why the fuck did I think it was a good idea to have her here, amongst these smug, rich assholes who want nothing more than to use her body?

How the hell are you any different?

The question hangs in my head, suspended in time. I don’t know if there can ever be a future for us, but I realize I want it.

I want her.

I can forgive her for the past. I’m sure she had a good reason for what she did. We were kids then. We aren’t now. Maybe she’s sorry. I’ll tell myself anything just to give us a chance.

I watch her from across the room, her long legs hidden beneath the length of the dress. Sitting at a table, she sips on a blue cocktail, completely comfortable being alone as I talk to every man and woman with deep pockets.

“You’ve outdone yourself,” Dr. Costanza says.

She and her husband are both prominent surgeons who donate a nice penny every year at my galas.

Last year, I managed to raise twenty-five million, and the hope is to up it this time to at least thirty. Between the auctions for expensive items, like my house in St. Tropez, and artwork that looks like it’s been made by a child, I’m sure I’ll reach that goal.

“Thank you very much,” I say, shaking her hand, my eyes wandering between Chiara and her. “I hope you and Mike are having a good time.”

“We are. Everything…so…” Her voice drifts in and out.

I’ve stopped paying attention to the blonde doctor. The only thing I’m focused on now is the back of a man, the one currently talking to Chiara. The one who shouldn’t be here at all.

Chiara nods, looking past him as her face contorts with an uncomfortable smile. I can tell she’s trying hard not to tell him to fuck off. The bastard either doesn’t care or doesn’t take the hint. Knowing him, it’s the former. The muscles in my neck twitch, and I grit my teeth so hard, my jaw may crack in half.

Cain, my fucking gun supplier knows he’s not allowed at my home. I can barely stand him, but I have no choice but to deal with him. He’s the only one in a five-hundred-mile radius who doesn’t suck Faro’s dick. If I want weapons, he’s the only one I can go to. His biggest competitor is loyal to the Palermo family.

He lowers himself to the empty chair beside her.

“I’m sorry. Excuse me,” I tell Dr. Costanza, my feet moving, already steps away. “I have an urgent matter to take care of.”

“Oh, of cour…”

I march toward Chiara just as Cain puts his hand on her fucking thigh. He’s going to regret that. My eyes are on him, while his are on her. She sees me coming before he does, mouthing athank you. The asshole doesn’t even notice me until I rip his hand off of her, fisting the collar of his shirt.

“Get your damn hands off of her, Cain,” I mouth low, every word stamped with venom.

“Relax!” He tries to get my hand off of him with a laugh, but it’s not working out so well for him. “I’ll leave the pretty lady alone, okay? I only came for a good time.”

My grip intensifies.

“You weren’t invited. Leave.Now,” I threaten through gritted teeth.

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