Page 129 of Dangerous Contract: Part 1

Raz shook his head. What the hell would he do without this woman? He went into the bathroom and started the shower.

“Hungry?” he asked, returning to the room.

“I can eat,” she answered, setting her mug back on the nightstand.

“After our shower, I’ll take you out to breakfast.”

“Do you have time? I know you have to work.”

Raz stilled, but only briefly. She didn’t know what he had planned. Why was he acting this way?

“You’re more important than work,” he told her, stretching his hand toward her.

He led her to the bathroom and took his time bathing her, not ready to part ways but knowing they’d soon have to. After their shower, they dressed, and Orazio took Monique out for a lavish breakfast at his favorite restaurant.

He watched with possessive pride as she enjoyed fluffy omelets, fresh fruit, and mimosas, her smile radiant.

“I have to go to New Orleans today for business,” he said as they lingered over coffee. “I may not be back until late.”

“You told me yesterday, remember? I understand. Duty calls. While you work, my girls and I will enjoy some girl time. Don’t be shocked when you see the bill. I’m warning you in advance.”

“What’s mine is yours,” he told her. “I want you all to have fun today. I wish I could have fun with you.”

“We can have fun when you get back.” Her expression softened. “And Orazio Cattaneo, you better come back to me.”

He stilled with his coffee mug to his lips. Did she know? She couldn’t.

“Be safe,” she whispered. “And come home to me.”

Raz blinked back dumb ass tears as he lowered his mug to the table. He captured her hand, brushing a kiss over her knuckles before returning his gaze to hers.

“Always,” he promised. “I’ll be safe, and I’ll always come home to you.”

She smiled. “You better. Because I’ll be waiting.”

This woman!He had no words. All he could do was resume drinking his coffee and hope he didn’t embarrass himself by letting a tear drop. After breakfast, Orazio escorted Monique back to his suite at the casino, handing her the keys to his car and a black credit card.

“Take your friends out today on me. Go shopping, get pampered at the spa, and see a show. Shop. Anything you want. The hotel already knows that your friends are allowed to stay here until they want to check out.”

Monique hesitated. “You don’t have to do all this.”

“I want to.” He tilted her chin up and gazed into her eyes. “Indulge yourself and think of me while you do. Have fun with your friends. Because when I get back, I’m taking you away fora few days. Where we’re going, your friends can’t go. And this time, I don’t care if they get mad at me for kidnapping you. You’re mine, Monique Rose. And I’ve never been very good at sharing.”

She smiled, shaking her head. “What am I going to do with you?”

“Love me,” he said simply. “That’s all I ask.”

Monique went up on her tiptoes and kissed him, slow and sweet. “I do love you, Orazio. Very much. Now go. Take an umbrella because it looks like it’s about to storm. And be safe today. Hurry back to me.”

“Always,” he repeated, and with one last kiss, he turned and walked away from her.

He didn’t even look back. He couldn’t. If he did, he’d waver and choose to stay with her. He took the elevator down to the garage. Today would be a busy day for him. He had a gift to deliver to the Tatums, a former consigliere to bury, and a promise to keep to Monique.

The promise to Monique was his priority. After all, she was his light in the darkness. The one thing that made the shadows flee. And he would always keep his promises to her.

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*LOCATION: CATTANEO ESTATE*

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