Page 63 of Victorious Vice

I smile and whisk away, only to be stopped again soon by another attendee.

“Wonderful job, Ms. Bellamy. I wish you the best of luck.” The speaker is a man I don’t recognize.

“Thank you so much, sir, and thank you for coming.”

Next, two women stop me. “Lovely time. Please accept this donation.”

I know better than to look at the amount. I simply take the check. “Thank you so much for your generosity. Thank you for being here and for your support.”

Onto the next, as I glance across the room to see Jared with his eyes on me.

And then, a hand clamps on my shoulder.

I turn to see Vinnie.

“Vinnie,” I gasp.

“I need you to come with me, Raven,” he says.

“I’m in the middle of my gala.”

“Please. It’s urgent.”

“The silent auction will be ending soon. I have to announce that?—”

He pulls me away toward the nearest exit.

Across the room I see Jared running after us.

A moment later, we’re inside a small conference room, no lights on.

Vinnie clicks the door shut.

“I couldn’t stay away from you,” he says.

And then his mouth comes down on mine.

20

VINNIE

Ipush my tongue between Raven’s lips. God, she tastes so sweet. A bit of smoke from tequila, sweetness from the tres leches cake.

And just her.

Yes, the sweetest lips I’ve ever tasted.

They’re even sweeter now after a month away from her.

Her bodyguard will come soon.

All I can do is kiss her.

But a moment later, she pushes at my shoulders, breaking the kiss with a loud smack.

“Vinnie…”

I caress her cheek. “My God, I’ve missed you.”

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