Page 40 of Broken Prince

I’d never envied Dom before—I guessed there was a first for everything.

She waved her hand dismissively. “Don’t worry about it; it’s okay.”

I want to worry about it, I thought but kept quiet. Dom was looking at me like I was a science experiment, analyzing every word, every move… I hated it.

“Do you want to join us?” she asked and it settled my annoyance to know that she didn’t want to spend alone time with Dom.

Join you, alone? Yes, absolutely. Join you and Barbie Dom? I’ll pass.I shook my head. “No, I just wanted to tell you the cassatelles were delicious.”

She beamed, resting her hand on her heart. “Thank you! I’m so glad you liked them. Next time I’ll make you the red velvet pecan brownies you like.”

That warmed my chest more than I could say.

I smiled at her and that also felt strange. How long was it since I truly smiled?

I turned to Dom. “Also I'm glad I caught you. Sparring tomorrow? Eight?”

Dom’s smile widened; he knew why I wanted to spar.Well, good luck, asshole. You might think I’m an out-of-shape alcoholic, but I can fight dirty.

“I’ll see you girls later.”

* * *

I made it to the training room only a few minutes before Dom came down with a shit-eating grin on his face.

He knew I was pissed off about last night and he enjoyed it.

I cracked my neck and stepped into the sparring ring, getting ready.

“Not even a little chitchat?” he asked, his grin turning taunting.

“I thought you’ve done enough chitchatting during your girls’ night.”

Dom shook his head. “We’ve not sparred in a very long time. I missed it.” He removed his shirt, rolling his shoulders.

I glowered, looking down at the tattoo on his chest, matching mine… The dagger, the rosary, and the pledge binding us. Our branding, our allegiance to our blood, our legacy, our commitment. Our motto was Honor, Protect, Conquer—honor our vows, protect our blood, conquer our enemies.

“I think it’s time for you to go for a visit toThe Rectory, to relieve some pressure.” The Rectory was a high-end very expensive sex club but also the only one in the state having professionals able to cope with Dom’s sexual preferences.

“The Rectory?” He nodded. “Maybe but is it for my well-being or do you want me to leave you alone with her?” He chuckled. “You can just ask. I may grant you the wish.”

“Cazzo.” I hissed as my elbow came out in one movement, hitting him right in the eye socket.

“Fuck,” he growled, taking a step back and bringing his hand up to his eye. “You’re playing dirty, Montanari.”

“And you’re not?” I asked, taking a fighting stance, my hands up in fists, protecting my face from retaliation. “Hogging her, being the perfect and sweet gentleman.” I threw a jab. He dodged to the left, finally taking a fighting stance too. I meant business and he knew it. “Does she know what you are?”

He sighed. “Who’s to say I’m not that guy?”

He threw a punch and I stopped it with my forearm. I gritted my teeth as the pain of the blow reverberated up my arm, straight to my head. I was more out of shape than I’d anticipated.

“I don’t want her like that, and she doesn’t seemelike that.”

The way he emphasized the word ‘me’ made my heart leap in my chest like a stupid teenager. Did he mean that she saw me like that? Fuck me, I had issues.

“What’s happening with her?” I asked as we circled each other, both of us reluctant to throw another punch.

“What do you mean? Her life went to shit; you need to be more specific.”

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