Page 6 of Divine Obsession

I didn’t know who she was or what she wanted. Though I suspected she was just another fake, gold-digging, social-climbing friend of Kali’s.

That was until we sat down at our table.

And all hell broke loose when my father shared his little realization that Natalia and Salvatore Moretti – Don of one of the five New York families – shared the same last name.

Everyone found the coincidence hilarious.

I didn’t.

Miss Stolen Dress didn’t seem to either, and she didn’t even know Salvatore was a mobster. Though she offered a polite, slightly awkward smile. Just like the perfect guest would.

So, naturally… I thought I would take it upon myself and also be the perfect host.

I stood and offered the make-believe princess my hand. “May I have this dance?”

Natalia looked at me like I was clinically insane.

I forced the smirk off my lips. Guess she was smarter than she tried to let on.

“Oh, yes!” My mother’s voice came excitedly from across the table. “That would be lovely.”

“Natalia is a great dancer,” Kali added fuel to the fire, her voice carrying a suggestive tone. The only reason I could come up with was that she was shit-faced.

“Not waltz–”

“I’ll teach you. It’s easy.” This time I couldn’t hide my smirk. Natalia looked at me like she wanted to teach me how to shut my dick in a car door.

She shot me one more dagger with her eyes before standing up and heading towards the dancefloor, ignoring my extended hand.

I followed behind, ignoring the glare when I took hold of her hand. In one swift move, I settled my palm on the small of her back and pulled her into me. The softest gasp escaped her and yet another unwilling smirk formed on my lips.

Didn’t she know to never show her cards around a wolf?

She was scared of me. As anyone would be after spilling their drink on me and calling me a dick.

Thought I ought to teach her one more thing about self-fulfilling prophecies.

“Stolen or burrowed?”

Natalia’s big, brown eyes narrowed at me. “What?”

“Your dress.”

No answer.

“No retorts this time?”

Running her tongue over her teeth and pouting those pink, glossy lips of hers, Natalia turned her head to the side, ignoring me.Again.

The act was small, meaningless, and purposefully spiteful. It shouldn’t have pissed me off as much as it did.

“I must say I’m surprised. Compared to what you addressed me as earlier.” When she finally looked at me, I faked a thoughtful frown. “Pig with no manners, was it?”

“Don’t tell me you’re one of those guys that takes everything personally.”

“No. But I am one of those guys that believes in getting even,” I replied nonchalantly, her back tensing further under my touch. Leaning in, I spoke in her ear – what must’ve looked somewhat romantic, was anything but. “I don’t know what possessed you to come here tonight, but you don’t belong. You’re a bad influence on my sister. You’re obviously not passing with honors and she needs discipline, not rebellion.” I pulled back to deliver my words with finality. “Stay away from Kali. Stay away from my family. Got it?”

Natalia stared back at me with an expression as emotional as a rock. “Got it.”

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