Page 102 of Dangerous Contract: Part 2

"Ohhhh," Toya and Meka drawled, catching on just as late as she had. Of course, Toya had to be Toya.

Striding forward, Toya asked Frederico, "Can you help my friend here decide on the best dress for her? She's having trouble picking one to wear to the Cattaneo Gala."

Monique glared at Toya. Toya winked. Monique's smile remained in place as Frederico stepped forward.

"Is it okay if I give my opinion?" the older man asked Monique.

The fact that he was asking for consent to give his opinion earned him some brownie points in her book. Monique nodded, nervous but eager to hear what he was about to say.

"Both are stunning," he admitted, gaze moving to the dress that was now draped over the mannequin next to her. "But I think this one..." He started, eyes returning to her and the dress that hugged her curves like a second skin, making her feel powerful and alluring.

Monique's breath hitched as his gaze swept over her, taking in every curve of her body that was wrapped in the seductivegown. His eyes lingered on her ample cleavage, which she futilely tried to cover.

"This one has an edge to it," he whispered.

"An edge?" Monique whispered back.

Frederico nodded. "The other one is beautiful and soft. The one you're draped in looks dangerous."

"Dangerous?" Monique whispered.

"It's the type of dress that'll make a man do crazy things for the woman wearing it," he told her, voice low as his gaze seemed to undress her. His eyes returned to hers, and he gave her a sexy grin. "I think it's perfect for the gala, and it'll definitely leave an impression on those present."

She only wanted to leave an impression on one person, and this just may be the dress to do it in.

"You have indeed left an impression on me, Mrs..." he paused, waiting for her to tell him her name.

"My name is Monique. Monique Rose."

"Such a beautiful name. Is there a Mr. Rose?" Frederico asked.

"Oh, uh. No."However, there is a Mr. Cattaneo, for now,Monique thought, preparing to turn the man down if he asked for her number or something.

"Perfect," Frederico smiled, looking devilishly handsome. "Do you have a date to the Cattaneo Gala, Ms. Rose?"

Here comes the rejection. Monique opened her mouth to speak, but Frederico spoke again.

"I'd been prepared to go with my daughter, but she was asked to the event by a gentleman she admires, so I'm left all alone."

Poor guy.But Monique had a mission, and she couldn't let a random man distract her from that mission. She opened her mouth, prepared to tell Frederico that she planned to attend the gala with her friends.

But she paused when she noticed Cas's panicked look. She faced Meka's man. With the way he was widening his eyes, she had a feeling he was trying to get her attention.

Cas cleared his throat and said, "I should've made introductions when we first entered the room. Mr. Miconi, this is Monique, she's my girlfriend's best friend. And Monique, this is Mr. Miconi. He's a family friend.ANDhis daughter is attending the Gala with my brother, Orazio."

Oh, really?Well, that changes things.

Cas then mouthed,you can't go to the gala with him.That won't be good.

Yeah, Monique read his lips, but her mind was stuck on the fact that this man was the father of her man's date. Plus, she wasn't going to the gala to be good. She was going to be bad. Very bad. Anger boiled through her, but she kept her cool and her smile.

Frederico stretched his hand out to her. "I know this is last minute. But I've been utterly stunned by your presence. And I'd be delighted if you'd do me the honor of letting me escort you to the Gala, Ms. Rose."

Monique's smile brightened as she placed her hand in his, much to Cas's dismay.

"Yes, Mr. Miconi. I'd love to be your date to the Cattaneo Gala," Monique cooed, voice sultry and sweet at the same time.

Mr. Miconi lowered his head and kissed the back of her hand. With Frederico's lips pressed against her hand, Monique's gaze met Cas's. He was slowly shaking his head. Too late. Her decision had been made. Mr. Miconi released her hand and stepped back to take in her dress one more time.

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