Page 103 of Dangerous Contract: Part 2

"I think I need to buy a suit that compliments your beauty and this stunning dress you're wearing," Miconi announced. "Let's continue shopping. I'll foot the bill. Buy whatever you like. All of you. Buy what you like. Especially you, Monique Rose."

Both Meka and Toya clapped happily.

Toya leaned closer to whisper in her ear, "That's a boss move, bitch. That's why you're my bestie."

Monique winked at her. She didn't miss the look of panic on Cas's face. She was not going to let his expression change her mind. If Raz didn't want her to attend the gala as his woman, then she'd attend as a potential mother-in-law.

And she'd treat him like he was her son who needed to be taught a lesson. And his Lil' date, whoadmiredhim, could call her mother, too. Raz had placed them on this path. But Monique was about to lead them down a dead end.

Chapter Thirty

MONIQUE

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Monique couldn't tear her gaze away from Mr. Frederico Miconi. Not because he was handsome, which he was. It was because she was wondering which of his features his daughter possessed.

Since Miconi was still attractive at his age, he had to have been drop-dead gorgeous when he was younger. His daughter possessed the same genetics. Was she stunningly beautiful? More importantly, did Raz find her attractive?

Those types of questions were stampeding through Monique's mind as she sat across the table from Mr. Miconi. She couldn't believe she was drinking wine with Raz's future father-in-law. She couldn't believe Raz had a future father-in-law.

Don't think about that,she chastised herself, lowering her gaze to her glass.Thinking about Raz's impending nuptials will only upset you, and you'll end up saying something crazy.She already felt guilty for having Mr. Miconi believe she was even remotely interested in him.

She didn't want to snap and say something that could possibly hurt his feelings. Not really in the mood for small talk, Monique glanced out the restaurant window, searching for her friends and Cas.

Though they were nowhere to be found, she was grateful for the window seat. Now, she could pretend she was staring at pedestrians who were shopping at the boutiques on this expensive ass strip.

She could hear Mr. Miconi talking, but her mind was too far away to process his words. Monique held in her sigh. This was all Toya's fault. Monique was going to kill her crazy friend for leaving her here with Miconi and pretending she'd seen another boutique a few stores down that she wanted to check out.

She wanted Monique to spend time alone with Mr. Miconi. Attending the gala with him was one thing. Sitting and having wine and desserts with him was out of her comfort zone.

But since he'd paid for their dresses, she'd sort of felt obligated to humor him. However, right now, she wished she'd paid for her own damn dress. Sure, it would've cut into her savings big time, but it would've been worth it.

"Something on your mind?" Mr. Miconi asked, bringing her gaze back to his.

Monique forced a smile. "No. Nothing."

Miconi smiled back. It was a charming smile that would melt the hearts of many women, yet it only made her feel guiltier.

"You know," he started, lowering his glass to the table. "Sometimes it's good to lay your burdens on the shoulders of a stranger. You don't have to worry about them being judgmental or telling your friends about it. Plus, they can give you their unbiased opinion."

Yeah, but you're not a stranger. You're the father of the bride.

Monique thought it but couldn't say it. Plus, it wasn't Mr. Miconi's fault she was feeling this way. He wasn't the one who'd hurt her. Neither was his daughter. Raz was. Therefore, Raz was the only one who should experience her wrath.

"There you go again," Mr. Miconi drawled. "Drifting away into your thoughts. What or who has such a beautiful woman as yourself feeling so lost?"

Monique's wide gaze met his. It was like he'd read her mind. Yes, she felt lost. Part of her was screaming for her to say forget this whole kidnapping plan and just let Raz go. She'd never been the type to chase after someone who didn't want her.

Clearly, Orazio Cattaneo didn't want her as much as she wanted him. He didn't want her enough to fight for her. Yet, another part of her wanted to fight for their love because she understood that Raz was hurting, too, and that he was doing this to protect her.

But damn, did he have to go this far? Monique waited for the urge to blink back tears to come over her. That urge never came. And that's what scared her the most. She was done crying. Did that mean her heart was done with Raz?

Ugh!Why couldn't she go one day without thinking about that man? Just one. Forget a day. She'd settle for a few hours. She'd settle for right now. She was here for wine, not to whine over Orazio's selfish ass.

"You must love him very much," Mr. Miconi whispered, bringing her thoughts back to him. Damn, she was really lost in her thoughts.

"I'm sorry. I never should've agreed to have a drink with you while my mind was all over the place. I apologize, Mr. Miconi..."

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