Page 116 of Dangerous Contract: Part 2

"See," he said. "You're smiling. You know you look amazing. That dress looks like it was created just for you."

"I know, right," Monique replied, glancing down at her dress. She froze when Frederico leaned even closer, his proximity making her pulse quicken.

"I'm starting to rethink this whole letting you leave with Orazio tonight idea," Frederico whispered in her ear, voice deep, warm breath caressing her sensitive flesh.

Monique shivered involuntarily, the sensation making her knees weak. Frederico was standing so close to her that he felt her movement and leaned even closer.

"Do that one more time, and I won't be able to let him have you," Frederico whispered, his voice husky.

Monique giggled. She actually giggled. "Keep whispering in my ear like that," she whispered. "And I may not let him have me either."

Her words shocked both her and Frederico. For a second, time stood still as her words hung between them, charged with an electric tension. Frederico leaned back to peer into her eyes. His gaze darkened, and he inched closer to her. Okay, this was starting to feel downright wrong. Monique couldn't allow herself to get caught up in Frederico's dreamy eyes.

"I shouldn't have said that," Monique quickly whispered, her cheeks heating in embarrassment. "The last thing I want to do is lead you on. I guess... I guess I got caught up in the moment. I'm sorry."

"Don't be sorry," he told her, gaze softening but still intense. "Be sure. Be sure ofwhoyou want. Be sure ofwhatyou want and what you deserve. Listen to your heartandyour mind. They won't steer you wrong." He took a step back, giving her some breathing room. "Don't worry. I'll respect whatever decision you make," he assured her.

Behind her, Meka called her name. Monique glanced over her shoulder.

"Cas will be pulling up at any minute," Meka told her. "He said everything is ready, and we can head over now and wait in the private room for others to arrive."

"Okay," Monique replied before facing Frederico.

When she looked forward, she saw that he'd returned to the couch to grab something. Her eyes widened when she saw what he was holding.A dozen roses.There she was, smiling again.

"These are for you," he told her, handing her the gorgeous bouquet of flowers.

"Thank you, Frederico," she said, accepting his gift. Monique frowned when she noticed a rose shaped diamond ring resting on the center rose. "Frederico, what is this?"

"It's a'let's get to know each other better'ring," he explained. "Put it in your purse. If you're wearing it at the end of the night, I'll know that you're leaving with me and not Orazio Cattaneo."

"But..." Monique started.

"And if you're not wearing it, you can still keep it. Just consider it a gift from someone who thinks you deserve the world. Consider it a gift from a friend."

This man!If Raz didn't already own her heart, she'd be a goner for sure. For now, she placed the ring in her clutch. But this gift was too expensive to keep. Before the night was over, she'd return it to Frederico. He would definitely meet someone worthy of wearing it one day.

Frederico stretched his hand out to her. "Let's go make a grand entrance, my beautiful rose."

Smiling once again, Monique placed her hand in his and allowed Frederico Miconi to escort her to the Cattaneo Gala. If Orazio looked at her in the same way Miconi had, she knew the two of them would be okay.

Soon, she'd be face to face with the man she loved. Soon, she'd know whether or not what they had was true love that could endure any hardships or if it was a love that would crumble the moment a gentle breeze blew.

She prayed it was true love that could endure anything. But if it wasn't, she would be at peace with letting it go. No longer would she fight alone. From now on, she'd only fight for those who were willing to fight for her. She deserved nothing less.

Chapter Thirty-Four

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ORAZIO

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Orazio Cattaneo stood in front of the full-length mirror in his bedroom, adjusting his tie that bore the Cattaneo emblem. The emblem was a goldenCthat shimmered against his black silk tie.

His all-black tuxedo was perfectly tailored for his frame, and his shoes had been polished until they were shining. As he fastened the last gold cuff link in place, a heavy sigh escaped his lips.

He was officially ready for the Cattaneo Gala.Fuck!He didn't feel like attending this damn event. There were so many places he'd rather be than in a room full of motherfuckers who were only there to either win his favor or judge him to see if he was capable of filling his father's shoes.

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