Page 26 of Twisted Games of Revenge

The phone rings a few times before he finally picks up. “That was fast,” comes his deep voice.

“It’s Vivian,” I mutter.

“It’s obvious you’re calling me from The Raven’s Nest, just minutes after I gave you my number.” He chuckles light-heartedly. Someone has had a chance to calm down after last night.

“Oh.” My mind races as I try to figure out the right words to say to him. This feels awkward over the phone. In person he has me so on edge, I just say whatever shit comes to mind. Normally stuff I regret later, but I can form a sentence. But maybe that’s because he has his hands on me, and I’m too distracted drooling over him to get my brain to connect.

“I have a dinner booking at Casa Moretti tomorrow night with my parents. I was hoping after the fun we clearly had last night, you might like to accompany me. If you’re free, of course,” he says, sounding every bit like the perfect gentleman I know he’s not.

Fuck, this is the jackpot, I can’t say no. I need to get close to these people or I will never get all the information I need, and going to one of his family’s restaurants is even better. “I’m free.”

“Perfect. I will pick you up from Sloane’s apartment at seven. I have sent you something to wear.”

Irritation crawls up my spine. How did he know I would say yes, and better still, that I would just do what he fucking said? Didn’t he get the memo last night that Harley is in charge of her own life now, because I thought I was pretty fucking clear. “I have my own clothes,” I snap.

“It’s a gift, Vivian, this is how I take care of the women I date. That is what you want, isn’t it? To date me?” His voice is light and airy and holds more than a question of if I want to date him.

Why do I get the impression this is him trying to trick me into something shifty? Or it could just be him doing the normal controlling bullshit. Play the game, Harley. Play the fucking game so you can get what you want this time as well. “Thank you, that’s so sweet. I can’t wait to see what you selected for me,” I manage to get out without sounding as sour as I feel. “See you tomorrow.”

“Good girl,” he purrs down the line, his voice way too playful for my liking. “Looking forward to it.”

I disconnect the call before I have a chance to snap back at him with some bitchy remark like I want to. Who knows who’s listening to the phone line here or on his end. I won’t take stupid chances. I have a date and a way into that family. Things are finally looking up.

Chapter 11

Carefully, I step outof Sloane’s apartment complex in the six-inch heels Alessandro selected for me. Even I have to admit I look like a million dollars in an embroidered, crepe Valentino mini dress that’s worth eighteen thousand dollars. My heart nearly stopped when I saw the price tag. It’s black and shimmery and the long sleeves cover up most of my tattoos, just a small flower or two peeking out the low V-cut neckline.

I can tell by Alessandro’s smirk, as he hops out of his Aston Martin DB11 to greet me, that he approves. He takes my hand, holding me at arm’s length. “Stunning.” He brings my hand to his lips, kissing the back of it.

“You spent way too much money.”

His eyes meet mine with an intensity I can’t look away from. “You’re worth every cent, beautiful.” He’s full of charm tonight. Alessandro on his best behavior, not the cruel asshole I came face-to-face with two nights ago.

The way he compliments me makes my heart flutter. I don’t care about fancy dresses or money, but seeing what I still meanto him makes we weak at the knees, and I know tonight isn’t going to be as easy as I had hoped. “Let’s get one thing straight before I get in that car with you. Me wearing this and agreeing to go to dinner with you isn’t me agreeing to let you own me in any way.”

His lips twitch up at the sides. “Never thought it was.”

Bullshit! “I’m serious. What we had is over. This is purely business, an agreement to fake-date so I can get close enough to your papa that I can destroy him.”

He drops his head closer to mine, his lips brushing my earlobe, sending a scattering of goosebumps over my skin. A warm gooey feeling that travels all the way down to my lady parts. “We both have our own agenda, sweetheart. Yours can be whatever you want it to be. But let me get one thing straight. What we had will never be over. If fake-dating you is the only way I can show you what we have is real, then bring it on, baby.”

Fuck. I stare back at him, my chest rising and falling quickly as I try to get my breathing under control. This man. Fuck, I’m never going to survive tonight. Just like he knows my inner thoughts, he wraps a hand around the back of my neck and pulls me into him, kissing me.

There is so much tension between us, I feel like my heart might just stop. Even still, I kiss him back hungrily, like I need his lips on mine to keep breathing. Because right now, that’s exactly what it feels like. I know he’s right. This isn’t over, no matter how badly I need it to be.

He pulls away, and taking my shaky hand in his, he leads me to his car and closes the door once I’m safely inside. I place a hand on my chest and stare out the front windshield, trying to get my erratic heart under control. I need to focus. I can’t afford any distractions. His suited frame fills the driver’s seat beside me, imposing and very real.

He kicks the engine to life with a chuckle. He knows the effect he has on me. He knows I’m in love with him, it’s so damn obvious I can’t hide it.

The drive to the restaurant isn’t far, but it’s long enough that when we pull up and he lets me out of the car, I welcome the cool night air on my face and a chance to breathe again. Note to self, no confined spaces with Alessandro, it’s too dangerous.

He takes my hand. “Are you ready for this?”

I lift my chin, faking confidence I don’t have. “Sure am.”

The two of us stride through the front glass door, immediately hit with the delicious scent of parmesan and buttery garlic. In the center of the room is a table that has four occupants already. I lean in a little closer to him. “You didn’t tell me your brothers would be joining us as well?” I whisper, my teeth clenched, knowing how mighty awkward tonight is going to be.

“I didn’t know they would be,” he admits and sounds genuinely surprised to see them both. Just more proof that Enzo is still controlling this family and not him.

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