Page 53 of Twisted Games of Revenge

The mayor’s eyes, sharp and assessing, roam over my face. “Ah yes, I have heard so much about you. Apparently you stole the show at high tea yesterday. You two certainly have people talking, with your hasty engagement.”

“My wife has taken quite the liking to Vivian and so has my son. He proposed to her after just their second date, knowing he had found the one. We’re hoping for a spring wedding,” Enzo adds, sounding way too pleased about the nuptials.

I quickly glance at Alessandro, wondering if he knew they set a date. He nods along as if he did, and my heart races a little faster. A spring wedding, fuck, that’s like five months away.

“Mother is quite excited about having a new event to plan,” Alessandro says, wrapping an arm around my shoulders and kissing me on the cheek.

“I bet, your mother likes to throw a good party.” His attention comes to me, and I wonder if he’s going to be as nasty as his wife. “That’s where I know you from, isn’t it?” He clicks his fingers. “We met at the garden party? I’m not great with names, but I never forget a face.”

“Yes, I was there, that’s where I met Alessandro.” I gaze lovingly toward him, playing my part. But that’s no longer difficult because I’m getting more and more swept away with him by the day. And a sick and twisted part of me, real deep down, is enjoying the fantasy of being engaged to him. The ideaof really being his and him mine. I break into a hot sweat at the thought; what the hell is wrong with me? I take my seat again, filling my glass of water to the brim before drinking it down.

The others all take a seat as well, Alessandro looking me over with concern.

“It’s unseasonably warm today, isn’t it?” I say, trying not to look like a flake.

A look passes between the mayor and Enzo that I don’t like. Something fucking creepy about it that makes me feel really uncomfortable.

“How do the two of you know each other so well?” I ask innocently, trying to keep conversation flowing and off my sudden hot flush.

The mayor glances toward Enzo and he nods giving him the go ahead to talk. For fuck sake not even the mayor wants to open his mouth unless he’s been told he can. “I met Enzo when I was working a case about twenty years ago.”

“Julian started out as a detective working for the Ravens Hollow precinct before working his way up the ranks.” Enzo’s piercing eyes land on me. “He helped me out with a little problem back in the day, you know how it is, Vivian.”

I nod and smile, agreeing even though my stomach churns. That little problem was Ricky’s beautiful mother after Enzo found out she wanted to leave with his kid. And this asshole has been enjoying the benefits ever since. Moving up the ranks at the force before eventually becoming mayor. While those little boys had to live with the horror of what happened to their mother that night.

I run my hand up my thigh, finding my trusty knife sitting there in the sheath right where I left it. I want to lash out and attack him right here in the middle of this place for what he did. Or didn’t do. It was his job to protect her, and he chose a life asEnzo’s yes man instead.Bide your time, Harley.This man will meet his end soon enough.

When a server brings over our hot beverages, she also asks us for our lunch order. And while I eat my halloumi and roast pumpkin salad, I listen to Enzo drone on and on about the upcoming election and how the mayor is a shoo-in with Alessandro’s support. I can tell he’s on his best behavior because I’m here and normally this conversation would be all business.

At one point, the two of them excuse themselves and disappear behind a partition wall. I make out with Alessandro, making it look like we’re completely uninterested in anything but each other. But really, we’re keeping an eye on their every move. They heatedly discuss something before Enzo hands him more of those green slips he had last time.

Alessandro leans in even closer to me, his hand running up my thigh.

“Stop that, I’m trying to focus,” I tell him, swatting his hand away.

“What’s your plan, sweetheart?” His finger runs along my thigh just under my hem like it did before.

My eyes meet his in a playful warning. “You will see soon enough, boss.” My heart races at the thought of what I’m going to do. Can I go through with it? Fuck, I have to. This is just the start, and there is no backing out now. I suck in a deep breath, trying to clear my head.

His lips drop to my neck. “After you take care of this asshole, I’m going to take care of your needy pussy.” His hand moves a little higher. “Fuck you so damn good.”

I clench my legs closed so he has no choice but to move his hand away. “After I do what I need to, I might just let you.” I smirk back at him cheekily, and I know he can’t stand the fact Ricky got me all to himself last night.

I see out of the corner of my eye they are on their way back to the table, so I purposely kiss Alessandro again, getting wrapped up in him completely.

“Oh, look at the two of you. Young love,” Enzo says to the mayor. Like he actually believes this is what is going on when we both know he’s paid me to be here.

“Anyone want another coffee?” the young waitress asks as she approaches our table.

“I’ll take a flat white to go,” Mayor Chambly says, not taking a seat again. I’d say he has an escort waiting for him at Enzo’s private club.

“I’ll have the same as before, thanks, but to go too,” I offer her with a subtle smile.

She scurries off to the counter and makes our coffees.

“This was a nice surprise, Vivian, make sure to organize with Valentina to come around for dinner one day this week. We would enjoy entertaining you both at the estate. In fact, you should invite Ricky and Maddox as well. Vivian should get to know them if she hasn’t already.”

Alessandro wraps his arm around me, pulling me into his solid body in a way I know is for show. “She’s been spending some time at our mansion. They are both very fond of her already.” The way he says it hints at so much more than us sitting around playing board games together.

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