Page 50 of Promise Maker

“Gambling is illegal. My father allows it in thebasements of his clubs. Stop seeking flowers in the muck.”

Solari rolls her eyes. “Look, I’m not judging. I’mwell aware my dad did things, too. Illegal things. He may have kept me from it,but I know.”

I motion to the casing and ask, “Want a glass ofwine?”

Her pretty dark curls dance on her shoulders atthe sway of her head. “I’m still a bit hungover from the other night.”

My cock throbs at the swift flash of her moans andthe way she pleasured herself in the bed while I watched.

“Hm. Let’s go up to the office.”

“Is anyone else there?” she asks softly.

I smirk. “No. We’ll be alone. Does that make younervous?”

Solari steps past me without a word and climbs thestairs to the large room above the warehouse. I follow suit, shutting the doorbehind me.

She lingers at the window, watching the workerscarry out tasks.

I plop down in my chair and ask her, “What’s onyour mind?”

Moving from the window, Solari sinks into thechair across from me. “Um, I was wondering what will happen to my home inLakewood. I’ll need to go—”

“You can make decisions from here,” I deadpan.“How many times do I have to say that I’ll never let you go?”

She peers down at her lap and starts flicking hernails. “Yousaid not to mention the other night.Sois that what you want? To keep me here and watch me in myroom at night while I….”

My throat tightens. “Didn’t you like me watchingyou? It seemed that turned you on.”

Her head zips up.

The look on her face stirs my desire. I straightenfrom the chair to pour a drink.

“Are you willing to overlook your father’sdecision?” I hope she’ll give me what I want, so there’s no guilt from breakingmy word.

She ponders for a moment. “Smoking was the onlybad thing I did. I was always obedient, making him proud. Domenico, he refusedyou. I don’t know if—”

“Then we’re just going to have to keep doingthis,” I grunt and chug the whiskey.

“What?” she mutters, turning in the chair to lookat me.

“Agrigento is your home now, Solari. You’restaying with me even after we catch your father’s killer. I don’t care if youchoose not to go against his wishes, and I’ll never be able to touch you.You’re the woman I’ve obsessed over for years. I’ve stalked your IG, stayingupdated on every moment you celebrated, pretended as if I was there with you. Ican’t let you go. Iwon’t. As I’ve said, the only way you’ll leave me iswhen I take my last breath.”

Her eyes are wide open, mouth agape, but shedoesn’t respond to my honest words.

Raking my fingers through my hair, I rumble out ofexasperation and open the door. “I’m going to assist the workers. Let me knowwhen you want to head back.”

I hurry down the stairs, needing space from Solariand the rush of emotions.

If it continues like this, I may damn well loseit.

14

Domenico’s intensity leaves me speechless and, atthe same time, aroused.

I pace the office, replaying his words in my headafter he pretty much ran away from me.

It’s torturous trying to fight my feelings.

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