Page 42 of Promise Never

I swallow hard and say instead, “Keep looking.”

Alessandro turns back to the pond.

“What are you doing out here, anyway?” I mutter.

“I was….” He clears his throat. “I couldn’t sleep,and when I saw you, I figured I’d remind you of the Cavalli event tomorrownight.”

“I haven’t forgotten. I agreed to go with you.”

A quiet air settles around us, leaving the soundof crickets in the background.

“You could have looked for me,” Alessandro sayssoftly. “I wouldn’t mind talking until you felt sleepy. We can talk now if youwant.” The deep growl in his tone is riling up the annoying emotions.

I have to shut this down.

“No thanks. In fact, I’m sleepy now.”

Alessandro grips my hand as I’m about to walkaway, stirring a rush of electricity.

“I lied,” he grates, hand moving up my arm slowly.“I went looking for you in the guesthouse. I just wanted….” He groans a tad. “Ilike when you talk to me. Even if it’s for a few minutes or a few seconds, Ilike when you’re not cold.” Though laced with liquor, his hot breath bathes myface and turns my pussy slick with arousal.

What the hell is happening?

My heart is lashing erratically behind my ribcage.

Everything feels so chaotic inside. The hunger torip his clothes off and ride him like a cowgirl is fighting for dominance.

“You’re breathing heavy,” Alessandro growls,lowering his eyes to my chest. “Am I doing that to you?”

I dip my head, realizing that my nipples areperked up and showing through the blouse.

Crap.

I stagger back from him and hug my chest. “I’mgoing to bed.”

“Is that an invitation?” He smirks.

“In your dreams. I told you, don’t get any ideasabout me. It’ll never happen.”

The outdoor lights allow me to discern hisexpression. He seems frustrated. “You’re right. Goodnight, Tiana.”

Alessandro veers off, retreating among the trees.

I internally curse the side of me that wants tofollow him. To bask in the warmth of his body as he fucks me.

Fistsclenched,I stompback to the guesthouse instead.

I peel off my clothes and climb into bed.

As much as I try to fight it, my desire wins, andI slip my hand between my thighs, pleasuring myself with Alessandro on my mind.It scares me that I don’t feel guilty about it this time.

18

Do not linger on her.

Do not… Oh, hell.

It’s hard to tear my eyes off Tiana as she strutsover from the guesthouse, looking like the most gorgeous, sexiest creature onearth.

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