Page 43 of Promise Never

The flowy purple dress suits her body perfectly. Iappreciate that it’s thigh length and not longer, so her lean legs are ondisplay.

Miodio. Her brown skinappears as smooth as ever, glowing even at night.

She has her lovely dark coils in a neat bun.Makeup is tasteful, even concealing the bruises on her neck.

Tiana is appealing in every sense.

I wanted to kiss her so badly last night. It’s agood thing her coldness returned because I probably would have coerced her tothe grass and devoured her.

Desire mounts as she stops in front of me, andit’s a struggle to control the beast and not yank her into my arms.

“You look incredible,” I damn near bark at thewoman.

Tiana bats her lashes in an almost shy manner.“Thank you.” She dips her head right after. “I haven’t seen you all day, andlast night you….”

It’s apparent she’s feeling awkward.

I play it off. “I’m not sure what happened. I hada lot to drink. I hope I didn’t do anything.”

She looks up, quiet for a second, then tells me,“No.”

It’s better to forget that I remarked on herchest. Her nipples sure did appear hard, though. I bite my lip as I imaginesqueezing them between my fingers before sucking and licking them. I bet she’dsquirm and moan my name repeatedly.

Tiana lifts a brow, and I blink the dirty thoughtsaway and reply, “Good.”

“Um, what about weapons?” she asks, motioning tothe purse in her hand. “I’m not going anywhere without a gun.”

“That’s fine.” I retrieve one of my guns from thecar, handing it to her. “Everyone will be carrying. Except for the cateringstaff.” I sniff. “I doubt anyone wants to attend another Cavalli event withoutprotection. Men pretended to be servers at his last birthday celebration and openedfire on the guests.”

She sputters a low gasp. “Geez. Why are youhanging around him then?”

“He has connections that my family needs.” Imotion for her to get into the car. “And the attack was orchestrated by VitoCostantini. Pietro kept it a secret to avoid furthertension between the other families and us. We owe him.”

“I see,” she mutters before climbing into theback.

I settle next to her, andRunihops in the passenger side. My driver starts for the gates.

Tiana slants on the seat and looks out the backwindow. “Your men aren’t following?”

“I’m running low,” I admit. “I need the others toguard my mother and home. Regardless, only two guards are allowed inside themarina. Cavalli has enough security. Just in case Zeno tries anything tonight.”

“Hm.” She turns around, staring out her window aswe pull onto the road and head in the direction of Trapani.

I can’t stop myself from stealing glances, and myfingers itch to hold her hand between us.

Cristo.

A low chuckle escapes as if to mock my thoughts.

Wiping my face with my palm, I look out the windowand try to rein in the emotions.

Just what the hell is going on with me? My controlis weakening.

We remain quiet until reaching the coastal city.

Another few minutes, and my driver arrives at thedestination, turning into the well-secured Cavalli marina.

He pulls up next to one of several SUVs, and thefour of us file out.

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