Page 27 of Deception

She meets my gaze. Her eyes unflinching, like she can read my thoughts. Woman’s got balls bigger than some of my men.

And it riles up something deep inside me, turning me on like few things can.

She's asked me questions that nobody else would dare ask, just based on my demeanor and attitude. Probably because she really has no clue who I am.

But she can clearly tell how dangerous I am. Not that I would hurt her for no reason.

As if in response to my thoughts, she lets the blanket slip open, displaying just a hint more of her skin, the edge of her bra.

I catch myself gaping, staring openly. Gazing right there between those perfect, creamy smooth orbs of her breasts.

She's only wearing her slip under that robe and blanket.

I could tear it off in a heartbeat. Have my way with her. The look in her eyes tells me she’d let me. There’s a heat there, behind the guarded, searching expression.

She’s trapped here, though.

And I’m trapped with her, at least until tomorrow. The thought has me backpedaling, retreating.

Maybe it's just the fact that she's trapped here in my house.

Standing, I clear our glasses and the cutting board of snacks from earlier.

“It’s late. I need to get to bed.”

“What’s wrong? Missing your girlfriend?” The implication is there, too. That I was eye fucking her right here in the den, and she noticed. She’s calling me out.

“No girlfriend.”

“Oh, I see. You’re one of those rich guys. Hopping from girl to girl.”

“Enough. It’s time for bed. I’ll show you to your room.”

I wait until she’s standing before I stomp off across the foyer toward the hallway where my bedroom and the guestrooms are located. She follows closely through the dark lodge, staying silent behind me as we pass the east wing door.

“Do not go up to the attic. Do not go down into my office on the landing below. And do not under any circumstances go into the east wing. My brother is far less inviting than me.”

“I’ll be sure and abide by your rules as long as I’m here. Why would I go wandering around in the dark anyway?”

“True. You won’t be wandering anywhere. If you need anything, use the intercom to call one of the maids for assistance. They’ll have breakfast ready whenever you wake up.”

“And where will you be?”

“There. My room. Knock if you need me. And do not?—”

“Go into your room under any circumstances. I get it.” I can practically hear her eye roll. Years of living with Ciro have trained me to notice that tone.

“This is your room.” Flicking on the lamp, I point to the linen closet, the bathroom. “Make yourself at home.”

“Alessandro…” She follows me to the doorway, her arm slipping up the frame. The blanket slips off her shoulders as she looks up at me. “Thank you.”

Light, hazel eyes bore into me, just like they did back at the pub.

Our bodies are painfully close together, her body heat mingling with mine.

“Good night, Isabella.”

“Good night.”

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