Page 32 of Vicious Vows

Her sun-kissed skin glowed under the lighting as her long, thick hair streamed over her shoulders. I wanted to take her back to the safe house and keep her under lock and key so no one could ever hurt her.

When she spotted me, she smiled like I was the only man in the room. Her man. Could I do everything to keep her safe? The more time I spent fighting this war with her father and trying to keep my own family on top, I put her in danger.

My gut churned with nerves with each step she took toward me. I should have been ecstatic to have such a goddess willing to stand by my side. Instead, all I could see was her approaching a car that was about to explode.

No!

An uneasiness settled in my soul—a premonition of darkness that took hold of me and wouldn’t let go.

What the fuck?

“She’s absolute perfection.” Lorenzo’s voice brought me back to reality. “But you have to ask yourself, is she worth it?”

EIGHT

Lissia

Being drawnto a menacing man was fun and sexy until you were actually with that man. Sure, it was exhilarating and a major turn on, but vowing to be all the things he needed was terrifying.

When have I ever run from peril?

I joined Marchello and Lorenzo at the bar, and Marchello placed his hand on the small of my back.

“You look amazing.” He kissed me and whispered against my lips, “Too good.”

Lorenzo stood from his barstool and motioned for me to have a seat. He was a tall, imposing figure with strong Latin features, and his eyes were a unique shade of gray. I had a crush on him when I was younger.

He was a man who had filled out in all the right places, so I imagined women flocked to him. How couldn’t they? I’d have to ask him if there was anyone special in his life. I hoped there was.

“Thank you.” I slid into the seat with my hand in Marchello’s.

It seemed as if everyone in the room stared at us. Why were they so fascinated? When I gazed into Marchello’s eyes, I answered my own question. Who wouldn’t be absorbed by him? Tall, dark, sexy, and a gangster.

He even drew me in, and I slept beside him every night.

Sitting here with Lorenzo only created more intrigue. If I learned anything growing up around my father, it was that people always had questions about him they were afraid to ask. The more powerful a figure, the more engaged people became.

“Did you enjoy your spa afternoon?” Lorenzo asked.

“It was incredible. You have an excellent place here.”

“Coming from a woman who has stayed at luxury hotels in many countries, I’m flattered.” Lorenzo waved the bartender over. “Cherri, get my guest a glass of the best champagne.”

“This hotel is my favorite.” I smiled at Marchello. “We love the private pool and beach right outside our room.”

“Only the best for you.” Marchello squeezed my hand. “A room fit for a queen.”

“Your queen.” I kissed his cheek. “This is going to be the best night. I can feel it.”

“I would tell you two to get a room,” Lorenzo said, “but you already have one, and then I wouldn’t be able to spend any time with my old friend.”

“Thank you so much for your hospitality, Lorenzo,” I said. “I haven’t even left and I’m already trying to figure out when I can come back.”

“Maybe we can convince Marchello to come to Argentina with us.” Lorenzo nodded toward Marchello.

I clapped my hands. “Can we? I love Buenos Aires. Lorenzo taught me to tango there.”

“Of course he did.” Marchello let out a soft laugh. “When things settle down, I’ll take you anywhere you want to go.”

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