Page 31 of Sweet Retribution

“Aren’t I the one who’s supposed to get us drinks?”

“I like to defy stereotypes.” She hands me a glass as she brings her flute to her lips.

I don’t sip, and instead study her features. She’s wearing a light layer of makeup. I appreciate the extra attention she put into tonight, and I also like that she didn’t overdo it. Gia in her natural state is beautiful.

Perfect.

My eyes drops to her lips, wet with champagne. I long for them to be around my cock again. My gaze makes a leisure journey of her collarbone, then to her cleavage. Her nipples harden in response and I bite back a curse.

She can’t know how easily she gets to me. It isn’t good for either of us.

“Stone Parlatore. I heard the rumors and even saw a picture of you two online, but until I saw her in the... flesh, I wouldn’t believe it.” Nicholas Hamburg reaches his hand out to shake mine but his predatory gaze is fixated on Gia.

Or rather, Gia’s cleavage.

I drape my arm around her waist and rest my hand on her hip. It’s a possessive move, and I don’t care. I don’t introduce them, manners be damned. No one would ever accuse me of being polite anyway.

“Gia Parlatore.” Gia extends her hand to Nicholas, who picks it up and brings to his lips.

“It’s most definitely my pleasure.” He takes his time kissing the tips of her fingers.

Gia doesn’t swoon, as most women do in Nicholas’s presence. He’s royalty. Literally. His roguish good looks have gotten him out of more than one precarious predicament. Most include a woman. Multiple women.

He’s a snake with women, but mostly trustworthy when it comes to business. He’s more obsessed with his dick than money, since money and power will never be a concern to him.

We’ve played enough games of high stakes poker for me to pick up on his tells. One thing he hates about me is that I don’t have any. He looks down at my hand and smirks like he’s just figured me out.

Another reason why Gia isn’t good for me. She makes it hard for me to maintain control.

“Since yourhusbandisn’t going to introduce me, I suppose I will. Nicholas Hamburg, at your service.”

“My service? Oh, are you one of Stone’s men? It’s a pleasure to meet you.”

I can’t help the laugh that trembles under my rib cage. If Nicholas was the type to be offended, he’d have stormed off in a huff. Instead he grins at me.

“I like her. Nice job, Parlatore.” Nicholas returns his attention to my wife. “If he ever gets too... busy with work and you find yourself lonely, please don’t hesitate to give me a call.”

“How are you at shopping?” she asks him.

Nicholas squints at her question. “Shopping? I love to buy things, especially for beautiful women, if that’s what you’re asking.”

“That’s great. I have Tio and Lucca at my disposal but they don’t always pick up the right items. Maybe next time I’ll send you my list and see how you do.”

This time I don’t hold back my laugh. I’m aware of the stares from around the room. Stone Partlatore doesn’t laugh, especially in public. “I think it’s time for you to move on, Nicholas.”

He nods in agreement and walks away like a wounded puppy.

“You ruined his perfectly pompous ego, you know,” I say to Gia when he’s gone.

“You two are one in the same.”

I don’t argue with her. She’s correct, for the most part, only I don’t come on to women. I call for the willing and able when the need arises. I don’t make promises, I don’t speak soft words like Nicholas is known for.

“Except he has more personality,” Gia adds and steps away from me.

My arm drops to my side and I follow her as she strolls through the galleria studying the art. There’s a mixture of abstract paintings and unique sculptures. I don’t waste my time looking at the art. I can’t tell the difference between a hundred thousand dollar painting and one a child might do in class.

I follow behind Gia not only to block others from seeing her exposed back, but so I can soak it all in. There are faint lines where her bathing suit rested over her skin. If I lean forward just enough, and if Gia arches her back, there could be a possible separation between the low scoop and her back, giving me a peek at her most perfect ass.

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