Page 11 of Merciless Monster

Among other things, sure.

“I’d love that. What a beautiful home.”

The house is built into a rockface. It’s simply the most beautiful and romantic setting anyone could hope for. White leather furniture, hardwood floors, Italian marble' everything in here screams luxury. But it pales in comparison to the man I’m with.

Dante must be in his early forties, but he could effortlessly rival any man much younger. His flawless olive skin beckons me as I watch him moving around the rooms, pointing at interesting features and ultimately the view.

I feel like a schoolgirl with a debilitating crush. I hope I don’t look as witless as I feel around him.

“It’s spectacular,” I offer up as Dante looks my way.

“How about that nightcap?” he smiles. “Brandy?”

“I’d love one.”

My heartrate edges up just a little at the look in his bedroom eyes. This man is dangerously gorgeous. I’m going to have to watch myself. I’m no gusher, but damn!

We’re in the living room now I sit down on one of the leather chaise lounges while my host pours brandy from a crystal decanter into two snifters. I watch his catlike movements as he walks over to me and hands me the drink.

“Thank you.”

Our hands touch as I take the glass. A shiver runs through me. The sexual tension between us is deliciously palpable.

“So, how do you know little cousin Gina?” he asks as soon as he’s seated across from me.

The distance between us is intentional. This man is playing with me. This is clearly not his first delicious seduction. He’s an old hand at this. I can always tell.

“We work together. We just clicked from the first day we met. Have you ever met someone and instantly felt as if you’ve known them your whole life?”

Dante smiles and takes a sip of his brandy.

“Perhaps.”

Is he talking about me or am I reading the situation wrong? I decide to steer the conversation into a safer direction. I haven’t quite decided yet if I’m going to ravage this spectacular creature tonight or take the high road.

Oh, please, Mia. Who are you trying to kid?

“What do you do? When you’re not saving damsels in stiletto distress from Italian wedding receptions, that is?”

Dante laughs and my sex quivers unexpectedly at the sound. With one small gesture he’s reached down into my groin and teased me ever so gently without even touching me.

“I’m a businessman. A little bit of this and a bit of that, really. I like to keep busy.”

“Not vague at all.”

“Is that really what you want to talk about?” he asks, and places his glass down gently on the table next to his chair.

I recognize the look. It’s one of the most exciting things about meeting someone new. The look that signals intent. Dante is letting me know, on the most primal level two people can share, that he wants me.

“Whatwouldyou like to talk about?” I counter, playfully.

“I don’t know about you, but I don’t really want to talk about anything right now,” he says in a low voice and gets up.

I watch him closely as he moves across the floor toward me like a panther. Before long the irresistible man who has my insides bouncing around is seated next to me on the chaise lounge.

“I must compliment Gina on her choice of a bridesmaid’s dress,” he whispers into my ear as he removes the clasp from my hair.

“I take it you’re a fan of poofy sleeves,” I say, exhaling slowly.

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