Page 21 of Devilish Prince

“You know, your lips will wrinkle like a seventy-year-old chain smoker if you keep pursing them like that.” I rest my hand in the small of her back, guiding her through the crowd of folks gathered in Washington Square park for the festivities.

Vendors and food trucks clutter the area, sending their noises and scents wafting into the air. Children shriek as they run past and the sun beats down on us from overhead making my forehead moist with sweat. My polo and slacks are a bit formal for the event but I’m typically never seen in public without a suit. Sofia insisted I’d be out of place and now I see why.

Men and women waltz around in shorts and t-shirts sporting ball caps and sandals. Even Sofia’s sundress is a little on the formal side but with the new title of surgical chair she lookselegant. I tighten my grip on her waist as I maneuver her toward a set of benches in the shade. There are so many faces here it’s hard to tell what place will make the most impact but with the number of pictures taken today, I’m certain word has already gotten out that I’ve made my appearance with the charming doctor and the city will be informed.

“Let’s sit,” I tell her, gesturing at the empty bench, and Norm follows us, hovering and casting his own bit of shade wherever he goes.

“Fine.” Sofia’s attitude needs some work and I may just have to show her how to respond to me properly again, but I tolerate it. She’s been decent enough for the cameras. Everyone is entitled to a bit of an edge in their personality.

She sits first and I snuggle in close to her, making it look good for anyone who is watching. With my arm draped around her and my body pressed along her side, I lean in and kiss her on the cheek, then whisper in her ear. “I hear you haven’t accepted that position yet. I expect a letter on Kline’s desk first thing tomorrow morning.”

Once she is surgical chair it will elevate her prestige to the next level. All manner of news reports will be written and aired about her, touting her masterful skill and fast rise through the ranks. She’s already a genius—the entire city knows that—but with my nudge she will be world-famous. And that’s what I’m counting on. Powerful men and women from all around the globe will flock to Bellevue for their treatment knowing the finest surgeon in the world will care for them.

“I’m not sure why you’re pushing this so hard. Isn’t it enough that I’m dating you? Your reputation has taken a boost since being seen with me at that fundraiser.” She edges away from me,arms crossed over her chest in such a way that it pushes her tits out slightly. I enjoy the view as I nibble on her earlobe making it clear to anyone watching that we don’t want company.

“You leave the whys to me and just do as I say. It’s part of our agreement.”

“No, our agreement was for me to date you publicly.” She’s speaking through a tight smile, which means someone is watching. I look up to see someone snapping a photo and pose, and when they walk away, I return to nipping at her skin. “And taking that position is directly harming someone I know and care about.”

“You don’t know Holder at all. Be lucky it wasn’t Baker. That twat knows nothing, barely graduated. How on earth did he get that position anyway?” My tongue traces a line down across her neck and I bite the tender flesh just below her jaw.

“I know Holder has kids and I care about kids.” She harrumphs and pushes me away with her shoulder. “Besides, I’m not right for the job. I think Holder deserves it. I need to learn more first.”

I slide my hand across her lap and grip her opposite hip, pulling her hard into my chest. She stiffens and leans away from me and I growl from deep in my chest.

“I decide who deserves what.”

“No, hospital director Kline decides, the medical board decides, not some mobster with a plan to make himself look good by dragging me through the mud.” Sofia stands and looks at Norm. “You’re my protection right?” she snaps.

“Uh…” He flicks his eyes at me and I nod at him. “Yes, ma’am, I am.” Norm’s broad shoulders dwarf mine. If he wanted to he could pulverize me, but I saved his life. He’s loyal.

“Protect me from that maniac then.” Sofia snaps a finger out in my direction then storms off and I chuckle at her obstinance. Norm glances at me before following her and I slowly rise and stroll after them. She’s acting like a child and children get spanked, which is what I’m going to do to her when I get her alone.

After walking a few blocks, I send a message to my driver to bring the car around. Sofia is in a huff, weaving through the crowds like a lunatic just to prove some point that she’s upset with me. I’m doing her a favor, raining fortune and blessings on her which she’d never achieve on her own and she refuses to see my benevolence. She’ll realize it soon enough, but for now I can’t allow her to continue to behave this way or my men will begin to think I’m weak.

In less than five minutes the car pulls into view, headed our way moving down Fifth Avenue. Sofia doesn’t recognize it but I do, so when it swoops in and cuts her off, blocking the crosswalk, she smacks the hood and screams profanities at it as if my driver were just another New York cabby with bad manners.

“You asshole! You almost hit me. I should call the police.”

Before she can get away, Norm is there, wrapping his muscled arm around her waist. He hoists her off her feet and walks to the back door, opening it with one hand then tossing her in with the other. He waits with the open door as I approach and I nod at him as I climb in.

“Thank you, Norman. We’ll need some privacy,” I tell him as I sit down. He closes the door and I see a very flustered-looking Sofia in a heap on the ground. She shoves the hair out of her eyes and looks up at me in a rage.

“What the fuck do you think you’re doing!” She lurches toward the door but it’s locked, the child safety mechanism engaged as the car pulls back into traffic. She smacks the window and screams, “Let me out of here!”

I sigh and cross one leg over the other, folding my hands on my lap. “Your shouts are pointless, Sofia. The men will continue to drive around until I give the order to stop. You should save your breath.”

She spins around and glares at me again, eyes practically glowing red with anger. Her chest heaves as she tries to catch her breath and she slides onto the seat next to me. The rest of the limo feels like a void with us both sitting here, but I don’t mind her closeness. It will make it easier for me in a second.

“It was one thing for me to be with you in public. It’s nice if you want to make me your little fuck toy. But you can’t mess with my career. You understand? I am not taking that position.”

My hand has a mind of its own. I reach out and grip her neck hard, and instantly she gags and claws at my wrist. I squeeze until she’s gasping, her eyes blinking rapidly. She’s frantic, swinging her legs around to wrap around mine and choking on my grip and I wait until I know she’s close to passing out before I lessen my intensity.

“You are mine, and you will do as I say. Do you understand me?” I whisper, and she nods as she sucks in a breath. “I am not a man to be ignored, Sofia. I have tried to be patient with you. I’ve givenyou more chances and understanding than you deserve. If you were one of my men you’d have been flogged or killed by now.”

Her fingers still pry at my grip though I know she can breathe fine now. It’s raspy as she sucks in air, but she’s not suffocating. Her eyes stay plastered on mine, tears now leaking from their corners as I speak.

“Now what you’re going to do is listen carefully to me. I have provided you with a service and you must pay me back for that service. I do not accept cash. I accept your obedience. Is that clear?”

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