Page 19 of Hers to Claim

“I’ll have to talk it over with them, but I think they won’t have a problem with it. Plus, it will give you and I a chance to start over, maybe?”

Once again, he showed her a dazzling display of his dimples. “I’d like that.”

A knock on the door interrupted them, followed by Rio peeking his head in. “I just wanted to make sure you were okay.”

Mari smiled. “Yeah, I’m good. Come in, Cisco too.”

Rio moved inside and sat on the foot of the large bed that was the centerpiece of the room.

Cisco stood next to him and placed a casual hand on the back of his neck. He glanced slowly over Mari and then Dante. “Looks like you two have started to resolve things?”

Mari nodded. “I wanted to know how you both felt about hiring Dante to help work out the stuff with my magic that we’ve been worried about?”

Rio’s eyes flicked to Dante and then back to her. “I don’t know him as well as you and Cisco, but I trust both of your judgments.”

“Seems like a good solution, since you’re already familiar with him,” Cisco said. “That something you’re interested in helping with?” he asked Dante.

“She hasn’t really explained much about what would be involved, but I think so.” A blush made his cheeks glow. “I’m drawn to her. I have been since that night.”

“We’d be exploring how being dominant impacts her magic. What sorts of things she likes, specifically related to pain.”

Dante looked her over, a slow smile curling his lips. “Sounds like my kind of sexy experiment.”

Mari’s magic hummed, pleased that he wanted to experience the part of her that she didn’t quite understand, even if she was a little afraid of it. Cisco picked up on the change in her demeanor at once, a hint of his fangs showing as he took a step closer to Dante.

Without saying a word, Cisco’s body language shifted, somehow standing taller with a subtle flare of his wings though that seemed impossible. Dante looked up at him without lifting his chin, the very picture of surrender even though Cisco hadn’t asked for anything of the sort.

Cisco chuckled in a low rumble. “Vibe check passed.”

“I can offer you a free sample, if you like,” Dante suggested. Though his voice was steady, Dante was all but begging to be put on his knees.

How did she know that? Mari didn’t have any idea. Something about the angle of his head and the relaxed way he held himself that spoke to that deeper part of her.

“I held her memories for more than a year, I know exactly how talented your mouth is.” Cisco searched his face. “I’m going to make you wait for it.”

“Fuck,” Dante said with a pleased flash of his dimples.

Cisco smirked. “I’ll go talk to Esmé and clear your schedule.” He turned and headed for the door. “You’re welcome to move in if you like,” he said over his shoulder just before walking out.

Dante watched him go with a long exhale. “Oh, he’s one of those control Doms.” He gave a wry shake of his head. “I’m in so much trouble.”

Rio laughed. “Yeah, he’s the real deal.”

Dante nodded to him. “Nice to meet you. Officially, I mean. I’m Dante.”

Rio stood and went to offer him a hand. After they shook he said, “Rio. You’re one of only two Manhattans I ever gave out, so I’m glad you treated her right.”

Dante sent Mari a confused glance.

She waved a hand. “It was how he used to let me know if he thought my potential hookups were a good idea or not. Be glad you weren’t a Tequila Sunrise; I probably would have run.”

“Ugh, grenadine.” Rio wrinkled his nose.

They had an easy conversation for the next little while, until Cisco came back saying that he’d straightened everything out with Esmé.

Chapter 7

The main house wasdefinitely starting to come alive in a way it never had before her father’s death. Sure, he’d thrown frequent huge parties, but the people who attended had never felt like part of the household. A number of guards had moved from the barracks into the main house over the last few days, taking over rooms that had long stood empty, and some of the folks who Mari had thought were temporary additions simply never left, like Willow.

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