Page 38 of Dangerous Vows

“Things. Your family has a reputation. Most of the celebrities on Page Six, as are their cronies, are as corrupt as politicians.”

“Not all of us, I hope.” I assume she is referring to the wedding. I’m sure it’s worthy of Page Six.

“I’ve heard your name whispered in certain circles, the kind of circles you don’t want to be associated with if you don’t want trouble.” Her voice is suddenly filled with concern, not attitude.

Does my little Princess care about me?

But before I can fire back again, some drunk asshole slides up beside her, too close, wearing a sloppy, intoxicated grin. “Hey, sweetheart, you got a minute?”

She takes a step back, already irritated. “Not for you.”

The guy is bold or stupid because he reaches out, running his fingers down her arm. “Aw, don’t be like that.”

I don’t even have to think. One second, I’m next to her, and the next, I have the guy shoved against the bar, my hand gripping his throat just hard enough to make a point.

“She said no.” My voice is low and lethal, and my patience is nonexistent. He touched her, and he’ll answer me.

The man chokes out something close to an apology, and I release him with a shove. He stumbles away fast, disappearing into the crowd. I let him go, realizing I can’t kill patrons while they are in my club.

I expect Amara to be pissed, or to throw some smart-ass remark about how she can handle herself. But when I turn to her, something else in her expression makes my blood heat.

“He was just some idiot,” she mutters, looking anywhere but at me.

My jaw clenches. “Doesn’t matter. He doesn’t get to touch what’s mine.”

She scoffs, shaking her head like she wants to argue, but a flush creeps up her neck. “Oh, so now I’m yours?”

I step closer, my fingers brushing her wrist, my touch is possessive even in its softness. “You were from the minute I saw you.”

The words slip out before I can stop them, and she doesn’t pull away. The air between us crackles, but before either of us can break it,Matteo appears, laughing like he’s been watching the whole damn thing.

“So, this is her,” Matteo says, amused. “The woman from the bachelor party.”

I shot him a warning look. “Shut up.”

Matteo smirks. “Man, you’re screwed.”

Amara arches a brow. “What’s he talking about?”

I sigh, rubbing my jaw. “Nothing. This is my brother, Matteo.” I introduced him matter-of-factly, and I wonder what she heard about our family. We’re not publicly connected to crime. Where is she getting her information? More importantly, what else does she know?

She glances at me, curiosity flickering behind her eyes, but I change the subject before she can push.

“Excuse us,” I murmur and disengage from Amara as I steer my brother to the office.

“So that’s what’s has you excited,” Matteo smirks. “I have to admit, she’s a beauty.”

“She’s not a beauty product,” I snap. “And you’re happily married.”

“Touchy, aren’t you?” he smirks.

I huff with angst as I sit. Matteo decides to lean against the doorway.

“What did you find out?” I hastily reply.

“She’s Amarita Moretti.”

I let this sink in for a minute.

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