Page 14 of Doll's Eye

“Okay, I promise.”

We’re all sitting around sipping on champagne and chit-chatting when I decide it’s time to get down there. My perfectionist needs me to check to ensure everything is under control.

When I hit the top of the steps, I stop in my tracks, and so does Massimo, who is ascending them. His hazel eyes grow darker as he takes me in. My dress is a black silk floor-length gown. It’s strapless with a deep neck plunge and form-fitting down to my upper thighs, where it then falls loosely. There’s a slit on one side that goes up to my mid-thigh to show off one leg and my black strappy heel. I had felt beautiful in this dress, even though it’s simple with no frills, but with the way Massimo looks at me…to have a man like him slip down his mask without thought or control…it’s empowering and somewhat intoxicating.

As he checks me out, I do the same to him. He’s wearing a classy black suit with silk lapels and a silk bowtie. He fills everything out to perfection. His broad shoulders are the sexiest thing ever. So strong looking and masculine. The muscles in his arms and chest are hard to hide, and I cannot wait to see what he looks like unobscured.

His feet begin moving, the space between us dwindling. He stops on the step right below me. So close. Closer than we’ve ever been before. I can smell the fresh, manly scent coming off him and the hint of mint from his breath. Even with him a step lower and the heels I have on, he’s still taller than me and twice the width. I wonder what it’ll feel like to have his massive body over mine. Lips parted, hair askew, heavily breathing.Okay, need to get my lady parts in check.

“You look devastating, Alessia.” The depth in his voice has my stomach doing flips.

Keeping my features cool, I reply, “Thank you, Massimo. You look very handsome.”Agonizinglyhandsome.

His lips twitch as he tries to bite back his smile but gives me a handsome smirk. He turns and offers me his elbow, and I loop my hand around the crook of it. Pretending not to take notice of his massive bicep, I hold onto the railing with my other hand, and we descend the stairs together.

“Were there any problems today with setting up?”

“None at all. It came together nicely.”

“And what about security?”

“I have Monte and another one of my guys who will be on you all evening. Do not leave the room without them,” he says sternly.

I understand the severity of having a detail on me tonight, so I ignore the instant agitation of feeling scolded like a child. “Got it.”

“The Gallos are coming,” he says when we reach the ground floor.

I come to a halt and look up at him. “The Gallos? Why—”

“I’m sorry if that makes you uncomfortable, but they would be insulted if not invited.” I glance away and swallow hard. “Hey.” His voice is abnormally soft. When I look up at him, I find his head bent down some, and the look in his eyes is almost warm. “You have nothing to worry about, Alessia.”

My sudden apprehension abashes me. It’s unlike me to let anything other than valor and gut show, but the thought of facing the Gallos has somehow caused an unwelcome trepidation. Perhaps it’s the reminder of taking a life, and how much I enjoyed it…

I paste on a confident smile and chuckle. “I appreciate your reassurance, Massimo, but I’m not worried about facing them.” I propel us forward, and he continues with me, but I can feel him stealing glances at my profile.

He was lucky to die at my hands. The barbaric things my brothers would have done to him if he succeeded at violatingme, he would be begging for hell to come and take him. I was merciful.

But I know the Gallos still hold a grudge against me. It all circles back to me being the wrong gender. If it were a man to commit the crime, all would be forgotten and forgiven. But since I have a vagina, I’m not supposed to protect myself or spill any blood.

But I am unlike anything women are portrayed to be.

Icanprotect myself, and Iwillspill blood.

Chapter eight

Alessia

Since I took Massimo’s elbow, he has not let me go the entire evening. Always a hand on me in some way as we mix and mingle with our invited guests. A hand at the small of my back, a hand on the back of my arm or elbow, a hand on my hip.

Then, he did the most bizarre thing when he excused himself to use the restroom. He softly kissed my cheek just before brushing the shell of my ear with his lips to whisper to me. Every cell in my body went haywire, and he walked away as I was stunned into a statue momentarily. Afraid to move in case I might crumble.

I somehow managed to avoid touching my cheek where he pressed his lips, leaving it blistering from the heat. Quickly, I had to remind myself that people were watching, and I needed to harness some aloofness. I can’t let anyone see the way he already affects me. But when I jumped back into the conversation, my voice was slightly shaky.

From one single kiss.

When he finally returns to my side, he carries a lot of tension with him. I’m not sure if he looks upset or possibly even a little flustered. I don’t know him well enough to tell the difference yet, and that bothers me.

As soon as I find the opportunity, I pull him away for a bit of privacy. “Is everything okay?” I search his face for any signs that could tell me when something catches my eye. I swallow hard as my nostrils flare, and my hands are already shaking from restraint.

---