Page 122 of Sinful Desires
I laughed, low and humorless. “And what the fuck does that have to do with me?”
He lifted a shoulder. “He’s the best at what he does.”
“Go on then. Enlighten me, Lazzio. What is it exactly that the mute French psychopath excels at?”
Angelo didn’t look away. “Protecting you, Scarlett.”
Chapter
Thirty-Two
“You don’t love someone because they’re perfect,you love them in spite of the fact that they’re not.”
?Jodi Picoult
Théo
“Ugh, Ilovestrip clubs so much. There’s something about them that makes me feel scandalously naughty,” Victoria said with a grin as we walked in.
I gave a slow nod to the bouncer, Joseph. Recognized him from when Dawson used to drag me here. Every time he fought with his wife, this was his escape. Claimed it calmed him down. All it ever did was get his dick wet. Fucking coward.
Inside, the place reeked of sweat, perfume, and regret. Lights low enough to hide the desperation. Just enough glow to sell the illusion.
A dozen girls worked the floor in seven-inch heels and barely anything else, but I didn’t spare them a glance. My eyes were locked on the redhead pretending I didn’t exist.
Three days I’d been back in her condo. In her space. Behind her. Opening her doors. Clearing the path as she moved through crowds like a queen. And she still wouldn’t give me a single goddamn glance.
I’d made grown men twice her size drop to their knees, sobbing for their mothers.
But the woman who had my heart?
She preferred to chew it up, spit it out, and grind it beneath those expensive heels without blinking.
She laughed at something her boyfriend said, and my jaw tightened. Fuck. That laugh wasn’t his to earn.
“When I told you I had beef with my cats, Vic, I didn’t think your solution would be taking me toKitten’s Heaven,” said the fucker, his arm sliding around Scarlett’s waist.
Ice crawled up the back of my neck and settled between my shoulder blades. His hand tightened on the bare skin above her hips. My fingers curled into fists. Nails sliced into my palms, sharp enough to break skin. Scarlett tilted her head back and laughed, and my pulse turned to stone.
Putain de merde.
I’d killed men for fucking less.
She was wearing a short black dress. Tight. Obscene. The kind of thing made to be torn off with teeth. Her legs were bare. Lips glossed. Every inch of her gleaming under the dim light like a fucking temptation.
I watched her hips sway as she leaned into him. Watched her bring a hand to her face, laughing again, louder this time. And that bastard wasn’t even funny. He touched her again. That same fucking spot just above her hip.
That’s fucking it.
If he didn’t take his hand off her soon, I’d break every finger and make her watch.
“Well tonight, let’s forget about your ridiculous mental breakdown and Ma?—”
Scarlett clapped her hands, sharp and sudden. “Okay. Let’s find somewhere to sit.Now.”
Victoria flushed, bit her tongue, and dragged the annoying fucker across the club without another word. They slid into a booth near the back, velvet seats frayed, a single pole turning slowly and empty in the spotlight.
“Interesting choice for a date spot.Kitten’s Heaven?” I let my gaze drag across the club, then back to her. “Didn’t think you were the type to watch your boyfriend get hard over other women in front of you. Always thought you preferred your attention undivided.”
