Page 150 of Shifting Hearts 1
Her dress and dark hair are a stark reminder of her fair complexion, and I grind my teeth to keep them from sinking into her delectable shoulder.
She sees me and lifts the seam of the dress a bit to show off the pair of sneakers she's wearing. “Don’t want to trip again like last time, do we?”
I snicker at her crude joke and can’t keep my eyes off the way she fills out the top of the dress. The second I get her alone, I am going to tear this piece of fabric from her.
Holding out my arm for her, I guide her to the car after thanking the ladies and waving back to them at the door.
Once inside the car, the slip falls open and I catch a glimpse of something that makes my blood boil.
“Where is your fucking underwear?”
Innocently, she shrugs. “This dress called for more evasive maneuvers than the lacy things we bought today. Don’t worry about it. I find that I make friends more easily the less clothes I wear.”
She really has no clue.
I lean closer and growl in her ear. “Every eye will be on you tonight, and I won’t hesitate to pluck them from their sockets if they dare to lust after you. I will feed them to the crows personally.”
My hand has been creeping up her silky thigh, and I feel the shiver run through her whole body. She might act callous, but she feels it too.
Her breathy whisper betrays her words. “I told you before, you don’t own me. This alliance is purely for our missions’ sake.”
“Whatever you say, little viper, but tell me. If I should run my finger down your slit, will I find it soaked?”
I move back into my seat abruptly, but my following words assure her that I won’t be trifled with. “I’ll let it slide for the moment. You must still be tender after the pounding you tookthis morning. But make no mistake, you better behave tonight or there will be consequences. I’ll not tolerate anyone else touching you. And you don’t want to test me on that.”
My tone is forceful, but I have no idea why. I need to remind myself that this is just a business transaction.
And yet I have been adamant and quite vocal about how she belongs to me.
In silence, we drive up the expansive driveway, and the car stops in front of the imposing doors. She gets out of the car before I can make my way around, and I take in the comical look of awe on her face. She gathers her dress and inhales deeply.
I could say it must be because of her humble beginnings, but the home is impressive even to me. Every time I come for a visit, I make note of some ridiculous luxury I didn’t notice before.
I take her hand to help her up the step, and we are about halfway when the door is yanked open and Gabby, my cousin, races down the steps to meet us.
“This is so exciting. You’re the first one he has ever brought home, and I couldn’t wait to meet you. Hi, I’m Gabriella, but you can call me Gabby.”
She has grabbed Maddy by the shoulders and is hugging her tightly. “Gabby, calm down. You’re making me sound like a social pariah.”
Gabby pulls away and sticks her tongue out to me before she says, “Nope, just grumpy without cause. But now that Maddy’s here, that all might change.” She turns and practically drags Maddy up the stairs.
I am left behind with the guard, trying his best not to laugh at the incredulous look on my face. I shake my head and follow the commotion inside until I find my family circling her like vultures.
Antonio is reaching for her arm, and my growl echoes against the vaulted ceilings. I walk closer and pull Maddy to my side, out of their reach.
“Calm down, cousin. We’re just meeting your new lady. From what I hear, she doesn’t mind sharing.”
I step closer to Benito, but her hand on my chest stops me. She subtly shakes her head before she calmly states. “Didn’t you hear Benito? That was all a terrible rumor. Once I found the man worthy of me, I became addicted to what he had to offer. No other man can compare.”
She is laying it on thick, but still, it soothes the raging beast inside me. That was until Benito opened his mouth again. “Maybe that’s because you haven’t tried me yet.”
“Benito! Stop that immediately.”
My uncle’s voice roars from the direction of the stairs, and I turn to see him beckoning me to his study. He turns and walks away without waiting for me to follow, and I sigh. His need to talk couldn’t come at a worse time, and for a split second, I consider bringing Maddy along. But she pats my chest and says, “I will be fine. Go. It looks important. And remember, I’ve dealt with men like him for a long time. I can handle it.” She gestures in Benito’s direction, and I have no other choice but to let her go and walk toward the study.
Once inside, I close the door and take a seat before the broad wooden desk.
“Do you want to tell me why Benito got under your skin just now? That’s not like you. You feel different, somehow changed.”
