Page 20 of Fortress of the King

He moves the finger from my chin up to my lips, it moves slowly, circling, then he cups my face with his hand. “Have dinner with me,Carina?” he asks again in a low voice. “Unless you’re one of those girls who doesn’t like to eat?”

Now he’s talking to me in Italian? “I can’t tonight. I have to wrap this up until the bitter end, I’m afraid, perks of the job,” I say with a small, regretful smile.

His lips twitch. I’m all too aware that women probably very rarely say no to him, if ever, but this is where I want him.

“You like to be wooed, Rayne Michaelson, is that it?” He grows more intense with each passing second, blowing my thoughts to a million pieces.

“I think you’ll find I’m not like most women.” The minute the words leave my mouth, I want to retract them. I don’t know what game I’m playing here…

However, he chuckles, and I glance up in surprise. “Glad to hear it. I’ll book a table tomorrow night. I’ll text you the details.” It sounds more like an order than an invite.

“I’ve heard you’re not a man to be messed with.” I still clutch the desk behind me tight, like that will save me.

He grins. “Is that what you’ve heard?”

I nod, biting my lip.

“I’m sure you can indulge me at dinner with all about what you’ve heard.” He reaches a finger to my chin again and tilts it up, so I’m looking directly at him. I notice he has cufflinks with his initials on them, and his scent, this close,takes me to a whole other level of consciousness.

I’m shocked at my arousal to him. He should make my skin crawl, he should make me do many things, which is why I need to keep one step ahead and not fall down the rabbit hole.

“Tomorrow,” I confirm with a nod. “I look forward to it.”

He knows he holds the power here; he could take what he wants at any moment. I’m not a fool to disbelieve that, he knows what he’s doing.

“And don’t look so worried. You might actually enjoy it,” he adds, his eyes crinkling in the corners like he wants to laugh.

“Admittedly, with moving and getting my life back on track, it has been a while since I’ve had much enjoyment, Mr. Medi –” I trail off as his eyes narrow. “Angelo,” I quickly correct.

I know I sound like a loser, but that is precisely the point.

My heart jolts when he says, “That’s better.” Then he leans down closer to my ear, his scent washing over me, tantalizing everything I thought I could so easily avoid, things I never thought would be an issue. “I don’t bite, Miss Michaelson, but sometimes they like it better when I do.”

My eyes go wide. “You can call me Rayne,” I manage to splutter.

He straightens and pulls on the lapels of his suit jacket, walking to the door. His ass looks perfect in those tailored pants. “Tomorrow,” he hollers behind him without a backward glance.

I stare at the door as he leaves.

Panic and turmoil quickly run through me as soon as he’s gone.

What the fuck?

I don’t want to feel anything for this sadistic asshole. Ihaveto be here, it isn’t like I have a choice. Furthermore, its aesthetics are plain and simple, and I refuse to be blinded by a pretty face, penetrating eyes and – from what I can tell – a body made for sin.

My head needs to be in the game now more than ever. I have to stick to the plan even though I know it is becoming more dangerous with each passing minute. Now Angelo Medici has me in his sights.

It may cost me everything, but it’s the price I’m willing to pay.

* * *

We’re wrapping it up for the night, and the arches of my feet are screaming at me to get out of my heels. A hot bath and a glass of wine are looking extremely promising, and I can’t wait to get back to my apartment and relax.

Melody has other plans, though, since she saw Angelo go into my office.

“What the hell is cooking between you two?” she whisper-shouts as we fold the tablecloths and put them back in their perspective boxes. “He bought the entire collection of Chateau Margot.”

“Nothing’s cooking.” I shrug. “He came to say thank you. I guess he just likes expensive wine.”

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