Page 9 of Who I Crave To Be

“Deano?I’m seeing things.Since when does the boss grace us with his presence and with such beauty on his arm also?”the man asks, as he extends his arm and indicates a direction we should walk.

“Since I found one whose beauty was captivating, James,” Deano offers simply as we are shown to our seats.

Deano moves as if to take my coat and then hesitates, probably thinking I’m still wearing the scarce outfit I wore in the club.I step back, removing the trench coat as he sucks in a startled breath and then moves to block me from the other guest's view.I chuckle, turning to face him in a low-cut dress that curves to my breast like a bra with a deep V line that drops to the center of my chest.Underneath is a transparent beige, thin material that looks like my skin, covered in beautiful, scattered crystals which shine with a hue of gray.They feather down my waist, resembling dripping ice as the skirt turns into a chiffon styled silk bottom which slits down the middle, and high up my thigh.The dress isknee length, so the trench coat hid it well.

I tossed my outfit in Anna’s locker.She had the dress hanging up in there for emergencies.Like a date she had to keep ignorant.

Deano shudders, the quick breath stuck in the back of his throat as he gazes at me in disbelief, “You look- I- Damnit, Vienna.I can’t even put into words how stunningly perfect you are.”

I blush, taking the seat he pulls out for me.He takes his own seat opposite, all the while running his eyes over every inch of me as they burn with unchecked lust as my silk panties, cool and wet, cling to my cunt with a need so potent I can smell it in the air.

I smirk, feeling every bit the primal and desired woman I am.

There is a lightness in my chest that settles around the feeling of empowerment.

This restaurant is magical, made for those of class and power and here I am seated at one of their tables, like I belong here.

Here I’mrespected.

Treated like royalty and had this been in a restaurant I’m used to frequenting, the wait would have been horrendous and we would have been lucky to even hold our servers attention.

Here I’mseen.

“Looking like that, I can see why you’re bewitched and decided to bring her here.I wish both of you well and that your evening is nothing but satisfactory,” James breathes, looking at me with eyes wider than an owl as he blinks just as rapidly.Deano growls, body tensing as a new version of his demeanor bleeds through the calm, smooth talking persona I’ve only seen up until now.

“You know better than to stare at what is mine, James,” he warns, in a tone that betels tales of possessive violence.My core flutters and my thighs clench as I wonder how turned on I would be if I ever got to see him burn the world around us, if for no other reason than to claim me as his.

To defend my honor, only to take me home and defile it himself.

I’m fucked up.

I bite my lip, close my eyes as the sensuality of those images brush against the walls of my mind like fine satin, caressing every one of my nerve endings.I must let out a moan, because Deano growls again.I force open my eyes as he stares at me like a man about to lose control, with eyes as dark as a raging storm without the light of the moon.

He stares at me like he’s acutely aware of my every move and shuddering breath.Like he desires to move closer, if only so he can feel me beneath his palm.

My heartbeat quickens, causing the pulse within my groin to thunder under my skin.

“Leave, James.Now.”

James does just that, fleeing to the yawning mouth of the cave and away from the man challenging the tyranny of an alpha about to stake an irrefutable claim.

“Are you like this with all your women?”I ask in a sultry whisper as I hold his stare.

A challenge in my eyes.

“I don’t know.I’ve never had a woman before.Not like this, those I meet tend to only want me because of the ties of my bloodline,” he states, watching me intently like this is some kind of test.

“Come again?”I ask confused, unable to look away from the sinful curve of his lips as the restaurant around me fades.

“My sweet,Vienna.I’m a DeMarco.”

My eyes snap to his as the name ping-pongs around my head.I gulp, suddenly feeling like the air around me has been stolen to a void I can’t access.The DeMarco’s are a crime family.A notorious, bloodthirsty crime family that operates in the city close to our small town.

“I guess you really didn’t know.Don’t panic.I’m not a truly active member.Though there is no true escape, I manage the businesses and keep to myself.I live a quiet life, Vienna.Though understated, that’s all I’ve ever wanted.”The ocean within his eyes, settles to a calm sea on a summer's day as the hurricane passes.It’s like something within him has settled, and there, deep within his compelling depths, I see recognition to the look in my eyes every day, of every week, living a life not even in the same league as this one I’m living right now.“Although, I think you want a little more than a quiet life, right?”

“Do you own this place?”I ask, tearing my gaze away and searching for steady ground in the midst of the turbulence I’m now feeling as I change the subject.

“Yes, and Pussy Liquor as well as many other businesses.”

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