Page 71 of Toxic

"Please," I choke out.

"Please, what?"

"Please fuck me."

He shakes his head. "Wrong answer." His hand slides between me and the leather then circles my clit.

"I-I...oh God!"

"Say it, Bridge."

Closing my eyes, I ask, "What do you want me to say?"

He pecks my cheek and lowers his voice. "Keep your eyes shut and say your truth." His other hand moves to my breast, and he pinches my nipple hard.

"Oh!" Heat floods my body, and tremors take hold.

"What do you want, baby? Hmm?"

White and black dots flash in my eyes. "Please. Make me come."

"I'm going to make you come, but not until you're honest with me about what you want."

"Dante, please!" I cry out, craving the high like never before.

"What do you need, dolcezza?"

"You! I need you!" I confess.

His hands and cock manipulate me so quickly, an earthquake rumbles through me. He grunts, burying his face in the curve of my neck. His cock swells, stretching me farther, creating a tidal wave of endorphins that crashes into every fiber of my being.

Our heavy breaths are the only sound in the vehicle. Several minutes go by before he pulls out of me and commands, "Stay still."

I don't move, continue to catch my breath. I try not to worry about what I just blurted out to Dante. I stare at the blackness of the night as my heart begins to regulate.

Dante takes a tissue and cleans his cum off my thighs then flips me over. He tugs my pants up then kisses me on the lips. "Last chance to go to my place."

Reality hits me. I shake my head. "No."

Disappointment drips off his expression. His nostrils flare. He sits back in the seat, texts his driver, and slides his arm around my shoulders.

We say nothing. The driver's door opens and closes. The SUV begins to move. Dante looks at me, but something I haven't seen on his face before has taken over his features. I realize it's challenging and laced with fear. "You lasted fifteen seconds. What's it going to be? Your father's or the Ritz with me?"

Being vulnerable is something Dante Marino doesn't do.

That alone makes my decision for me. My flutters reignite. Unable to choose anything else, I straighten my shoulders and meet his gaze. "The Ritz."

14

Dante

Several Weeks Later

"Where are we at?"Papà asks.

"Four of the ten look promising. Nothing has shown up other than their disdain for the Abruzzos and Rossis," Massimo states, dropping four 8x10 photos on the desk.

Papà studies each one then glances at Gianni and me. "You've approved these men?"

---