Page 66 of Toxic

I bat my eyelashes and smile. "Then get your ass on it."

He drags two fingers across my forehead and tucks my hair behind my ear. "Okay. Let's place a bet."

"A bet?"

"Yeah."

I tilt my head. "What kind of bet?"

Arrogance fills his expression. "If I win, I decide where we're staying tonight. And you don't get to run out while I'm sleeping."

I freeze as the air in my lungs becomes thicker. Staying the night with Dante is trouble. Waking up and dealing with the aftermath is even riskier. It somehow makes it feel like whatever this thing is between us is somehow real. I'm still trying to trust he's not going to squash me like he did in the past. And the thought of being in a relationship intensifies the guilt I feel about Sean. I had everything with him, so how could it be possible to ever really love someone else?

Dante's challenging stare intensifies. He taunts, "You scared I'll win, dolcezza?"

One thing I've never been good at is backing away from a challenge, and he knows it. I glance at the bull, remembering how it felt all those years ago. It also threw Sean off within seconds. My guess is Dante won't last any longer. I turn back to him and square my shoulders. "Fine. You first."

Satisfaction registers on his face. He maneuvers me to an empty booth. I slide in, and he sits next to me. Then he motions to the server.

"Aren't you supposed to be on the bull?" I ask.

"Later." He places both hands on my cheeks and kisses me, sliding his tongue in my mouth the moment my lips part. A buzz travels down my spine, intensifying as he deepens our kiss.

"Sir, did you want to order?" a woman's voice interrupts.

"Yep," he replies, swipes his tongue back into my mouth, then winks and pulls away. He says, "Two Macallans, neat."

"Did you need menus?"

Dante glances at me. "Hungry?"

"No."

He shakes his head at the server. "Just the drinks."

She nods and leaves.

Dante sits back and wraps his arm around my shoulder. "When I win, you're staying at my place."

Panic fills me. "No way."

"Chill, Bridge. You know I have my own entrance."

"Not happening."

He positions his face so it's in front of mine. "A deal is a deal. Besides, no one will see you. I'll always protect you. Deep down, you already know this."

I adamantly state, "I'm not staying at your house."

He snorts. "Then you better win."

The server comes back and sets our drinks down. "Can I get you anything else?"

"We're good, thanks," Dante replies, without taking his gaze off mine. "Where are we staying if you win?"

My butterflies spread their wings. The mere notion of another night with Dante sends my blood rushing through my veins. Yet, I also know it's a dangerous path to take. There are too many ways he can hurt me, and I can't handle any more pain right now. I take a sip of my drink, letting the burn of the alcohol slide down my throat until it's mixed with my flutters. "We aren't. You're dropping me off at my place then going home."

He grunts. "Not happening. Nor is it the deal."

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