Page 31 of Immoral

"They didn't ask."

She shrugs. "You always check anyway."

I angle myself closer to her. "That's right. And what if I put that in my mouth before I found out?"

A line forms on her forehead. "Did you suddenly develop an allergy I'm not aware of?"

I confidently boast, "No. But if I put that in my mouth, I wouldn't be able to do all the things I'm going to do to you later tonight."

"Fat chance." She picks up her water glass and takes a long sip.

Not willing to admit defeat, I slide my hand between her bare thighs and murmur in her ear, "Let's make a wager."

She slowly looks at me. "Don't you have enough money?"

"Which is now all yours," I add.

She rolls her eyes. "I don't want your money. I never have."

I slide my arm around her. It's another reason I love her. Tons of women wanted me because of my wealth. Cara never cared. And she's made her own way in life, even though her parents are well-off. I reply, "Yes. I know. And this wager isn't for money."

She tilts her head. "Then what's it for?"

An uncontrollable grin forms on my lips. The thought alone makes my cock strain against my zipper. I choose my words carefully, knowing I only have one chance to get her to agree to what I want. I drag my eyes over her face, down her body, and then back up. Knowing she isn't one to back down from a challenge, I play my cards. "Never mind. You can't handle it."

She scoffs. "Doubt it."

"Oh, I know you can't," I claim, just as Carl appears with the butter, another breadbasket, and Barolo.

He opens the bottle, pours a small amount in a glass, then hands it to me.

I slide it toward Cara, trusting she's more than capable of accepting or denying it.

She circles the glass on the table, swirling the wine. Then she picks it up and holds it near her nose. She takes a deep inhale, waits a moment, then takes a sip. I watch her with pride as she nods to the waiter.

"Splendid. Are you ready to hear the specials?" he asks while pouring a full glass.

"No," I reply.

Surprised, he glances at me.

"I'm going to enjoy a glass of wine with my wife first," I inform him.

"Very well. The bread doesn't have honey in it, but I thought you might want this basket. It just came out of the oven," he states.

Pleased he took the initiative, I smile. "Good man. Thank you."

He raises his chin. "You're welcome. I'll be back to check on you later."

I nod, and he leaves. I hold up my glass and turn toward my tesoro. "To you, my wife. May you soon realize I'm not the dumbass I used to be in my younger years."

She rolls her eyes, but a smile plays on her lips. "That's a big wish, Mr. Marino."

"One I'll make come true by proving it to you."

"How? You can't take back the past," she states.

I set my glass down and sigh. I lower my voice. "No. We can only move forward. Do you want to move forward?" As soon as the question comes out, my stomach pitches.

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