Page 113 of Powerful Deception

“Maybe you shouldn’t have teased me earlier. Things would have been a whole lot better if you would have gotten me off.”

My fingers dig into the material of her dress.

Where the hell did the quiet girl from the car go? This is definitely a different version of Arianna, and I fucking love it.

I’m about to suggest we find a random closet so I can get her off, when I hear my name being called out.

Letting out a frustrated grumble, I turn to the voice and find Bennett Lane approaching.

If I could strangle the man for his timing, I would, but it’s his party after all.

“Bennett.” I say, shifting to hide my hard on as best as I can. Thank god for the black tuxedo.

I hold out a hand for him to take, which he does as the distance between us closes.

“I’m happy you could make it. I didn’t know if you would, what with the time of year and everything.” he says.

I nod. “Yeah, well this one wanted to come and I can't seem to say no to her.”

Bennett looks over at my date and gives her a smile. “Bennett Lane.” he says introducing himself.

I hear Arianna let out a small gasp, but she composes herself before taking his extended hand.

“Arianna Vitale.” she says, her voice shy and a slight blush creeping up her cheeks.

Great, even my woman has a thing for Lane.

“It’s nice to meet you, Arianna. Thank you for coming and thank you for forcing this bastard to come too. He can be a little hard headed when it comes to things like this.”

“He can be hardheaded about a lot of things.” Arianna says, a sweet smile on her lips.

I swear, if my kids don’t leave me with a head full of grays, Arianna definitely will.

Bennett laughs at my expense. “I like you. Let me introduce you to my wife.”

Both Arianna and I watch as he turns and looks around for Ella before he find her and waves her down.

Ella dressed in a champagne gown, comes over to us with a small smile on her face. To be honest she looks a little stunned, but I don’t feel like asking why.

“Babe, I want you to meet Dante’s date, Arianna.” Bennett waves over at Arianna, giving her a smile in the process.

As I look over to her though, she has a smile on her face but it’s tight. Like she’s in an uncomfortable situation that she doesn’t want to be in.

“It’s nice to meet you, Arianna. I’m Ella.” Ella says, the stunned look completely gone from her expression.

“It’s nice to meet you too.” Arianna responds, her voice tight, just like her smile.

What caused her to happy and excited to be here to looking as if this is the last place she wants to be?

“Hello, Dante.” Elle greets me, a closed lipped smile on her face.

Okay something is definitely going on.

“Ella.” I say, leaning down and give the woman a peck on the cheek. “You look lovely as always.”

“Thank you. It was a last-minute decision.”

“Well it suits you well and I’m guessing you were the one behind all the decorations for tonight?”

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