Page 16 of Bite Marks

At the XO, when he turned and saw Vanessa standing there, an emerald fire in her eyes, he knew he was in the doghouse. She caught him red-handed, and there was nothing he could do about it but accept her ire. This night, though, he would fight his way out.

Of course, this was a temporary arrangement, but he didn’t know how long this would have to last. If Vanessa was going to pretend to be his woman, then she would have to get used to him treating her like that. He wasn’t going to allow her to keep her walls up, even if he didn’t always make the best decisions.

He wondered if her cat-like eyes would regard him with distance or if there would be a chance to gain access to the smile she hid?

Nunzio pulled out an all-black suit and paired it with a black shirt, tie, and forest green oxfords. Now, no matter what she wore, they would look like a properly coordinated couple.

Nunzio took a quick shower, making sure to give his face a fresh run-through with the razor before putting himself together. The Don made two things very clear, one was the standards he carried for his men, and the second was the importance of being a real man.

For Italians, the family was the most important thing. He had always listened closely to the captains when they spoke, learning from the pieces of wisdom they had gained from years of hardship. When you did the kind of things he did, you needed balance in your life to prevent you from going off the deep end.

Placing his watch on his wrist, he gave himself a final spray of cologne before grabbing his keys and heading to Vanessa’s house.

His mind raced as he tried to predict the mood she would be in. He didn't want her to think that he didn't consider her. He was just being an idiot. Honestly, he had never had a girlfriend before. His experience with women began and ended in the bedroom. He never had time or interest in doing anything other than gaining rank within the organization.

However, Vanessa had a fire that made him curious about more than their temporary arrangement. He cursed his hot temper. If he had only waited until Vanessa was with him, she wouldn’t have thought that he was some prick.I won't make that mistake again.

He pulled onto Vanessa's street, parking across from her apartment building. He turned on his charm and headed for the entrance. He rang the bell and waited for her to buzz open the lobby door.

Waiting for her to come down since he didn’t know her apartment number … he needed to remedy that … time began to drag, and he wondered if she had changed her mind. Unused to not being in control, he debated calling her. Finally, the elevator door opened.

Nunzio had never seen a more beautiful sight. Her subtle sweet scent filled him, and he resisted the urge to inhale. The emerald satin slip-dress draped over her curves, accentuating her small waist. The sweetheart neckline gave him a dangerous view of her cleavage, and he reminded himself that he was supposed to be a gentleman.

“Sei bellissima,” he said. “Come il lavoro delle muse.”

"I haven't heard that one," she replied.

“An original, inspired by you.”

Vanessa kept her jewelry simple. Her long red hair fell in silky waves around her. She rolled her eyes at him and stepped from the elevator. The dress clung to her ass, and he shifted slightly, shielding his growing response.

After seating her in his car, he hurried to the driver's side and took his seat. Nunzio knew that although they had seemed to have moved on, he still wanted to make up for his previous behavior. He turned to Vanessa, putting his hand over hers. She snapped her head toward him with a raised brow.

“I was an asshole last time. I’m sorry,” he said. “You have my word that it won't happen again.”

Vanessa searched his face, scanning his features for any indication of bullshit. She sighed, shaking her head slightly. When she met his gaze, her eyes softened. She squeezed his hand, offering him a slight smile.

"It's in the past," she said.

Nunzio offered her a smile and put his key in the ignition. She kept her small hand on his. His body came alive under her innocent touch. Everything about Vanessa was an irresistible lure. Persephone to his Hades.

“So, who are we expecting to see there?” she asked.

“Everyone. The whole family is coming out for this party.”

"This should be fun."

“Of course, it’ll be fun. You're with me.”

They arrived to a fleet of pleasant smiles. Nunzio guided Vanessa through the crowd with a hand on the small of her back. Once they were inside the main dining area, she took his arm. She stood close to him, shooting him winning smiles. She was good. He would think they were really dating if he didn't know any better.

They began to make their rounds. After they acknowledged the presence of the higher-ranking brothers, he took her to their table. They sat together, speaking to the people around them. Vanessa mingled with everyone, easily slipping in and out of various conversations.

She held herself with an air of dignity. Her natural prowess called the attention of those around her. A sense of pride bubbled in his chest.

Vanessa laughed with a few of the women from the nearby table. The arch in her slender neck as she threw her head back in pure joy made his hands itch to have her underneath him. He wasn't joking when he told her she was divinely crafted.

The tempo of the party began to change. The sharp, fast-paced music shifted into a slower, rhythmic beat. Men in well-tailored suits walked their wives to the dance floor.

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