Page 7 of Brutal Don

Seeing the black fabric highlight the swell of her breasts and all her curves made the cost worth it. Dante couldn’t wait to rip all that fabric off her body, put his hands and mouth to work, and hear her scream out his name.

Cara also put on makeup and took time to arrange her curls, although personally Dante found her bare face more alluring. The efforts she took pleased him.

“The dress looks good on you,” Dante remarked.

“Thank you. I thought it looked uncomfortable to wear but the fabric is very nice.” Cara bit on her lower lip, as if she thought she babbled too much. It was cute.

The fire in Cara’s eyes during the auction was what attracted Dante to her. Assuming he managed to tame her somehow was laughable. Dante wasn’t raised a fool.

Cara probably decided to play along, thinking it would be to her advantage. Good. This was fun compared to the alternative—Cara locking herself up in his room and threatening to kill herself or some other nonsense.

“Wine?” she asked, walking to the dining table. Dante saw Martha had prepared an exquisite dinner for them.

“Sure, I’ve had a long day,” Dante said.

He checked to see the seal on the wine bottle was intact. Cara poured red wine into two glasses and handed him one. Dante brushed a hand on her bare shoulder. Cara tensed. Her breathing quickened when he leaned in close to kiss her smooth cheek.

“I’ve missed you,” he said.

“You barely know me,” Cara whispered as he accepted the glass.

“I do know one thing—you’re mine. It’s understandable you’re frightened. Anyone in your situation would be, but that will change,” Dante said.

“I’m not scared,” she said with a scoff.

Dante touched her cheek and she stilled. “You would be, if you knew who I was and what I’m capable of.”

“I used the computer in the living room. Smart that I can do basic research but I’m restricted to everything else,” she said. “I looked up your name.”

“And what did you find out?” Dante asked, curious. Cara Strong was turning out to be a very good investment. So far, every second with her had been entertaining. Dante doubted he would get bored anytime soon.

“That you’re an enigma. A businessman and a mob boss,” she answered. “The entire city’s afraid of you, and rumor has it you have the police commissioner and the mayor in your pocket.”

They finally sat down. Cara looked at the feast on the table. Dante chuckled when he heard her rumbling stomach. Cara sipped her wine, probably trying to hide her embarrassment.

“Think of it this way. I saved you from a fate worse than death. You should be grateful,” Dante said. He only said those words because he wanted to see her all riled up.

Cara flushed. “Grateful to you for buying me? Taking me from my old life?”

“The Babanin Bratva did that, at the request of Theodore Gambino. Were you aware your former boss was part of the Italian mob? Do you think you would be better off as his plaything?” Dante asked. Cara shivered and rubbed her arms.

Dante stood up, took off his jacket, and walked to her. Maybe that was too harsh, but Dante wanted her to be aware of her situation. He placed his jacket over her shoulders.

“Why do you do that?” she asked him.

“Do what?” Dante asked.

“Say an unkind sentence one moment, and loan me your jacket the next?” Cara asked.

“I wasn’t being unkind, simply practical,” Dante said.

“So, basically, you’re telling me you’re the better option?” Cara asked.

“Your ability to choose was taken away the moment your former boss targeted you,” Dante said simply.

“And you bought me out of the kindness of your heart?”Cara’s voice dripped with sarcasm.

“Of course. The Gambinos have done me a recent disservice. Taking you was simply icing on the cake,” Dante said, returning to his end of the table.

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