Page 21 of Beautiful Devil

He instantly abandoned his friends, he’d made his way over to me. He was tall enough, 5’11”, short blonde hair and cornflower-blue eyes with a runner's body. Super preppy polo and loafers only further added to his “boy next door” look. Talking turned into study sessions and, well…those eventually turned into dates. Six months later, we were official and had been together until that fateful Tuesday.

I don't get to stay wallowing too long in my thoughts before Elle bumps me with her hip and takes my hand, leading us to an empty booth. She's got the biggest smile on her face, and I can tell she's glad I gave in and decided to come out tonight.

"C'mon, drink up. We've got lots of dancing to make up." She lifts her glass, clinking it with mine before taking a long sip.

I’m having such a great time. The drinks are flowing, laughter is nonstop, and I’m letting the music guide me. We've both been hit on by a few guys, and even though it’s nice to know that I’ve still got it, I turned them down. Besides, this is girls’ night. No men allowed.

We're on the dance floor when “Break My Soul”by Beyoncé comes on. Elle smiles knowingly at me as she begins to giggle.

As soon as the chorus hits, I scream, "You won't break my soul!" at the top of my lungs.

It’s in moments like these that I tell myself things are going to work out. It's going to be okay.

I'mgoing to be okay.

As the song changes, I feel a tingle run through my body, making the hairs on my arms stand up. A strange feeling overcomes me.

Goddamn Goldschlager.

Suddenly, it’s gotten way too hot in here. I tap Elle’s arm as she's dancing to the rhythm of the music to let her know I'm going out for air and I'll be right back. She gives me an “okay” sign and goes back to getting lost to the music.

As I'm making my way toward the smoking area outside, I notice a familiar face. It's the guy I met the day I moved into my apartment, the one with the dog.

Jeff.

He’s seated in a closed-off section…minus the dog,I think to myself. And that's when I spot one of the guys he's with.

Holy. Fucking. Shit.

I'm trying my best to not let my jaw hit the floor, but I don’t know how good of a job I'm doing.He is the most gorgeous man I have ever seen. Even sitting,this guy has to be well over six feet tall. His broad chest and thick shoulders look good enough to lick whipped cream off of.From here, it looks like he's got a little bit of dark stubble on a jaw so sharp it could cut the finest diamonds.When he turns his head to the side, I catch sight of eyes so deep and dark, I’d happily drown myself in them.

Dressed head to toe in black, he’s every bit the epitome of dominance. I don’t know who he is, but this is a guy that could control a room with a single look. The thought alone sends a rush of adrenaline coursing through me, and unsurprisingly, I feel wetness build between my legs.

Gallo was far from a man like this,and when our marriage was over, my world as I knew it ended.

But a man likethat?He would destroy me. He would take my world and smash it to smithereens.

The guy I bumped into catches my attention and turns to the Adonis beside him, whose head snaps toward me. I continue to make my way outside for some air before I can ogle any more.

* * *

FABRIZIO

For almost two hours, I've sat here and watched far too many men approach Gia D'Amato and her friend. And for almost two hours, I've only gotten progressively more pissed off, because all I can think about is what it would be like to run my hands along her delicious curves. Grab her ass tightly and feel her tits push up against my chest.

These arenotthings I'm supposed to be wanting from the woman who helped her husband steal from me.

I haven't even had a single drink because I know that if I did, I wouldn’t give a fuck. I'd wreck this whole club and cause a scene to make sure no other male approached her.

My thoughts come to a halt as I notice Gia walking back inside and to the dance floor again, completely avoiding looking in my direction at all. I've been tailing her since Wednesday – although my men have been keeping tabs on her for two months – and have decided I need to get the information out of her sooner rather than later, which is why I'm here tonight.

Saturday nights are usually spent working here at Diavlo,and while I am technically working by watching Gia, it's still outside of my norm. Marco and I spent Tuesday evening after I got back from Secrets coming up with a plan.

After what seems like forever, Gia finally leaves the dance floor and heads over to the bar.

Bingo.

I know I shouldn’t, butI can't help myself. I feel such a pull toward her. Getting up, I walk over to where she’s standing.Her heavenly scent envelopes me, and I couldn't move away even if a gun was held to my temple.

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