Page 46 of Throne of Sin

Once I have Lorna moved into the room, I allow Dante out of the bathroom. He has rolled up his sleeves and helped with every request I’ve given him. He even looks like he’s enjoying himself.

I bring a healthy baby girl into the world and it serves as another reminder of how much I miss my daughter. I glance over at Dante, who peeks through the small space between the door and the wall, and he gives me a wink, before stepping back.

My smile spreads across my face and I’m once again consumed with how Dante makes me feel.

I hand the newborn to Lorna. I step out of the room to see Dante, giving the mother privacy as she bonds with her daughter.

I pull my gloves off and dump them in the trash. “She shouldn’t leave here for at least twelve hours.” I look in the direction of the room before wiping some stray hairs away from my face with the back of my hand. “But I would have to stay with her…” My words linger as I ask for permission without asking.

“What are you asking me for, Demi?” he asks softly.

I walk to the sink and wash my hands. “Do you mind if I stay with her and miss my shift?” I finish rinsing my hands before I look back at Dante. My heart is in my throat as I wait for his answer.

His lips purse and I can’t tell what he’s thinking. “I have a meeting. I can’t stay.”

I nod, refusing to feel disappointed. I already knew the answer before I asked it. I plaster a fake smile on and go to stand by him.

“But I’ll leave you with my phone and a guard to keep an eye on things outside until I can come back,” he says before pulling me in for a kiss.

“Really?” My eyes widen with surprise.

“You did a great thing tonight and you need to see it through.”

Dante tenderly cups my jaw with his hand. It’s sweet and caring, the complete opposite of the man he is in public. “Thank you.”

I lean in and press my lips to his. Our kiss is everything we aren’t and our world can never be: soft, sweet, kind.

He pulls away and I’m still leaning toward him. I’m light headed on endorphins and never want to be away from him.

“Tonight was like nothing I’ve ever experienced before. Seeing you in your element gives me a whole new appreciation for what you’ve done in your life. Everyone can see that splash of sparkle you give out to the people you meet. It’s magical and everything I knew you could be.” He pulls out his phone. “Here’s my phone. Call the club if you need anything.”

A knock on the door has both our heads turning and it’s one of his men. “Boss, have her take mine. Then she can call you directly.” One of his men holds up his phone in offering.

“Good idea.” Dante takes the phone, placing it in my hands. “Don’t hesitate to call me if you need me.” He presses a quick peck to my cheek. “I’ll be back as soon as I can.” He walks out and pauses. “All you have to do is call me or step outside and someone will be here for you.”

The phone burns in my hands. All I want to do is call Oakleigh. “Thank you.” Dante shuts the door.

I rush to the washroom, locking myself in the small room, and sit on the toilet seat. My hands shake as I call my mother, praying I get to hear my daughter’s voice. Even though his man is outside, I’m still scared that if I make this call in the open I’ll be found out.

Chapter 24

Demi

“Adressarrivedforyou, Demi!” One of the girls calls from near the front door. My hand pauses with my lipstick halfway to my lips as I pull my eyes away from the mirror.A dress? For what?

They bring a white box with a purple bow into Tanya’s and my room and we both get up at the same time. She plucks the card from the bow, ripping part of the rectangle paper as I take the package. Frustrated with her overstep, I roll my eyes.

She reads the card aloud for everyone. “A dress for the fundraiser. Be ready in one hour.”

Her words fall on deaf ears as I open the box and pull out a gorgeous, silky, purple, elegant dress. Its material easily slips from the box and drifts toward the ground as I hold it up with admiration. It has to be from Dante. Then it clicks. He needed a date for a fundraiser. This has to be for that. I’d forgotten all about it since so much time had passed since he talked about it. My stomach flutters with anticipation.

“Good thing we’re the same size,” Tanya says happily while clapping her hands. “Now your night is free to go to the inner city and help all those women you like.”

I stand, stupidly staring at her, not sure what she’s talking about. I have never felt anything so soft in my fingers. My eyes drift back to the garment. It’s the most beautiful dress I’ve ever seen. I hug the material closer to my chest.

“It’s the event Dante needed a date for, remember? You said I could go in your place.” Her brows are raised as she talks to me like I’m stupid.

“That was over a month ago.” I’m suddenly excited to go and I want to be the one wearing the dress.

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