Page 47 of Throne of Sin

Robin gives me a look but doesn’t say anything as she closes the door behind her to allow Tanya and I to fight this out ourselves.

“Of course you would go back on your word,” Tanya scoffs. “You sure know how to make friends. Just remember we sleep in the same room, and you’re a deep sleeper.”

Is that a threat? “Fuck off Tanya. The dress is mine.” I pause, before stepping closer to her. My eyes narrow. “Don’t threaten me unless you plan to follow through, because I don’t make idle threats.”

The only time Tanya is kind is when I do something for her. Allowing her to go in my stead would put her in a good mood for two, maybe three days, max. Every time I think I’ve made progress with starting a friendship, she flips the moment I refuse to do what she wants.

“If Dante sent me the dress, he’ll be expecting me to wear it.” I hold it flush to my chest.

Tayna steps closer, challenge shining in her eyes. “Oh, please. He doesn’t care if it’s you or me, honey. All he wants is someone looking nice on his arm.”

My molars grind and my lips purse as we glare at each other.

“Now that that’s settled…” She grabs my dress and my hands refuse to let go. We both tug on it before I reluctantly release my grip, not wanting to tear the damn thing in half. Stunned by the altercation, I watch as she heads into the bathroom, locking the door behind her.

Oh hell no!

I refuse to allow my eyes to tear. I’ve never had a brand-new dress before. I tell myself it doesn’t matter though; in the end, that dress can’t change my life.

Going into my makeup bag, I grab a small brow shaping scissors. The first thing I do is cut a hole in her favorite work outfit before I take my time finishing my makeup. When Dante shows up and I’m not in that dress he’s going to be furious. For once, I look forward to seeing this side of him.

Instead of staying hidden in our room, I go into the main living space. All the girls are there, observing how I’m reacting. I go grab a cup of water, down it, before I face them.

“Want company when you go into the city?” Robin asks, and a few others express that they would like to come and help too. None of them are even concerned about the wrath Dante is going to rain down.

“The bus leaves in half an hour, which will allow us to see Tanya off.” A forced smile lifts my lips. It hurts and takes more energy than I would like to keep it in place. In the back of my mind there is a small part that questions if Tanya is right and Dante won’t care.

Tanya is a ball of energy, gloating through the house once she’s finished dressing. Our doorbell rings and all the girls squeal, getting caught up in the moment. I envision cutting her hair while she sleeps. It helps put a real smile on my face.

A sarcastic chuckle leaves me as I realize I’ve had it way too easy if I’m pouty over something like this.

Dante steps into the room and the air in my lungs vanishes. He’s in a tuxedo, his hair is styled, and his scent washes over the entire room. The chatter of the girls dies and the house quickly falls silent. His calloused gaze locks on mine. It’s like those dark irises are trying to penetrate my heart to grasp hold of it.

I step back, not liking how his look is heating my skin, or the way my panties dampen.

“Why the fuck are you not in my dress?” he demands, his tone dripping with dominance. His attention is solely on me. I don’t even think he’s noticed Tanya.

I shiver, never having that tone used toward me before. He steps closer and I step back, bumping into a girl with my back. She quickly gets out of the way, but my feet are now rooted in place.

He leans closer, towering over me as his lips touch my ear lobe. My pulse flickers faster at his closeness.

“Demi?” He curls a small piece of hair around his finger and tugs, drawing me in to have his lips touch my skin. “I’ve had a shitty day and this is not making it any better.” He brings out a gun and traces the cool metal of the barrel over my cheek, slowly dragging it down my skin. I’ve never seen him hold a weapon before. It’s like I’ve never seen this side of Dante.

I should be scared as fuck, but it does the opposite. I’m beyond turned on.

What is wrong with me?

His back is now to the girls and they have made themselves scarce, disappearing completely from the room. Even Tanya has left, leaving us alone. His gun continues its trail down my body, rubbing over my breast, down my stomach, and stopping between my thighs.

My breathing is the only sound to be heard as the room closes in around us. He slips the pistol under my maxi dress and brushes it back and forth over my panties.

“If I wanted Tanya to come, I would have asked her. I refuse to allow for the girls I own to disrespect me by not doing as I demand. I’ve been patient with you, understanding even, but now I realize I’ve shown you too much kindness. You’re the only person to ever go against what I have said and it turns out, I’m not fond of the behavior.”

The friction between my legs has me wanting to close my eyes. My breathing becomes more like pants and I can’t lower their volume.

“Now tell me, will you ever go against my orders again?”

He’s watching me with such intent, his expression refusing to soften. My hips move with his rhythm, no matter how much I chastise myself.

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