Page 41 of Filthy Desire

Her comment was met with Gio’s middle finger.

“That’s Riley, my tabby. She’s four years old and very temperamental.”

Riley bounded off the couch and ran up to Gio. The look on his face was oddly panicked. The cat sniffed his shoes and his pants, then rubbed up against his legs.

“Shameless,” Kara whispered and tried not to laugh.

Gio bent over and reached for the cat.

“I wouldn’t do that…”

Riley’s purrs grew louder as Gio pulled her up into his arms, holding her furry body to his chest. Riley rubbed her chin against Gio’s jacket, and he scratched behind her ears.

“You were saying?” Gio smirked at her as he cradled her furry beast.

“Shut up,” Kara replied and turned on her heel.

Gio’s dark chuckle followed her all the way to her bedroom.

14

KARA

This was insane. How was she supposed to pack up her life in a few hours?

She stared at her open closet. The racks of shoes, the rows of sweaters, the many, many dresses. She had no idea where to begin. Until her phone rang.

Incoming call: Tiko

She tapped accept. “Perfect timing. Feel like helping out a friend in need?” Kara asked as she grabbed a suitcase with her free hand and dumped it open on the floor.

“Help with what?” Tiko asked.

“Moving.”

“Honey, I don’t do that for anyone, not even my husband. And why are you moving? What’s going on?”

“I’m moving in with Gio. And he wants to do it now.”

“Back up, hold on. This man, who is the most dangerous motherfucker in the city, tries to ruin your business, fucks your brains out, and now he’s moving you into his place? Are you crazy?”

“Apparently. I know it’s fucked up, Tiko, but I… I want him. I can’t deny it. We make a powerful team. I think…”

Kara turned around, but she was still alone in her bedroom.

She sat down on the edge of the bed and stared out at the city skyline, lit up like a thousand glittering jewels. No matter how many times she stared out her window, she never tired of the view. She’d found refuge in the city a decade ago, anonymity amongst the chaos. And now her life was pivoting again.

Saying yes to Gio, was she about to step out into the light again or turn back into the darkness?

“I think I--”

“Don’t say it. You can’t be falling for this guy. He’s a mafia don for god’s sake.”

“I know, I just…he makes me feel incredible. Beautiful. Powerful. Wanted. Even his bossiness turns me on. Not that I don’t give it back.”

“Honey, have all the sex you want, but living with him? If he’s that bossy, is he going to control your whole life? Think about it.”

“I don’t have time to think, I have two hours to get packed up.”

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