Page 50 of Reckless Deal

“Even though your conditions are all sorts of wrong, part of me understands you need the insurance. What made the difference, though?” She licks her lips. “I find it really hot that you stayed off the phone to get a date with me.” That high-wattage smile blinds me. I’m a goner.

“Get your things now,” I growl, startling her, but she obeys.

I march to the elevator, simultaneously typing a message for my driver and making sure Mila follows.

Once in the elevator, she steps into the corner, far away from the raging caveman I currently am. Smart girl.

“What’s going on? Where are we going?” She cocks her head.

I don’t look at her. I don’t answer, because I’m focusing all my remaining sanity—and let’s face it, not much is left—on not pouncing on her.

We get to the underground garage and my car is waiting by the elevator bank, the engine running, just as I instructed my driver.

He holds the door open for us and Mila hesitates for a moment, but then steps inside. She gasps, looking around at the custom-made pale leather interior.

She scoots to the opposite side of the seat. “Wow, this place is almost the size of my bedroom.”

I push away the thought of immediately getting her a bigger place, and as soon as the car moves, I drag her to sit across my lap. “I have been waiting too long to do this.”

I fist that bouncy ponytail and pull her to my mouth. She tenses for a moment, but then melts against me, and I devour her like a man starved. Her soft lips feel like the most delicate pastry, exploding on my tongue with a promise and a dash of mischief.

She smiles against my lips, sighing with content. I should find some shred of control, but I gave up on that the minute she signed the fucking NDA.

I cup the back of her neck, angling her, molding her to me, and she fits. She fits perfectly, and a staggering realization rams through me like a tsunami wave.

I need to regain control if I want to survive Mila Ward.

Chapter15

Mila

“Idon’t know if it’s romantic or just plain wrong,” Annie says. “Why did you agree?”

“For many reasons, but when I saw him pleading with his eyes, I thought I deserved better, but so does he. I agreed because that’s the only way he believes we can explore this. But I’m going to show him he can have normal without a signed deal.”

Annie sighs.

“Are you sure you’ll be okay?” I take a dress from my closet and fold it carefully into my carry-on suitcase.

Sprawled on my bed, she smiles wickedly. “You’re having a weekend date with the richest man in the city. Don’t you dare to think about me. Enjoy every minute. You deserve it, and I need to experience it through you vicariously.”

“But call me if you need anything. And he’s not the richest man in the city.” I search through my jewelry box.

“One of them. I looked up his net worth.” A smile softens her face. It’s so good to see her filled with a semblance of joy, I might have to date Giovanni Cassinetti just to feed her happiness.

I haven’t seen Gio since the uncomfortable meeting with his lawyer and the wild make-out session in his car. I’m still not sure if it was a mistake to agree to his stupid conditions.

Who am I kidding? I haven’t stopped thinking about him since California, and even after the post-accident adrenaline wore off properly, I was left with longing and an ache like never before.

It might be simple curiosity after the hot but prematurely thwarted foreplay at Danita’s house, but I want to get more of Gio.

I try not to think about the man I got to know in Cali, under all the layers of professionalism and safety, masked by his scowls. Because there is no way a man like Gio would ever want more with me than what he’s already offered.

And I’m fine with that. More than fine. He’s powerful and controlling, and it would only be a question of time before he consumes me, takes over and manipulates me to his will. And then probably discards me.

For now, I allow myself to buzz with excitement and accept his advances, because for once in my life I can let a bit of selfishness creep in.

And then there are the gifts.

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