Page 5 of Vengeful Vows

At that moment, the smartwatch on my wrist gently vibrates, letting me know my heart rate has increased. It’s as if every part of me is aware of him and his actions. “Do you know who he is?”

“I don’t have a clue.”

Which surprises me. Obviously I don’t know everyone who lives in Houston, but in my role as the ambassador of the Bella Vita Foundation—named after my grandmother—I attend dozens of fundraisers each year.

As a socialite who loves being seen, Amelia is out and about every weekend.

Which makes me wonder if the mystery man resides elsewhere and is just in town for a short period of time.

“He’s stopping to talk to your brother.”

Relieved, I exhale a tiny breath.

Then, because he’s occupied, I shoot a surreptitious glance in his direction.

When Amelia clears her throat, I realize I’m not being sly at all. I’m full-on staring at him. The man’s a thirst trap, and suddenly I’m parched.

“He’s delicious.”

In agreement, I nod. He’s well over six feet tall and as broad as a linebacker but without an excess ounce of fat anywhere. His suit jacket hugs his shoulders and biceps. It’s also tailored at the waist which shows off his honed physique.

Every instinct warns that he’s dangerous. Not just to my body but to my heart.

Internally I roll my eyes.

When she was alive, my mother always chided me for being fanciful. I know I am, but tonight, especially, I can’t help myself.

With a polite smile, he shakes Mr. Fontana’s hand and kisses Mrs. Fontana’s cheek.

Everyone is treating him cordially, so maybe my instincts about him are wrong.

A wild, wicked part of me hopes they’re not.

Suddenly and embarrassingly, he glances in my direction, catching me drinking him in.

For a moment, time stands still for us. Then, after a handful of seconds, he breaks the connection, returning his attention to Mr. Fontana.

The aftermath makes my body shake.

I know I should take this chance to leave the party. After all, there’s no reason to stay even a minute longer.

I’ve endured yet another obligatory dinner, and I’ve celebrated my brother’s happiness.

Until now, his life has been awful, haunted by ghosts he never seems to escape.

When he fell in love with Adriana, I silently cheered. He’s a wonderful person, always putting others first. He deserves nothing but joy for the rest of his life.

The emcee announces that the band will be playing a song just for Alessandro and his future bride, reinforcing my guess that this is the perfect time to leave. After all, I have no one to hold me close and make me swoon.

Still, I don’t excuse myself.

“Don’t tell me you’re actually staying?” Amelia teases. “I mean, it’s nine o’clock, and you usually turn into a pumpkin by now.”

It’s a common question. She’s a party animal, and she often stays out all night. Unfortunately, I haven’t had that kind of time since graduating from college.

Even though it’s Saturday, I spent eight hours working at my regular job before changing into a semiformal dress and jumping into a rideshare to arrive before the guests for tonight’s festivities.

My feet are protesting the killer heels, even if the shoes are gorgeous, and I’m craving a long soak in a bubble bath and a glass of wine before changing into my snuggly pajamas to watch an unsolved mystery show on television. Which is how I spend most Saturday nights.

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