My admirer studies me. “You’re upset. Do you fear Death, Miss Drakos?” There’s something about the way he says my name that sends a thrill up my spine.
Did Hex tell him my name? But why would he set me up?Alarm bells should be going off at that realization, yet I don’t feel afraid. I feel …intrigued.
My eyes make their way down, taking in every inch of Death’s appearance. Black shirt hugging his every muscle from his chest to his abs and biceps. Black cargo pants that fit snug on his waist and thighs, held up by a thick, black leather belt.
I wonder if he knows what to do with that belt or if it’s just a pretty accessory.
Even if this is a prank, I’m almost certain this man can give me what I’m looking for tonight. It’s only one night. What can it hurt?
“I don’t fear anyone. EspeciallyDeath.” I reply, issuing my own challenge.
Come on. Let’s see what you’ve got, tall, dark, and mysterious. Take the bait.
If they’re going to set me up and play matchmaker, at least I should get a good, hard fuck for my time.Andmy money. Although I don’t think the measly twenty-five dollars I paid Hex for his consultation seems hardly enough.
“I wouldn’t want you to fear me. Only what I will do to you,” he says. Then, leaning in closely, he whispers, “I’m going to own every single one of your screams of pleasure as you beg for my mercy. And even after your voice is hoarse and your throat is raw, I still won’t stop.” His smile is sinister and full of promise.
“Who are you?” I ask, slightly taken aback by his boldness, yet unable to stop my body’s reaction to his threat.
He chuckles. “My name is Enzo.”
There’s something about him. It’s not just the costume. He looks dangerous, alluring, and deceptively relaxed, yet there’ssomething else. An underlying darkness that calls to my own. It’s almost as if there’s an invisible tether pulling us together. It’s strange. Everything in me is screaming this is a bad idea, but I can’t bring myself to walk away.
I don’t want to.
My hormones take a backseat for a moment and allow my head to finally catch up to what he’s just said, and I suddenly understand why he seems so dangerous. Because he actuallyis.
He’s Enzo Venatti.
“Venatti.” It’s not a question. It’s a realization. One I’ve just spoken out loud. He nods, confirming my suspicions, watching me closely.Too closely.Like I’m prey.
I knew the Venatti ran this city. I knew the Venatti family owned this club. But I wasn’t expecting to meethim.Most people who meet Enzo Venatti face-to-face don’t live to talk about it. It’s why people refer to him as Death. Because if you see him coming for you, death is in your future.
His appraisal of me is so intense. The way his eyes slide over my every inch, so thorough, it almost feels like he’s touching me everywhere, but his finger hasn’t moved any further south than my collarbone.
He doesn’t want me to fear him but promises to check off every one of my boxes for the evening. It’s not the ideal plan, but maybe I can use this little hookup to my advantage. Maybe I can get some information from him when he’s naked and vulnerable. Some men can overshare after they’ve been thoroughly fucked and worn out.
Maybe he’s one of those men.
And maybe I can kill two birds with one stone. Get information and get myself satiated.
My body heats with arousal. My heart’s racing in my chest. This man has the power to break me in the most delicious waypossible. I would relish the pain he could inflict, but how close to the line would he go? Would he cross it?
Death isn’t his costume.It’s his job.
8
ENZO
The fact that Althea recognizes my name, the way she studies me so intensely, sends a thrill of excitement through me. She knows who I am, and yet she doesn’t back away. Instead, she leans in as though she’s caught in a trance.
Another shiver racks her body, but she’s quick to douse it, straightening up and pulling herself back.
“What happened, Miss Drakos? Did the devil swallow her tongue?” My eyes meet hers. She recognizes the challenge for what it is.
“On the contrary,Sir.”My eyes narrow at the use of the title. “I was simply debating whether or not you could give me what I’m looking for.”
Challenge fucking accepted, sweetheart.
