“Who is ‘us?’” I ask, my brows pulling together.
Carina purposefully doesn’t look at me when she answers. But she gives herself away by tapping her thigh. “My sister. Violetta.”
“Ah, yes.” I tilt my head in thought. “I don’t recall her name being mentioned much, if ever. Is she of age?”
Carina brings her gaze to me. The tawny hue within her eyes reminds me of sparks derived from embers when you poke them. “Not yet.”
“When?”
I know I’m pressing, navigating a conversation in which Carina has no desire to travel, but I disregard her irritation. It’s because of her upset that I'm pursuing this topic. There’s something going on and I want to know everything.
“Violetta will be eighteen in a couple weeks,” she says.
That’s the enlightenment I’m seeking. Carina’s sister will be attending the gala—the crime syndicate’s bridal auction—very soon. The same annual event where I met Carina two years ago.
The lights in the room dim, signaling the performance is about to begin. I don’t want this evening spoiled for her because she’s worried over Violetta. Carina may have experienced freedom after Nardone removed her from his good graces, but that doesn’t mean she’s had it easy. The clothing she wore when she arrived on my doorstep the other night was such poor quality. It’s entirely possible she chose that attire on purpose but highly doubtful. Carina was raised as a mafia princess and even if she’s not materialistic, I’m certain she’d still want nice things for herself.
There’s a reason she put her life in danger by selling information. And her need for money was it.
“I believe you’ll like this performance in particular,” I say. After taking her hand, I run my lips over her knuckles. “It’s about a man who does everything he can to win the heart of a woman.”
Carina tilts her head and eyes me sideways before giving me a brief nod. She retracts her hand and threads her fingers in her lap, her spine ramrod straight. “Do you know if my father attends the opera?”
“I seldom come, but when I’ve been present Nardone was not.”
The stiff set of her shoulders relaxes minutely. I want to say more, but there’s nothing worthwhile.
The brass and strings of the orchestra in the pit begin to play and the music reaches us on the third balcony floor. We are on the highest one and Tristano wanted it that way. In fact, he arranged for it. I chalk it up to some strategy he concocted without telling anyone. My older brother acts like his dick is tied in a knot whenever something happens that he didn’t plan for ahead of time.
Like my engagement for example.
I bet he’s still fuming over my random announcement. And I’m sure he already notified my younger brother Maximus. He and his wife Emilia are due to arrive back from Paris tonight, so I’m sure I’ll hear both my brothers’ opinions about my decision tomorrow when we meet.
Family get-togethers are always highly entertaining.
At least they are for me. Tristano is so uptight and Maximus is always brooding, so someone has to bring levity. As the middle son, that’s where I come in. It’s what I do best. Except when it comes to my fiancée.
She doesn’t give a shit about my theatrics.
Carina leans forward once a singer belts the first note of the opening number. With rapt attention, she watches the people on stage, her focus unwavering. When the song ends she claps and delight slowly spreads across her generous lips in a smile.
Because she’s distracted I take my time admiring her.
This woman is seduction personified and she doesn’t even try. I rove my gaze over the collection of curls piled on top of her head. Some loose strands rest along her neck and frame her face. Carina’s smooth skin is displayed in all its glory with a tight bodice that pushes her breasts up and minimizes the size of her waist. The slit along the side is pronounced, the material of the purple gown slightly riding up her leg. The hint of flesh peaking out from underneath the royal hue is a tease and I make a fist to keep from trailing my fingers along her thigh.
I’ve had a hard time not constantly putting my hands on her since she first sat on my couch. Actually, I havetouchedher every time I wanted to.
I just haven’tfuckedher like I want.
On multiple occasions, I’ve considered it, but her haunted expression from when I first sampled her body gave me pause. That deadened look in her gaze, the way her mouth went slack, and the sickly pallor of her face were enough to deter me from pursuing sex. But not for long. Now we’re past that reaction from her and I’m not waiting anymore.
She was designed to be fucked. Everything about her is alluring, from the silkiness of her hair to the fiery countenance she reveals from time to time. I think that’s what I enjoy about her most and it’s why I provoke her and push her boundaries. Maybe I want to see everything she’s always trying to hide.
Or perhaps I want to break through her stubbornness long enough to get Carina to admit the truth about her attraction to me.
Applause fills the room and I join in, still keeping my attention on Carina. Her gaze is bright with excitement when she looks at me. It makes me want to fuck her right here in the balcony in front of all these people.
That would do wonders to solidify our engagement ruse to the public.
