DOVE
When I stretch, my body is deliciously sore in all the right places. It’s almost as if I can still feel Angelo’s hands on me. I don’t even try to stop my smile at the thought.
The last thing I expected was Angelo Amato to come into my life, but he did. And if his words are to be believed, he has no intention of letting me go.
The smart thing to do would be to make a break for it and run as far and as fast as I can in the other direction.
But running is the last thing I want to do.
I don’t think Angelo would let me get far anyway. What would be the point in even trying?
How many times does a chick like me have a hot, powerful, rich man, who could choose anyone, drop into her life like fate’s own hand is ensuring the outcome? Not fucking often.
I’m going to take this rags-to-riches fantasy and let it play out.
What other choice do I really have?
I look toward the other side of the gigantic cloud of a bed tofind it empty. While a twinge of disappointment hits me, I shrug it off. Angelo can say I’m his and that he’s never letting me go, but getting too comfortable within the world of his promises would not be a good idea.
He has the power to destroy me on a soul-deep level. All the more reason to keep my emotions out of this thing.
If I can.
With a shake of my head, I get out of bed and stretch before grabbing the button-down shirt Angelo must have discarded last night when he climbed into bed with me. Once it’s on, I notice the shower running and it makes me wonder if the bathroom is bigger than my whole apartment as well. I’m sure it is.
Since I didn’t see any of it last night, I wander out of the bedroom and down the hallway. Do I poke my head inside every door I walk by? You better fucking believe it.
There are three more bedrooms and what is clearly Angelo’s office. I close the door very fucking quickly when I get to that room. The last thing I want is to be caught snooping in there. I’m not interested in being visited by the Grim Reaper any time soon, thank you very much.
When I come across a bathroom, I slip inside and get as ready for the day as possible considering the circumstances. If I had anything to put on, I’d take a shower, but it will have to wait until I can go home. My gut sinks with the realization that it’ll be sooner rather than later when I slither back to the dank and moldy apartment I call home.
Talk about a fucking let down.
I shake off the thought as I finish brushing my teeth with a spare toothbrush I found in the cabinet and wash my handsagain before I continue my exploration. When I step into the living room, my lips part as the huge bank of windows shows me just how high up I am and how beautiful the view of Seattle is.
I’ve never seen the city from this angle, and I can’t help myself as I step closer and press my hand to the glass. It looks so different from up here, almost as if there aren’t corners of this city where only shadows and grunge exist.
I know differently.
From up here it would be easy to forget. It would be easy to think you’re above it all.
But I’m not and I’ll be going back to my life soon, I’m sure.
Honestly, I should have guessed Angelo lives in a penthouse apartment. I wouldn’t be surprised to find out he owns this entire building. In fact, it would be more shocking if he doesn’t.
With a sigh, I force myself to step away from the windows and pad out of the living room. I’m a little surprised this place isn’t all open concept since it’s all the rage when it comes to design aesthetics. I personally prefer it when things are a little more closed off and separated.
I’ve had enough of open concept after living in my tiny studio. Give me walls. Please.
When I step through another doorway, I freeze in place.
Because standing in the kitchen I’ve just walked into, with his head stuck in the giant fucking fridge, is Romeo.
Just as I’m about to retreat back to the bedroom with the hope of garnering Angelo’s protection, something I’ve only felt in his arms, Romeo straightens and turns toward me. Did I make a sound? Fuck, I probably did.
One night with Angelo and time earned protection mechanisms are already failing me. I’m in so much trouble and I’m not sure which Amato is a bigger threat to me.
Romeo’s lip curls into a cruel sneer as his eyes rake over my body and take me in. Even though I force my arms to stay loose at my sides, instead of wrapping around me, it’s a struggle.
