I grin and stand, very much aware of the raging bulge in my pants and the interest in her eyes.“Perhaps you’ll change your mind and be happy to say I do.It may in fact solve both of your problems and my own.”My resolve strengthens, the plan formulating in my head, only half shared with her.
It could work.For us, for Desiree, and for the families in the future.
Her lips twist delicately to the side.“Perhaps,” she concedes.
“Time will tell, kitten.I’ll have some clothes sent up for you later with instructions.You’ll join me for dinner in the formal dining room at seven.I have a taste for something much sweeter than dessert.Don’t wear panties.They will only get in the way.”
14
Sophia
The lengthy slit of the long cobalt blue and silver dress parts displaying an indecent amount of thigh.I spin in the mirror, admiring the silky material that falls from my shoulders and envelopes my body as though tailor made for me.There’s nothing forcing me to wear this strappy silver pair of fuck-me heels or not to wear panties.
Except his demand…
Maybe it’s a dangerous game, but after that humiliating spanking and the way he thinks he will bend me to his will, maybe a little payback is due.Maybe it’s not so bad if he knows what’s under my dress, bare and all, but sees that I won’t cave and that me screaming his name in the throes of passion is never going to occur.
I give my hair an extra fluff with my fingers, spreading them through the trailing curls to separate and create even more volume before letting it splay across my shoulders.The door is unlocked and has been ever since Massimo gave me the challenge.He can come and go as he pleases, but still, he won’t win the bet.The one I aim to win because there is no way I’m losing, no matter how attracted I find myself to the dark-eyed beast.
The dark-eyed devil himself opens the door right before seven in a black tux, his eyes slowly devouring every inch of me, right down to my painted toes.He locks that sexy gaze filled with admiration on mine.“Worth the wait, kitten,” he drawls.
My eyes narrow at the arrogance of the well-dressed man even as my center clenches with desire and anticipation that I’ve never felt before.I’ll never admit it, but he makes a suit look damn good.
Massimo cocks an eyebrow, and places his arm out, challenging me not to take it as he watches my reaction.I won’t give him the satisfaction of thinking I’m uncomfortable or attracted in the least.I’ll follow every single one of his instructions, I’ll do exactly as he’s asked, but I’m still not going to cave.He’ll see…
My arm drapes his as we make our way down the first flight of stairs, then his hand slides to rest on my lower back, skin on skin, where the dress exposes my back.Massimo pauses, slowing our stride as we reach the next landing.The magnitude of the family’s wealth is evident in the enormity of the white marble expanse of the great room below.
The warmth from his hand on my skin cools as we reach the bottom stair, and he removes it from my back.I don’t dare look at him, instead focusing on the room in front of me, and not the heat of his eyes penetrating every fiber of my being while the gentleness of his touch flames my desire.
I swallow, uncomfortable for once in my skin, and this elegant but oh-so-sexy dress, and everything about this entire evening.I inhale a deep breath.I can do this; I have to do this.If our family is ever to get out from underneath this debt that we must owe, I need to do this.I inhale even deeper, filling my lungs and heart with the resolve it will take to play along with the game, and to win the bet because the Cassones do not lose and I would be expected to play.
We pass the grey leather sofas and slate blue fireplace that stands unlit taking up an expanse of exterior wall, while floor-to-ceiling windows cover the rest of the walls on either side of the fireplace.The television looms largely over the slate mantle as he guides me through the great room and into the formal dining room.
Massimo pulls a chair out for me at the large rectangular wooden table and then takes a seat at the head of the table to my left.He takes a bottle of wine from the ice bucket next to him, and pours a glass of red for himself, swirling it lightly before bringing it to his nose and inhaling the aroma.Satisfied, he pours a second glass.“Tell me,” he says, passing me the aromatic red.When you finish school, what do you plan to do with your degree?Business, right?”
I swirl my glass, inhaling deeply, admiring the choice as much as I do my father’s selections.Nothing we get at the wine bars or restaurants on campus are even close.The question he asks is one I’ve mulled over and over in my mind.Hell bent on getting out of the family, but not certain what I wanted to do in life I went with a general business degree.So many uses and it’s not that I’m without financial means.“I haven’t decided but something far, far away from the life I currently lead.”
His dark eyes penetrate mine.“You don’t see yourself helping in the family business?”
“Business?”I scoff.
Massimo places his wine glass down, and tugs at the diamond cuff link on his shirt.“It’s been a business for generations, Sophia.Your ancestors, my ancestors, they risked everything in a small boat, years and years ago with a vision.Over time, their dreams have turned into a reality, using the hierarchy, principles, rules and yes, applying them to business models.You could say our families run two of the most successful businesses in the States, and in Italy, perhaps beyond.”
I take another sip of my wine, crossing a leg, and his dark soulful eye tracks my movement.It is a heady feeling to know that a man so powerful is not as immune as he pretends to be.But still, I am the one who is on the defensive, I am the one who has to ensure that I do not succumb to his devilish charm.I sigh, taking another very small drink, because I will need all of my wits about me tonight.That’s for damn sure.
“Perhaps for you, but not for me.Soon, there will be no business really.My sister will be married to Barcelo, and the families will merge.Papa will retire quietly while handing over the reins and ceding control to Barcelo Gallini.”I shrug.“And then it will be done.I’ll be free to do whatever I like.”
A silver-haired gentleman walks into the room carrying a platter with two dome-shaped dishes, and places them in front of us on the table.Massimo lifts the lids himself, allowing the fresh scent of real butter and garlic to waft through the air.“Thank you, that will be all for the evening.”
The only person I’ve seen in the house since coming out of that room walks through the door with no intention of coming back.Alone in this big house, with the devil.One who admittedly wants to get under my dress and make me scream his name.
Well, nothing he does is going to make me do that.I just have to focus and keep my head clear.I pick lightly at the exquisitely done fare of scallops with a crème and asparagus sauce.If he’s going to the trouble of trying to seduce me for the next three weeks, playing along with the game is only fair.“This is very good.Incredibly good really,” I tell him, watching his expression as his eyes track my movements.
A slight smile plays over his lips.“And we haven’t even finished the best part, dessert.”
My center clenches as his eyes gaze openly at my breasts while my cheeks heat with embarrassment and a healthy dose of angst.Damn this man all to hell.
“The straps on your gown showcase your creamy neck beautifully, kitten.”
