I finally discover a man Iwantto have sex with, and he is already treating me like a whore.
I won’t submit to him. I don’t care how much Fiero pays Dom. I’m not making this easy for him.
I felt Fiero’s eyes on me before, the intensity of his stare so all-consuming it felt like a physical caress. My heart immediately started racing, and all the fine hairs on my arms stood at attention. I scanned the ballroom looking for him, purposely not glancing his way when I discovered the source of my strange feelings.
The gossip wasn’t wrong—he is drop-dead gorgeous. His imposing figure looms over me now, clad in custom-fit Armani. Broad shoulders descend into a chest I’m sure is carved to perfection under his crisp white shirt and abs I could probably eat my dinner off. Bulging biceps struggle against the sleeves of his tux jacket, and the pants barely disguise muscular thighs. His white-blond hair tumbles in messy waves across the top of his tan brow. A strong Roman nose, full lips, and a chiseled jaw coated in an artful layer of dark hair completes the look, and he’s undoubtedly the full package.
No wonder all the wives and girlfriends were talking incessantly about him when I returned home from Sicily two weeks ago. He has every female creaming their panties and giggling like schoolgirls.
I get it now though.
He has a commanding presence you can’t ignore, and every time he pins me in place with those gorgeous blue eyes, I stop breathing for a few seconds. I can’t believe he’s unmarried and can only assume it’s by choice.
Tension is rife in the air as Don Maltese waits for my husband to respond. Dom will keep him waiting because he thinks it gives him an edge. He may have decades on me, but my husband is a damn fool.
Dom’s fingers dig into my hip, but I barely feel the stab of pain. My husband is internally rubbing his hands in glee at this unexpected change in his fortune. Little does Fiero know he could have secured me for way less or nothing at all in exchange for him keeping quiet about Dominic’s gambling addiction. If Vitto knew the men Dom was indebted to, he’d be shitting his pants, but our don is as unobservant as he isineffectual. Surely it can’t be long before The Commission replaces him.
I hope that’s not why Fiero’s here even if speculation suggests that’s the reason. I couldn’t tolerate being around him if this is the effect he has on me.
This won’t be like the others.
This is just like withhim.
Except he never paid in cold hard cash. An icy shiver tiptoes up my spine, and I barely resist the urge to squeeze my eyes shut to ward off the slew of living nightmares playing out again in my head.
“Ten million,” Dom says, and I almost choke on my own breath.
He is such a dumbass.
“Surely I don’t need to explain the definition of nonnegotiable.” Fiero fixes a lethal stare on my husband, and my pathetic heart thumps wildly against my chest wall.
This can’t be happening. I thought my life had sunk as far as it was going to go, but this is a new low. If I thought the others ruined me, it will be nothing on the wreckage left after being with this man.
“No,” I blurt, knowing I will earn my husband’s wrath but uncaring in the moment. “I’m not for sale. I’m not a prostitute.” Though my husband does his best to make me feel like I am even if money doesn’t change hands. “I’m married,” I add, flashing him the Ferraro family heirloom secured on my ring finger. “I’m off-limits.”
“Quiet, Valentina.” Dom embeds his jagged nails in my side, and I wince as pain shuttles through me.
Fire dances in Fiero’s eyes, and his fists clench tighter at his side. “You’re hurting her.”
“She’smywife.” Dom sneers at the younger, hotter, more-powerful man. “I can do what the fuck I want to her.”
The man standing at Don Maltese’s side straightens up, leveling Dom with a sharp look. From the description, I’m guessing he’s Rico Bianchi, Fiero’sconsigliere. “Wives are to be revered and cherished. Always.”
“Tell that to your boss.” Dom points one stubby finger in Fiero’s direction.
“It’s clear I misread the situation.” Don Maltese takes a step back. “Please excuse me.” He moves to turn away, and my idiotic husband falls for the play, lunging forward and grabbing Fiero’s arm.
“Let’s not be hasty. We can discuss this in private as you suggested.”
Fiero maintains a dispassionate expression while eyeballing my husband. “I don’t like repeating myself, Dominic.”
“Yes,” Dom blurts. “We have a deal, but let’s discuss the specifics.”
“I don’t agree.” I straighten up and thrust my shoulders back. “If this happens, it won’t be consensual, and I won’t cooperate.”
Dom is boring holes in the side of my head, and I know I’ll pay for it later, but I have to at least try to stand my ground.
“Ignore her.” My husband roughly grabs my elbow and spins me around. “Follow me.”
