Chapter 2
Dario Caraldi
Ifeel the air knocked out of her even as my own lungs expand to draw breath. But probably for very different reasons. The thrill of the hunt surges through me. My blood is on fire.
When I’d seen her rushing away from the office, my first instinct was to give chase. Edoardo and his pigs had fallen into step behind me for a moment. Then I’d shot a look back at them. It hadn’t taken more to throw them off the trail. The fucker had pushed his luck too far already. Another wrong step would get him dead.
As they’d fallen back, I sprinted down behind the flash of scarlet ahead. She moved quickly for a woman in heels. Although I guess fear will do that. And she had plenty to be afraid of. I know she overheard us. How much she heard is unclear right now. But it was enough to leave her pale with fear. As she stares up at me now, it’s like looking into the eyes of a terrified animal. I lick my lips.
“Where do you think you’re going, Nikki Love?” I say softly. She shudders and turns her face away, eyes squeezing tightly shut. As if closing them will block me out of existence.
I’m not that easy to get rid of.
I switch my grip, holding both her wrists in one fist. Pulling her arms over her head thrusts her chest out. Her tits are mashed up against my own chest. So soft. Heaving. With my free hand, I take her chin and turn her to face me.
“Look at me,” I breathe.
When she opens her eyes, there’s confusion written in them. She’s beyond terrified, and yet… She wants me. I’m guessing she can’t figure out why.
I smile slowly.
It’s probably the same sort of expression a cat has before it eats a canary. I don’t give a fuck. I’ve been resisting the urge to have her again. To take what’s rightfully mine.
I’ve made up my mind now.
I press a knee between her thighs and push up against her. She makes a tiny choking sound. When I rub up against her mound, I feel her shiver. It’s almost irresistible, and my cock hardens almost immediately. She can feel it too, and her eyes widen.
I lower my face until our lips are almost touching. Her breath is sweet against my face. Tiny little gasps that match the heaving of her chest against mine.
“You’re moving to my home,” I say softly. “Under my care.” Her expression flickers. Confusion wars with fear, then desire, and then back to confusion.
“But I—” she begins.
“Or I can let Edoardo have you,” I cut her off, aiming a look at the door past her head. As if my idiot cousin might still be out there. It’s a hollow threat. He’ll be long gone. The fucker knows he’s overstepped the line. He should never have shown his face here after the last stunt he pulled. I’ll get Raoul on his case – Mateo would do it, but my kid brother is eager to prove himself.
Her lashes flutter. She flicks a glance down and then back up into my eyes. Is she thinking it over? Surely not. Though it’s not actually an option.
I let go of her face, run a hand down the curves of her chest and over her hip. The fabric of her dress is silky under my palm. It slides easily up her thighs as I tug it, scrunching it up with my fist. When my fingertips meet the flesh of her thighs, she’s breathing hard again.
“Should I do that, Nikki Love? Send you to him?” I ask. I’ve slipped my hand beneath the waistband of her panties. “I assure you, Edoardo will fuck you in ways you’ll never recover from.” She chokes out a small sob. My fingers have slid down along the line of her slit. “And then he’ll hand you over to his men. Before he sells you.” I dip my fingers into her cunt, and she whimpers. “Whereas I…” I delve deeper. “Well, you know what I can do.” Her hips pump forward. From the expression of shame creeping over her face, I can tell the movement was inadvertent.
“Please…I… Oh, God,” she moans. The combination of confusion and lust is a sound that makes my blood burn. Toying with her is going to be so fucking sweet.
I raise my face and straighten. When I remove my fingers, they’re glistening. I trace them over her lips, wetting them with her own slickness. I step away, and she sags. I don’t move to support her.
“The choice is yours,” I say. She pulls herself straight, holding herself stiffly. I reach for the door handle behind her, and she moves as I open it. “I’ll expect your answer by the end of the day,” I add.
And then I walk through the doorway and leave her.
Chapter 3
Nikki Love
“Look on the bright side,” Andy says as she helps me pack. “At least you don’t need these anymore.” She’s got my bedside drawer open and is prodding the contents with a coathanger. “Wait a bit! Does this bunny have a g-spot vibe and a clit sucker thingy?”
“Andy! For fuck’s sakes, this is serious!” I snap. She doesn’t look ashamed.
Bitch. I love her so much.What if I’m never allowed to see her again? Or Sophie? Andy looks at my face, and I think she must read my mind because she’s at my side and wrapping her arms around me.
