She's gone before I can respond.
I stand at the window for a long moment. Watching Kristen show Lily how to hold the rabbit properly. Watching my sister's words echo in the empty room.
A good man.
I've never been called that before. Not by anyone who knew what I actually do. Who I actually am.
Kristen looks up suddenly, like she can feel me watching. Our eyes meet through the glass. She smiles.
And for one terrifying second, I almost believe Vittoria might be right.
CHAPTER THIRTY
Kristen
The wine sits on Nico's nightstand, burgundy dark in the crystal decanter I found in the kitchen. Strawberries glisten in a ceramic bowl beside it, along with sliced mango and grapes. A proper seduction spread, if I do say so myself.
The shower cuts off in the bathroom.
I smooth my hands over the silk robe I borrowed from the closet. Technically, it belongs to no one—Vittoria mentioned the guest rooms keep extras.
The bathroom door opens.
Then Nico appears, towel slung low on his hips, water still trailing down the planes of his chest. His dark hair is slicked back, making his angular features look even sharper. More severe.
God, he's beautiful.
His eyes find the tray immediately. Then they find me.
"You want me to have energy for a specific reason?" The words are casual, but his voice has dropped into that register that makes my thighs press together.
I pick up a strawberry, examining it like it holds the secrets of the universe. Then I pop it into my mouth, biting down slow. Juice bursts across my tongue, sweet. I let out a small moan and meet his stare with wide, innocent eyes.
"I don't understand what you're talking about."
Nico's jaw flexes. His fingers twitch at his sides.
Then the towel drops.
"Fuck yeah, you know what I mean."
Oh.
I sink to my knees.
The movement is instinctive. Like he's a force I can't resist, and maybe I don't want to. The plush carpet cushions my legs as I look up at him, still holding the half-eaten strawberry between my fingers.
Nico closes the distance. His hand tangles in my hair firm enough that I feel the controlled strength in his grip. He tilts my head back, forcing my gaze to meet his.
"What does my little horny girl want?"
Instead of answering, I lean forward and take him in my mouth.
"Cazzo—"
His head falls back. I wrap my hand around the base of his shaft, stroking what my lips can't reach, and feel his fingers tighten in my hair. The sting sends heat pooling between my legs.
This. This is what I wanted. To make him lose control. To watch the most dangerous man I've ever met come undone because of me.
