Gio frowns, looking between us. “What’s this all about?”
I sit back in my chair. “It seems your sister and I already had the pleasure of meeting. Last night, in fact.”
Carmela’s cheeks flush red with anger and embarrassment.
Gio’s eyes widen in surprise before he lets out a hearty laugh. “And she didn’t know who you were!”
I chuckle, reaching for my wine glass. “Clearly not. But I look forward to getting to know Carmela better.” I raise my glass in a toast, my eyes locked with hers. “To our future together, Miss Bianchi.”
Carmela glares at me, her grip tightening on her own glass. I can tell this is going to be a bumpy ride, but I do love a challenge. And Carmela Bianchi is shaping up to be the biggest challenge of my life.
After a tense meal, Gio receives a call and swears. “Sorry. I’ve got to take this.” He glances between Carmela and me. “Hopefully, you can handle yourselves for a bit without killing each other.”
Carmela glares at me as her brother leaves the room. The tension crackles between us like a live wire.
“You knew,” she accuses, jumping to her feet. “You knew who I was last night and you still...”
I lean back in my chair. “So what if I did?” I shrug, my eyes boring into her. “We’re going to be married anyway. Might as well see if we’re compatible in bed.”
She scoffs. “Compatible? Is that what you call manipulating me into sleeping with you?”
I huff a laugh. “Don’t act like you didn’t enjoy it, Carmela. The way you moaned my name, begged me for more...”
Her cheeks flush bright red at my words. “That’s not the point,” she snaps. “You lied to me. You took advantage of me.”
I stand up. “I didn’t lie. I just didn’t tell you everything. You wanted it just as much as I did.” I move closer. “In fact, I remember you coming on pretty strong, telling me you wanted to learn my secrets.”
I see the anger flash in her eyes at my words, but something else too. That spark of desire she is trying so hard to hide.
“I didn’t know who you were,” she bites out, rising to her feet to face me. “And I certainly didn’t beg. You’re delusional if you think?—”
“Didn’t you?” I cut in, stepping closer, invading her personal space. “Maybe you’re not as innocent in this as you think.”
Her breath quickens, her chest rising and falling in that damn dress that shows off her curves. “As if you’d let anyone take advantage of you,” she scoffs, eyes flicking over me with a hint of challenge. “Mr. Brooding Mafioso. Too tough for anyone, right?”
I’m enjoying this volatile side of her. “You think you know me, Carmela? You have no idea.” I lower my voice. “But you will. Soon enough.”
She narrows her eyes, the spark turning into a burning flame. “Is that a threat, Silvo? Because let me tell you, I’m not some frightened little mouse you can push around.”
“Threat?” I laugh, taking a step closer, so our bodies are nearly touching. “Carmela, if anything, it’s a promise. A promise that you’re going to enjoy being my wife a hell of a lot more than you think.”
Her cheeks flush, and damn if my body doesn’t react to the flash of desire in her eyes. She wants to deny it; I can see the war going on within her, but the attraction remains, whether she likes it or not.
She lowers her voice, her face inches from mine. “You wish.”
Neither of us backs down. I let my gaze drop to her lips, remembering the feel of them against mine. “We both know it’s not just my wish, baby.”
She inhales sharply, her chest rising, our lips inches apart.
The door to the private room swings open, the moment shattering as Gio reappears, saving us or interrupting—I’m not sure which. We step apart quickly, our gazes locking once more, a silent challenge passing between us.
Carmela smooths her dress, regaining her composure, but I know she feels the same electricity buzzing between us. It is a game of cat and mouse, and I have a feeling I’ve met my match.
Gio raises an eyebrow at us, his lips twisting in amusement. “Well, well. Seems like you two have already gotten well acquainted. Excellent.” He claps me on the shoulder, his eyes gleaming with satisfaction. “Let’s get down to business then, shall we?”
Let’s get down to business indeed. After not being keen on this marriage, I can’t wait to make Carmela Bianchi my wife.
4
