I’ve flirted with men before, but I've never seduced anyone.
What if he rejects me?
What if I make a fool of myself?
But the alternative, Maksim's cold hands being the first my body experiences in bed, steels my resolve.
I glide toward Cristian, grabbing two champagne flutes from a passing waiter.
"You look like you could use this." I offer him a glass, letting my fingers brush his.
He hesitates. "I'm on duty, Miss Dante."
"Valentina," I correct him, emboldened by champagne and desperation. "And surely, even the most dedicated soldier deserves one drink at a wedding?"
Something flickers in those dark eyes, probably wariness.
It causes me a moment of doubt.
But no.
I deserve one night of pleasure before a lifetime of pain.
"Dance with me," I say, the words tumbling out like I’m a silly schoolgirl.
"I don't think that's appropriate."
The music changes to something slower. I place my hand on his arm, feeling the solid muscle beneath his jacket. "Just one dance, Cristian."
His eyes drift to where Alessandro stands across the room, then back to me.
"Your brother?—"
"Is busy celebrating. You're my bodyguard, Cristian. Who else am I supposed to be close to?" I step closer, lowering my voice. "Until my wedding, you're the only person standing between me and Maksim. The only one I can trust."
A flicker of darkness crosses his face as he glances toward Maksim again. "One dance," he finally concedes.
I take his hand, feeling its warmth engulf mine. "One dance," I agree, knowing I want so much more.
The dance floor is crowded enough to justify my moving as close as I can to him.
I guide Cristian's hand to my waist, feeling the slight hesitation before his palm settles on my back, warm and steady.
We begin to move, and I’m surprised at his grace for a man who’s so large and lives a life of brutal violence.
"You're a better dancer than I expected.” I look at him through hooded eyes, a trick my friends have used to lure in men.
His lips twitch. "The Bonettis have served the Dantes for generations. We're trained in more than just combat."
"What else are you trained in?" The double meaning hangs between us.
He clears his throat, eyes darting briefly over my shoulder, probably checking for Alessandro. "Protection, surveillance, strategy."
I press slightly closer, inhaling his scent until I’m nearly drunk from it. "That's not what I meant."
"I know exactly what you meant, Miss Dante."
"Valentina," I correct him again, deliberately letting my breath warm his neck.
