He's not as indifferent as he pretends.
Less than two months until I'm Maksim's bride.
That’s the time I have to seduce the most loyal of my brother's men.
To experience something real before I'm sold to a monster.
I won't waste a single day.
The music shifts again. Luca holds Katerina like she's the center of his world, their foreheads touching as they move.
That tenderness, that passion, that's what I want.
And I will have it, I promise myself.
No matter the obstacles.
No matter the ramifications.
4
CHRISTIAN
Guarding a Dante is an honor. Guarding Valentina Dante?
Pure torture.
I stand near the door of the cafe, watching her chat with her friend who's asking all about the wedding plans.
My job is simple.
Observe, protect, remain invisible until needed.
I've done this for over a decade. It should be routine.
It's not.
"Cristian, you look parched." Valentina's voice cuts through my thoughts. "Join us?"
"No, thank you, Miss Dante." My voice remains neutral despite the knowing smile playing at her lips.
I’m working fucking hard to hide her effect on me, but damn if she doesn’t know.
Two weeks since Luca's wedding, and Valentina has made it her mission to break my composure.
The dance was just the beginning of this maddening game she's determined to play.
She and her friend finish their coffee, and I escort her to the car.
I open the vehicle’s door, and when I turn back, Valentina stands closer than necessary, her scent flooding my senses.
"You never relax, do you?" She reaches up, straightening my tie in a gesture so intimate I have to force myself not to step back. Her fingers linger at my collar. "Always so… rigid."
My dick takes notice of the word rigid, twitching in my slacks.
I capture her wrist gently, removing her hand. "It's my job to stay alert, not relaxed."
She doesn't pull away. "And if I ordered you to relax? I outrank you."
