Page 45 of The Billionaire's Vow

“I’m going home,” she announced, grabbing her purse and slinging it over her shoulder.“Thank you for dinner tonight.It was delicious.”She hesitated for a moment, her eyes meeting his, something unreadable flickering in their depths.“And for your honesty.I won’t betray the confidence you’ve shown in me with your revelations tonight.”

Dimitri didn’t doubt that for a moment.But it wouldn’t have mattered anyway.His organization had an unspoken agreement with the powers that be.He met regularly with the district attorney and the chief of police.They knew exactly how he operated, how he kept crime within his territories controlled.Because his methods made them look good, they didn’t interfere.In return, he supplied evidence on the worst of the criminals—those who believed in no rules, no restraint, no loyalty.He funneled them straight into the system, getting them off the streets before they could cause too much damage.

His arrangement with law enforcement was symbiotic.Not all crime families had the same understanding, but that wasn’t his problem.

“You should stay here,” he insisted, watching closely for her reaction.“You’ll be much safer.”

She turned, her lips curving into a slow, teasing smile.And then, to his utter shock, her gaze flicked over his body, heat flashing in her silver-blue eyes.

“I don’t thinkyouwould be safe,” she murmured, amusement lacing her tone.

Dimitri’s body tightened painfully at the challenge in her words, taking his breath away.Before he could respond, she was out the door, purse in hand.

For the first time in his life, he was too stunned to react quickly enough.By the time he snapped out of it, she had already disappeared down the stairs.He cursed under his breath, rushing to the doorway.

“Follow her,” he snapped at his guards.“Make sure she gets home safe.”

The guards nodded sharply and disappeared down the stairs after her.

Dimitri lingered for a moment, staring out the window into the dark cityscape.What the hell had just happened?He’d spent the entire evening keeping the conversation under control, making sure he didn’t let their attraction bleed into his words or actions.He’d been so careful.And yet Giselle had just thrown the door wide open.

A slow, wicked smile curved his lips as he turned and headed to his bedroom.If she thought she could tease him like that and walk away, she was in for a surprise.She’d issued a challenge.

And Dimitri had every intention of accepting it.

Chapter 19

Gisellearrivedatherdesk early the following morning, her cheeks burning every time she thought about her last words to Dimitri.Had shereallysaid that?No, she must have imagined it.But then she remembered the stunned expression on his ridiculously handsome face, and—yeah.Shehadsaid it.

Good grief.

She groaned inwardly, slumping into her chair.She’d have to apologize.Dimitri had been nothing but a gentleman, patient and respectful despite their obvious chemistry, and she’d gone and—she shivered, swallowing hard as her thoughts briefly entertained what would happen if he decided to take her up on that challenge.

No.Bad idea.Dimitri De Luca was dangerous.He lived in a world of power and control.She was just a geeky accountant with family issues and a habit of hiding from conflict.

Her phone buzzed, pulling her attention away from her spiraling thoughts.When she checked the screen, her stomach twisted.Five messages from her mother.The tone varied from pleading to coaxing, to emotional blackmail—I was in labor with you for sixteen painful hours!You owe me!— the last one, laced with anger.

Giselle sighed, guilt and exhaustion pressing in on her.Every time she tried to set a boundary, even a small one, her mother reacted like it was a personal betrayal.And yet, for the first time in her life, Giselle hadn’t immediately caved.She hadn’t sent the money.

Suddenly, there was a low, buzzing sensation in the air, a shift in energy that sent a prickle down her spine.Her heart stuttered.

Dimitri walked into her office.

And closed the door.

Her pulse leaped, and she sat up straighter as he advanced, his eyes locked on hers, his presence consuming every inch of space between them.He moved like a predator—calm, focused, entirely in control.Her fingers tightened around the arms of her chair.

“Did you mean it?”His voice was steady, but there was an intensity straining beneath it, a burning hunger that made her blood boil in her veins.

She swallowed hard.“Did I mean… what?”She knew exactly what he meant, but she wasn’t ready to admit it just yet.

“Last night.”He braced his hands on her desk, leaning in close.“Did you mean what you said before you ran away?”

Her breath caught.His nearness was overwhelming, the scent of his cologne, the heat radiating off his body, the sharp focus of his gaze pinning her in place.

“I didn’t run away,” she snapped, needing to reclaim some control.

Dimitri’s lips curled, a hint of amusement flashing across his face before the intensity returned.“That’s exactly what you did.And I’m still waiting for an answer.”