When another cookie flies at my face, I swat it away impatiently, snaking out my hand to grip her wrist. I yank her closer, wrapping my other arm around her to hold her in place even as she struggles against me.
“Let me go, you bastard.” She tugs and twists, her voice elevating to a shrill cry. “Take your motherfucking hands off of me right the hellnow.”
I hold firm and, eventually, she stops to pierce me with a look. Her dark blue eyes are like turbulent waves in a stormy sea, and between that and her proximity, I can feel my cock come to life between us despite the handjob I’d resorted to as I’d showered this morning.
Down, fucker.
“If you’requitefinished, Miss Rivers…”
Her jaw clenches, giving one last unsuccessful attempt to pull out of my hold before she huffs, blowing her now messy hair out of her eyes.
As her body bristles with annoyance, I take half a beat to just appreciate how truly fucking beautiful this woman is. Every time since the first time I’ve laid eyes on her, she captivates me mind, body, and soul.
The idea that she’s wasted on Conti settles like a lead weight in my stomach, and I need a minute to shake myself mentally before getting down to brass tax.
“No one seems to know where Conti has holed up, so I wasn’t holding my breath regarding contacting him.” I give her a pointed look. “Imagine my surprise when he contacted one of our clubs in Palermo, demanding your immediate return.”
She blinks owlishly, as though she can hardly believe the words I’ve just spoken.
“He has suggested opening negotiations for your return to him and Aurelia’s return home—” I stop short when something I can’t quite identify passes across her face. When she remains silent, I continue. “On the condition that he may speak with you via video call later this evening.”
Her gaze is unwavering as we regard one another, close enough that I can feel her breath mingle with mine. She’s breathing heavily, her chest rising and falling in time with my own now. Her proximity affects me on an unprecedented level, something I need to remember in the future because when I’m this close to her, it’s easy to forget exactly why she’s here.
When she finally speaks, it’s barely above a whisper.
“Thank God he’s open to negotiate.”
My jaw tics as my chest tightens. Her apparent desire to return to her lover reignites the anger inside of me. The one she alone seems to hold the match to, and I push away from her.
“You’ll be back in his arms in no time, I’m sure.”
ELODIE
I’ve lostcount of how many times I’ve paced the length of my suite. My nerves are shot, and I can barely keep my hands from trembling.
The impending call with Nico looms over me like a storm cloud, and no matter how many laps of my room I complete, I can’t outpace it.
My stomach twists, remembering Rafe’s words earlier.
You’ll be back in his arms in no time, I’m sure.
The tone of his deep voice was neutral, but his eyes told a different story. They were dark pools of barely bridled rage, and I’d spent more than a large chunk of the afternoon thinking about what that could mean.
Why would sending me back to Nico in exchange for his sister make him angry? I’m still none the wiser.
When Rafe told me that Nico had agreed to negotiate terms, it surprised me. Trading Rafe’s sister in exchange for me, his glorified whore, doesn’t make sense straight off the bat.
But then I realized it’s a matter of pride for him. I’mhis. His plaything to use and abuse at will. And Domenico Conti has never liked the idea of sharing his toys.
Bringing me here was a genius move by Rafe. And I actually feel useful, knowing that I can help get his innocent sister safely home.
And away from Nico Conti. I wouldn’t hand my worst enemy over to that monster.
A knock at the door makes me freeze in place. “Enter.”
Emiliano—or Sasquatch, as I prefer—sticks his head around the door. “Rafe is waiting for you downstairs.”
I nod sharply and give myself a once-over in the mirror before grabbing a container of freshly baked oatmeal and raisin cookies from my nightstand.
