Page 3 of Tempting Tessa

“Of course you will.” I reach out, tucking a strand of purple hair behind her ear. “I’ll have my lawyer draw something up. Nothing too specific, of course. We’ll leave room for...interpretation.”

“I want it in writing that you won’t ask for anything illegal or harmful,” she says, trying to sound firm despite the way her voice wavers.

“Sweetheart, I’m offended.” I place a hand over my heart in mock hurt. “Have I ever done anything to harm you?”

Her eyes flash. “There’s a first time for everything.”

I laugh, genuine amusement coursing through me. “Smart girl. Fine, we’ll put that in writing. Nothing illegal, nothing harmful.” I step closer until I can feel the heat radiating from her body. “But everything else is fair game.”

She doesn’t back away. Instead, she tilts her chin up defiantly. “When do I get the money?”

“How much do you need? Ballpark figure for the first transfer.”

“Two million,” she says without hesitation.

“Done.”

Her eyebrows shoot up. “Just like that?”

“Just like that, stellina.”

Chapter 1

Contessa

I’ve spent three hours listening to women squeal over baby onesies and watching Matteo Marino stare at me like no one else is in the vicinity. Like my dad isn’t here. Now I’m so close to escaping I can taste it.

My hand is on the doorknob when his voice stops me.

“Contessa.”

Just my name in that gravelly baritone makes my thighs clench. I don’t turn around. “I’m just leaving, Uncle Matteo.”

His footsteps approach from behind. “What’s taking so long with the initial prototypes? If you’re having trouble, there’s no harm in asking for help. Do you need a little muscle, hmm?”

I spin around, coming face-to-chest with him. Even in my heels, Matteo towers over me, broad shoulders, trim waist and expensive cologne. Mid-forties, and he’s still unfairly hot—salt and pepper at his temples only making him look more authoritative. I don’t have daddy issues, but someone would think I do if they knew what I thought when it came to him.

“Stop thinking you can strong-arm your way into my business and shit,” I snap. “You’re my investor, not my babysitter.”

His eyes darken. “Watch your mouth before I clean it out.”

The air between us feels as if it could literally ripple. My nipples harden against my silk top, and I hate my body’s instant reaction to him. It’s been like a year since I’ve gotten laid. It’s been long enough that I’ve lost track. No wonder my pussy’s practically sending smoke signals at the first man who talks to me like he can throw me around and make me see stars.

I swallow hard. “I’ll email you an update next week.”

Matteo’s fingers find my chin, tilting my face up with a touch so gentle it makes me want to scream. “I’ll be looking forward to it,” he murmurs, then leans in to press his lips against my cheek.

The kiss lingers a beat too long. When he pulls back, I catch a flash of something possessive in his eyes before he turns and walks away.

I stand frozen, watching his commanding stride as he moves down the pathway. His driver jumps to attention, opening the door to his sleek black Bentley. Matteo slides in without a backward glance.

The car pulls away, and I exhale before I end up passing out. His ego is infuriating, suffocating, and unfortunately attractive as hell.

Fuck him and fuck me for wanting him to look back.

I make a beeline for my car, jabbing the unlock button on my key fob like it personally offended me. My hands are still trembling when I slide into the driver’s seat of my Audi. My dad had to practically force it on me because I’m stubborn as shit.

The engine purrs to life, and I’m peeling out of the parking lot before anyone can stop me. I need distance, space, air that doesn’t smell like Matteo’s cologne.