Page 133 of Savage Ambition

“Worse than getting in a car with the head of the Gennaro family? What the hell have you gotten yourself into?”

“Nothing I can’t handle,” I lied. “Just go home. Please.”

Trent’s eyes narrowed. “This is about Dante, isn’t it?”

I spoke over him. “Stop. Everything’s fine. Please go.”

“Gentlemen,” Salvatore called, his patience ending. “I have other appointments today.”

“Go,” I urged Trent. “I’ll explain everything later.”

“I’m holding you to that,” Trent growled, but he backed away, pointing at me. “If you’re not back soon, I’m calling the cops.”

“Such a concerned cousin,” Salvatore remarked as Trent stalked off. “And a patron at my establishment.”

I stared at Salvatore. “How do you know that?”

“I know everything that happens in my businesses, Shaw.” Salvatore gestured to the open car door. “Including who my son spends time with outside of work hours.”

My stomach lurched.

“Get in,” he said. The command left no room for argument.

I climbed into the limousine. The interior smelled of leather and heavy cologne. Salvatore slid in beside me, closing the door and crowding my space. His thigh pressed against mine despite the spacious back seat.

Salvatore’s hand landed on my knee, fingers digging in hard enough to hurt. “Drive,” he commanded the chauffeur, and the car pulled into traffic. He turned his attention to me, his hand moving up my thigh. “You’re trembling. I like that. Fear makes you more responsive.”

I flinched away, but the door pressed against my back, leaving me nowhere to go. “What do you want from me?”

“Direct. I appreciate that.” His fingers dug into my muscle. “Dante has been distracted lately. His performance with clients has been lacking. I wonder what could possibly occupy his thoughts.”

I feigned ignorance. “I wouldn’t know.”

“No?” His hand continued its upward journey. “It’s a strange coincidence that his decline began when you two started your little study sessions, don’t you think?”

“We have a project due in economics,” I said, my voice tight as his fingers inched higher.

“Fascinating subject. Supply and demand. Value proposition. Return on investment.” He brushed dangerously close to my groin. “I’ve invested considerably in Dante’s education. I’d be happy to do the same for you.”

I swallowed hard, relying on the good manners my parents taught me. “Thank you for your generous offer, but I respectfully decline.” I tried to shift away from his touch, but I was trapped in the small space.

He moved his hand from between my thighs to my throat, pressing his thumb over my erratic pulse. “The body betrays what the mouth denies, Shaw.”

I couldn’t pull away. “Let go of me.”

His grip tightened. “You misunderstand your position. In my world, you don’t give orders. You obey.”

“I’m not in your world,” I said, fighting to keep my voice steady despite the pressure on my windpipe.

His laugh terrified me. “You entered my world the moment you walked into Gennaro Corporation and paid for my boy’s services.” His thumb traced my jawline. “You’ve been mine since you unwisely developed feelings for something that belongs to me.”

“Dante doesn’t belong to anyone,” I said heatedly, unable to stop myself.

The amusement vanished from his face. “Everything in this city is mine, Shaw. From the buildings and businesses down to the people who dare to forget their place.”

His hand released my throat, only to seize my wrist in a crushing grip. “Do you know what happens to fools who try to take what’s mine?”

“I’m not taking anything from you,” I said, wincing at the pain shooting up my arm.