Page 36 of Savage Ambition

Salvatore saw it. Of course he did. His smile widened as he released me and moved back. “Interesting,” he said, straightening his tie as though we’d been discussing business. “Very interesting indeed.”

The abrupt shift left me disoriented, which I knew was his intention. Keep me off-balance, never knowing which direction the next threat would come from.

“Prepare yourself to assess my latest acquisition. Consider it your reward for good behavior while I was gone.”

Understanding dawned. The entire exercise had been preparation to get me aroused so I’d be ready to perform with the new recruit. Another form of control to remind me that my body wasn’t my own. “In the Viewing Room?”

“As always.” His lips curved into what others might mistake for a smile. “You should sound more enthusiastic. Renato is a handsome Italian dancer I found in a California club and convinced to return with me. You will find him a most enjoyable experience.” He ran his fingers through my hair in a parody of paternal affection.

“What time?”

“In ten minutes.” He paused at the exit. “Depending on how it goes, perhaps I’ll let you see your brother tomorrow. He’s growing more handsome by the day. Almost as beautiful as you.” The implicit warning hung in the air between us.

I kept my voice steady, not revealing the wave of murderous rage his words triggered. “Yes, Father.”

When the door closed behind him, I remained motionless, acutely aware of the cameras recording my every move. I stood up and went to the bathroom to prepare myself for the Viewing Room. Salvatore’s game was obvious. He was testing whether I’d grown too attached to Shaw by gauging my response to someone new. He wanted to see how far the latest threat had rattled me.

Whatever game he was playing, I’d beat him at it.

After all, I’d learned from the master.

CHAPTER ELEVEN

DANTE

The Viewing Room was a clinical showcase for Gennaro Corporation’s elite offerings. It was a stage where flesh was displayed behind one-way mirrors for the voyeuristic pleasure of unseen patrons. I’d performed there countless times, my body the canvas on which an endless parade of clients had projected their darkest desires while they touched themselves in the shadows.

Tonight was a test, presented as a reward. But I knew better. Every gesture of apparent generosity was another potential noose around my neck.

The man waiting on the bed made me pause. Renato was devastatingly handsome. He was all lean muscle beneath tight jeans and a black shirt that clung to his body. His face was a study of contradictions. Renaissance masters could have carved his delicate features, framed by dark hair that fell in perfect disarray. But his golden-hazel eyes told a different story of carnal knowledge and sinful promises. He was an angel promising the naughtiest of sins.

Men that beautiful were always dangerous in my world. The question wasn’t if he’d be trouble, but what kind and how soon.

I wondered why someone so stunning would need to work in a place like Gennaro Corporation, but I didn’t ask. Everyone had their reasons.

He rose from the bed with fluid grace, closing the distance between us. He took my hand, pressing his lips against my skin while looking up through thick lashes. “Buonasera, handsome. I’m Renato,” he murmured, his Italian accent enhancing the words.

My mouth curved into the start of a smile, performing for Salvatore’s evaluation from behind the glass. “I suppose you think that’s charming.”

“I’m Italian. Of course I’m charming.” His confidence was absolute, unshakable.

Salvatore’s eyes stared me down through the glass, ensuring I performed well with his newest acquisition.

“Show me how charming you really are,” I challenged, my voice dropping to the register that made clients go into debt for me.

“How can I resist such a tempting invitation?” His lips pressed softly against mine, a coaxing touch that gave way to primal heat as he tilted his head for another taste.

His tongue traced the seam of my lips, requesting entry rather than demanding it. Most clients kissed to claim territory. Renato kissed to uncover secrets, pulling involuntary responses from me I couldn’t fake.

The horror of Salvatore touching me earlier faded in the face of Renato’s exquisite skills. My cock hardened, straining against the silk of my robe. I tangled my fingers in his hair, using the grip to guide the kiss while giving the illusion of surrender.

When we broke apart, I inhaled and nearly staggered. His scent hit me like an addictive narcotic. Dark spices, sandalwood, and amber made my mouth water. I followed the scent to its source, trailing my lips down the column of his throat.

His flavor exploded across my tongue, making my blood burn. A wet spot formed on my robe where my erection leaked precum. In all my years working at Gennaro Corporation, I’d never had such an immediate, visceral reaction to a stranger. “What the fuck kind of cologne are you wearing?”

“The kind that will bring you to your knees, begging for another taste of me.” His voice was smoke and velvet, the arrogance in his words backed by absolute certainty.

“Sweet merciful fuck.” I sucked hard at the pulse point where his scent was strongest. My reaction wasn’t part of the performance anymore.