Page 76 of Savage Ambition

“Your body remembers,” I whispered, savoring his struggle between desire and dignity. “Even if your pride wants to forget.”

“Behave yourself,” he muttered, “or I’m leaving.”

“To go take care of yourself?” I grinned wickedly. “Why do that when I’m right here and willing?”

A muscle in his jaw twitched. “You’re relentless. Are you like this with everybody?”

“Are you asking me if you’re special?” I stroked myself again, making sure he watched. “If so, the answer is yes. I don’t mark territory I’m not planning to claim permanently.”

“You’re delusional if you think anything will happen between us.”

“Right, just like I’m imagining your erection right now.” I moved with the grace that had made me famous as a dancer to straddle his lap, trapping him against the couch. “Nobody will ever know. It’ll be our little secret.”

His hands landed on my hips, but I couldn’t tell if he meant to push me away or pull me closer. “He’ll know.”

“So what?” I rocked against him, feeling his hardness press against mine.

His fingers dug into me, stopping my movement. “There are dire consequences you can’t comprehend.” His blue eyes looked up at me with a silent plea. “If you keep going, he’ll never⁠—”

I stroked the back of his neck in comfort. “Never what?”

“He’ll never let us partner together professionally again.”

“I see. So, the real reason you want me to stop isn’t because you don’t want me.” I brushed my thumb across his lower lip. “You’re asking me to behave because you ache for me so much you’re afraid of losing access to me completely.”

Fear flickered in his gaze. “You don’t know what he’s capable of like I do. Trust me when I say you don’t want to do anything to draw his attention.” He gripped my forearms. “If you value your life, you’ll stop. Do you not understand who he is?”

“He’s one of the most powerful Mafia bosses in the city. That has nothing to do with me, though.”

“It has everything to do with you the moment you touched what he considers his property.” Dante’s eyes darted to the camera in the corner. “And that’s exactly what I am to him. Property.”

I slid off his lap reluctantly, adjusting myself in my robe. “Fine. We’ll keep playing the game his way for now.” I leaned close, my lips brushing his ear. “But this isn’t over. Not by a long shot. Men like Salvatore only maintain power because others fear them. I’m not afraid.”

“Then you’re a fucking fool with a death wish. I refuse to let you drag me down to Hell when Salvatore condemns your transgression.”

Before I could respond, Ishi entered the lounge with a slight bow. “I’m sorry to interrupt, but Mr. Sanguinetti will arrive soon, Dragon.”

The name made both of my eyebrows arch. Surely, I had misheard her. “I’m sorry, did you say Mr. Sanguinetti? As in the Gennaro Mafia’s number one rival?” I kept my voice casual, but alarm bells rang in my head.

Dante’s face went blank. “Unfortunately.”

It was unwelcome news. I knew firsthand how violent and unforgiving the Sanguinetti family’s reputation was. “I assume it’s Master’s way of using you to keep his nemesis in line?”

“Something like that.” His tone was neutral, but I caught his flicker of disgust.

“I’m impressed that old man Umberto can get it up at his age.” I played it off as a joke, but I was fishing for information.

Dante hesitated, almost as if he were about to correct me, then thought better of it.

My stomach twisted with dread. “Please tell me it’s not Santino Sanguinetti.” Umberto’s son was one of the few men I truly feared in the world.

“It’s none of your business or concern.” His nonanswer confirmed my worst fears.

The name alone sent a current of dark memories through me. I’d encountered Santino once in Rome, at an exclusive underground club. Back then, I was Giovanni Accardi, heir to the Accardi crime syndicate that controlled Rome’s eastern districts. My dancing was merely a cover, a way to gather information from drunk businessmen and rival family soldiers who couldn’t resist beautiful things.

I thought I was clever. The Accardi prince seducing Umberto Sanguinetti’s son for leverage was too tempting a challenge. By twenty-two, I’d broken enough bones and buried enough bodies that the Accardi name was whispered with fear. I believed I was untouchable. Santino had taken great pleasure in showing me how wrong I was.

Dante talked over my next objection, turning his attention to his attendant. “Which room?”