Page 80 of Savage Ambition

I flinched as Dante’s teeth grazed the tender skin, arching upward. “No.”

“Or did you just want to see me?”

I stayed silent out of frustration at how he could extract information from me while giving up nothing.

“Not answering me is the same thing as telling me, you know,” Dante murmured against my skin.

I wanted to point out his hypocrisy, but my hands found their way under his shirt, desperate for the feel of skin on skin.

Voices in the hallway penetrated the heavy quiet of the room. Dante pulled back, his eyes taking in my disheveled state.

When he moved to stand, I grabbed his wrist, yanking him back. “You are not leaving me like this.”

He pushed us off the couch and onto the floor. I groaned as he straddled me again, pinning me with his weight as he ground his hardness against mine. “Why not? You do it to me all the time.”

“I do?” The evidence of his arousal pressed against me.

“Mm-hmm.” He gave me another hard kiss. “Consider it payback for leaving last night.”

I tried to protest but he rose and walked to the door, leaving me aching and unsatisfied on the floor.

I stood on unsteady legs to follow, shoving my shirt back into place.

When I caught up with him in the hallway, I pushed him against the wall.

“You think you can walk away after that?” I demanded.

Amusement spread across his face. “What are you going to do about it?”

Instead of answering, I kissed him until his smirk faded.

“I’ll see you tonight,” I said. “And this time, I won’t be leaving early.”

CHAPTER TWENTY-FOUR

DANTE

Years of living under Salvatore’s thumb had taught me to look for surveillance everywhere. The sensation of being watched prickled at my neck as Shaw walked beside me.

He kept his voice low. “What time should I come by?”

I glanced sideways at him. Determination burned in his eyes. “Nine o’clock. I look forward to seeing more of this confident side of you. It’s fucking hot when you take what you want.”

Before Shaw could respond, I spotted Renato. He leaned against a lamppost with infuriating ease. His white cashmere sweater clung to his chest in a way that made passersby slow their pace, and tight jeans left nothing to the imagination. Fuck. Things had gone from bad to catastrophically worse.

“Stop by tonight and find out,” I said.

His confused curse followed me as I walked away. Salvatore had specific rules about employees fucking outside the brothel, enforced with broken bones and blood. The last thing I needed was Shaw witnessing Renato’s flirtations.

“What the hell are you doing here, Lorenzo?” I used his professional name deliberately.

Renato pushed off the pole with a sway of his hips that drew my gaze. “I thought you’d be happier to see me.”

“You’re not allowed to be here.” I stood my ground when he invaded my personal space, bringing with him that intoxicating cologne.

He pressed closer, his breath warm against my ear. “Oh, I get it. You’re happy I’m here, but you’re afraid Daddy might catch us.”

My eyes darted around, checking for anyone who might report to Salvatore. “You would be if you knew what punishments he has for breaking the rules.”