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“You have my word.” He kissed me, hard, and I struggled to keep my head on straight. I knew tonight was different. I knew this was it, and he knew it too.
“Speaking of trust,” I stepped back, suddenly realizing where we were, “I need to get back there. I’ve a lot of people to meet.”
“You mean a lot of men to meet.”
I laughed. “Men and women.”
He tilted his head back and whispered something I couldn’t understand. “Sienna, do you even know what this party is for?”
“Please don’t think so little of me. It’s an introduction to the family.”
He chuckled. “It’s to find you a husband, to control you. Didn’t Ugo warn you?”
“What?” I looked toward the door while I fought through the fog of having Elio here in this very room with me, in the Coppola house, no less. There were a ton more men than women out there, and I suddenly pictured their expressions in my head. I should have seen it, and I felt stupid for not realizing what was going on. Ugo had been about to share something before we got interrupted by Nonna Rosa.
“Welcome to an old school mafia family.” Elio shook his head, annoyed with the entire situation. “They are nervous of your intentions and want to make sure you are controlled by a man,” he went on. “I wonder how long before they realize you’re uncontrollable."
“Excuse me?” My temper flared.
“It’s one of the many things I love about you, Sienna,” he growled and stepped forward, “but no man—I repeat, no man—will have you but me.”
“We have some work to do on our relationship, but know this. I’m not interested in anyone but you.” I spoke the truth.
“Sienna.” He tugged me close, and unlike the man on the dance floor, when Elio did it, I wanted it and more. My hands fell to my sides, and he leaned in, inhaling my hair with a moan. “If I could only go back to that day we met at the pond. I would take you and never look back. I would give up everything I have to undo the pain I caused you. I can’t think straight, I can’t work, I can barely breathe when you’re not around, and now things are so…” He paused as his forehead hit mine. “I just need you.” His hands tightened on my hips, and I was so turned on. I wished I wasn’t, not now, but I was.
“Elio, I’ve changed a lot these past few months. I’m not the same woman I was when I left the Hill House. I’m stronger and—”
We both froze when we heard the click of the door handle. Then the sound of a key in the lock.
“And you’ve never been sexier.” He finished my sentence and kissed me, then gave me a little push ahead and swung to hide behind a partition.
“There you are.” Salvo held up a bottle of water. “I’ve been looking for you everywhere. Someone told me you had come in here.” I recovered quickly and moved toward him as I fought the urge to look back toward Elio. “Are you okay? You look a little flushed.”
“Yes.” I spoke clearly. “I just needed a few moments to myself. I have a lot to think about.”
“I should think so,” he smiled warmly, “but Nonna Rosa is looking for you. Don’t you think you should get back?”
“Of course.” I smiled at him as he opened the door. I nodded for him to lead the way, and as he turned his back, I glanced behind the partition and saw that Elio had vanished.
Salvo hovered as I stood among the men. They formed a horseshoe around me as they all tried to get my attention. I couldn’t believe I’d missed all the signs before. Every so often, I shut my eyes and focused myself as I homed in on Elio’s scent that still clung to my skin. I wondered if anyone else could smell him. When one of the men touched my arm, I almost quivered, remembering who had touched me there last. Elio was right; we needed to be together physically just as much as mentally. Now I found myself flustered and needing release.
“Those are lovely earrings.” Leonardo reached up, and his hand brushed by my already sensitive skin.
“Thank you.” I forced a smile as I caught Nonna Rosa looking my way and gave her a nod.
Yes, look at me, doing the one thing you’d hoped I’d fail at. Keep swinging, Nonna, because I’m determined more than ever to tear down your kingdom.
“Nice job,” Ugo muttered as he joined me at the table. I’d finally given in and allowed myself to sit. “You outlasted the very last guest.”
“I’ve never been more tired.”
“Let’s get you up to your room, shall we?” He went to offer a hand but stopped himself, looking around. “Follow me up,” he said without smiling and started ahead of me.
“How long do I have?” I asked once we were inside my room.
“Until?”
“Until I’m expected to marry one of them.” I kicked off my shoes. “Elio filled me in.”
