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I allowed my heated gaze to fall across his broad shoulders down his chest, admiring the suit he’d selected for the series of photographs. He appeared even more powerful in the rich charcoal hue, the wool stretching taut across his thick thigh muscles accentuating his command. Even the crisp white shirt and vibrantly patterned tie added to the dangerous persona in a way that made my mouth water.
As he moved closer, he took several deep breaths, his eyes dilated. I couldn’t move, couldn’t breathe, and there was no reason anything was different other than the meaning of the evening. As of tomorrow morning, all of New York and likely the rest of the country would learn of our engagement. Soon, I would be the talk of the town. I’d also have a target on my back.
He’d masterfully explained the situation and the reason I’d have a bodyguard with me at all times. While I wouldn’t be forced to remain a prisoner in his house, I would be expected to follow the rules without hesitation. There was no other choice. The game had shifted into a higher gear. Alessandro was hungry to catch an entirely different prey.
I’d searched my soul, trying to ascertain why I’d agreed to such madness. The truth was more terrifying than the lies I’d told myself.
I wanted Tristen found. I wanted him to pay for his sins, for what he’d done to me, the angst and sadness I’d lived. If what Alessandro had told me was the truth, and I suspected that it was, Tristen hadn’t turned state’s evidence for anything but to keep his ass out of prison. Then he’d made himself a very wealthy man from the information he’d stolen.
That in no way made me feel guilty about my participation. Did he deserve to die? I wasn’t ready to face that just yet.
Alessandro growled as he closed the distance, cupping the side of my face instantly, taking a few seconds to brush his thumb back and forth across my skin. He knew exactly how to keep me fully aroused, allowing him the delicacy of taking in the scent of our combined desire.
“You are dazzling tonight. Perfection,” he drawled, his words capable of seducing me. They were half whispered, but there was no denying the electricity soaring through both of us. “Red suits you.”
“Upon your insistence.” He’d stood in the doorway to the bedroom, pushing a broad shoulder against the wooden surface, grinning as I’d suggested attire for the photographs. The moment I’d held up the gorgeous red silk dress, he’d simply pointed to it, saying nothing. The expensive frock accentuated every curve, the low V in the front and back leaving little to the imagination.
“I do love the color of crimson.”
There was something about the way he mentioned the hue that made me think of blood pooling across a hardwood floor, soaking into the seams. An explosive shudder coursed through me, a small swirl of butterflies turning into thousands.
It was at that moment that another conversation I’d had with Tristen slid into my mind. We’d gone out to a few movies and had dinner at our favorite Mexican restaurant, but only once had we both dressed up, and Tristen had taken me to a fancy dinner at a posh private club.
“We need to leave,” Tristen said, his entire demeanor changing from only seconds before.
“Why? What’s wrong?”
“Nothing’s wrong, Sierra. It’s just time to go. That’s all.” He jerked on my arm, trying to drag me out of the main ballroom.
“Wait a minute. You’re hurting me.” I managed to yank my arm free, backing away by a few feet, darting my eyes back and forth. “What is wrong with you?”
He advanced, the look in his eyes almost unrecognizable. “Now, you listen to me. When I tell you it’s time to leave, you will follow my order.” As people approached, he darted a single look then sighed as if in relief he wasn’t recognized.
“Bullshit. You don’t own me. Tell me what is going on.”
The memory was one I’d obviously blocked out. We had left shortly thereafter, but mostly because I’d been disgusted with his behavior. That had been the first night I’d seen another side of him. Our relationship had slowly started to crumble after that. As I thought about his reaction, I realized someone had arrived at the soirée that he didn’t want to run into.
Still thinking about it, I pressed my hands against Alessandro’s shirt, sliding my fingers to the knot in his tie. I darted my eyes to his as I smoothed it, taking a few seconds to drink in his rugged, musky fragrance that reminded me of sin. “You don’t look so bad yourself.”
“Is something wrong, my kitten? You look pensive. Are you concerned about the pictures?”
“No! Yes. Maybe,” I said, half laughing. “It’s not that.”
He pinched my chin with his thumb and forefinger. “Then what is it?”
“Nothing really.”
“Hmmm… You wouldn’t be keeping something from me, now, would you?”
“Why would I do that?”
“Good, because if you are, I might find the need to take off my belt.”
I trembled on purpose, purring for emphasis.
His laugh was more generous than usual. “Are you ready for tonight?”
“I have a feeling you have something else in mind than just the photographs.”
